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“We want you to see how talented you are,” Lil says.

“Okay, okay. Let’s keep going through them.”

The three of us huddle together, and they point out the strengths and potential of each piece. We revamp old designs, arrange the pieces, and discuss new ideas. By the end of the day, we stand in my room, looking at the different sketches that now adorn my wall.

This is it.

Something I could present to Elij—the design department. Elijah doesn’t need to see, right?

Should I send him a picture? Would he even care?

My eyes drift to my phone.

“Gem, we’re waiting.”

I grab my phone and purse and hurry to Mary and Lil, who wait at the door for me to celebrate our hard work.

At the bar, we get a table in the back.

“I’m done!” Lil flops down on the opposite side of me while Mary sits right next to her.

I sink into the seat next to Mary, gratefulness swelling inside me. “Thanks for dragging me out of my misery today.”

“You’ve been working too hard. But be honest, what happened with Elijah?” Mary asks.

A waitress appears, and we place our drink orders.

“It’s... complicated.”

Mary leans in. “Complicated how? Spill, girl.”

I sigh. “Well, I had a meeting with him. We talked about how he wanted to help me, and after that, we…”

Lil’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh my god, did you sleep with him in his office?”

“Shh! Keep your voice down!” I glance around, then continue in a hushed tone. “Yes, we hooked up, and it was amazing, as always. I felt good until…”

“Until?” Mary asks.

“Until Esther. His fiancé.”

Our drinks arrive, and I take a sip, savoring the burn of the alcohol in my throat. “As I left his office, Esther was sitting right there. Called me Elijah’s stupid side-piece.”

“No surprise there.” Mary takes a sip of her drink.

“The problem is, she’s right. He belongs to her, and I do feel like his plaything… that he can use whenever he likes.”

Mary’s face falls. “We had no idea.”

“Of course you didn’t. I was too ashamed to tell you.” I focus on my hands. “I mean, what kind of idiot gets involved with a taken man?”

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up.” Lil rests her hand on mine. “Guys like Elijah are not worth it.”

“So it’s not just sex for you. Have you talked to him about how you feel?”

“No.” Scoffing, I signal for another round. “But there’s no point anymore. It stops now. I’m done being his dirty little secret.”

“That’s my girl!” Mary cheers. “You deserve so much better.”

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