Page 54 of High Rise Secrets

I’m sorry for everything, but I’m especially sorry I didn’t tell you about my past with your father sooner. I did what I had to do to get by, and at times, I’m not proud of it. I have been in love with you since the first time I met you almost ten years ago. You were my reason for pressing on and seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Most men treated me like nothing but a stripper, but you saw a glimpse of the girl underneath. The real me.

I hurt you, and for that, I can never forgive myself. I didn’t mean to, and I hope one day you can forgive me. Aiden told me I was being transferred, but if I can’t work with you, I don’t want to work at Emulation. Take care, I wish you all the best. You’ll always hold a piece of my heart.

XoXo

Your Addy

I drop down into my seat and read her words over and over. My body breaks out in a cold sweat, and my blood runs cold. She can’t do this to me. Iwon’tlet her do this to me.

I pick up my phone and dial the one person responsible for this whole thing—my dad.

“Why the fuck did you lie to me?” I seethe.

“About what exactly?”

“Addison and you sleeping together.” My teeth are clenched so hard I’m surprised I can get the words out.

“That girl’s past is going to ruin your reputation, and the board will kick you out. I’ve done you a favor by making you see the person she really is.”

“Youliedabout her. The only thing that proves is I’m right not to trust you.”

“I lied about her and me, not about the rest of that list. She’s a PR nightmare waiting to happen. I’m just looking out for you. I built this company from the ground up, and I’m not about to let a board of assholes ruin my legacy by kicking you out, too.”

“Do me a favor. Stay the fuck out of my life and never talk to me again.”

Chapter 35

Addison

Ethan’s car is parked right next to mine in the garage by the time I get there with my small box of stuff. I look around me for him, and when I don’t see him, I take a deep breath. Tears start to fall from my eyes again as I put my stuff in the back seat and get in.

I promised I would stop by Lia’s for something to eat, not that I really want to, but I know the girls are worried about me. I’ll be fine, though. I make enough money atRISEthat I don’t need to worry about being homeless anytime soon, and if I want to look for another job, I have time to do it.

I pull out of the garage as quickly as possible to get over to Lia’s. I want to get this over with so I can eat my weight in ice cream, and maybe follow it with a bottle of wine. Sounds like the perfect evening to me.

I wish my mom was here. She would know what to do.Tears well in my eyes again as I get off the highway and change directions.

I want to go home.

I pick up my phone and call Eden.

“Hey, you doing okay?” she asks, her voice full of concern.

“I’m going home for a few days.”

“Like, your apartment?” she asks, confused.

“No. Virginia. I need to be alone for a bit and get my head on straight again. I need time away from everyone and everything to do it. I’ll be careful, but I wanted you to know where I was going so you don’t barge into my apartment and freak out when I’m not there.”

“Addy, you don’t have to do this. Want me to come with you?”

“No, but I need this. I’ll text you when I get there so you know I’m safe. Love you.”

She sighs but knows she’s not going to change my mind. “Love you, too. Be safe and text me. You know I worry.”

“Promise.”

I merge onto I-84 north and turn up the music to drown out the sound of my breaking heart. I blocked his number first thing this morning, and if I know Ethan, he’s probably been trying to get in touch with me. Especially if he gets the note I left him. I don’t have anything more to say to him right now.