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As the new drinks arrive, I raise my glass. “To moving on and putting this Elijah mess behind me for good.”

“Cheers!” We clink our glasses together.

I throw back the vodka, the burn centering me. No more crying over Elijah Milton. It’s time I take my power back.

After a few hours, we still sit in the bar, dancing and drinking.

“Ugh, Elijah is such an ass. Here’s to the assholes who break our hearts.” I raise my shot glass. Lil and Mary clink theirs with mine.

“Why does he have to be engaged to her?” I down another shot.

“An absolute jerk.” Lil downs hers as well and holds up her hand to signal for the waitress.

I pull her hand down again. “It’s time to confront him.” Pushing away from the table on unsteady feet, I walk through the crowd.

“Are you sure you want to do this now?” Lil scrambles after me, followed by Mary.

“Absolutely.” I stretch my arms over my head as we’re outside. Fresh, clear air.

“Think about this. Maybe it would be better to have this conversation when you’re sober.” Lil puts on her jacket.

“And give him a chance to weasel his way out of it? I don’t think so.”

“I’m all for it.” Mary hauls a cab, slightly wobbling on her feet.

Chapter 19

No more being the second choice. Tonight, Elijah Milton will learn that I refuse to be his little gem... I mean plaything.

“Good evening.” The receptionist looks up as I approach.

“Hello.”

“How may I help you?”

I lean against the counter. “I’m here to see Mr. Milton.”

She arches an eyebrow. “Are you sure you’re here to see Mr. Milton? Is he expecting you? You seem..”

“Yes, I’m sure, and no, he’s not expecting me. But he will see me.” I don’t care if I have to walk up the stairs to get to him.

“What is your name?”

“Gemma.”

I watch her fingers hover above the phone before picking it up and dialing.

“Yes. Hello, Mr. Milton. Please excuse the late disturbance. A lady is here to see you. Name. Gemma.” She turns away from me, murmuring into the receiver too low for me to make out.

After a few seconds, she hangs up and faces me again. “Mr. Milton will see you now. Penthouse floor.” She gestures toward the elevators.

“Thank you.” I push away from the counter and walk over to the elevator. Stepping inside, I press the button for the penthouse, feeling like I’m in some kind of thrilling movie scene, except that there’s no script this time.

My fingers tap against my thigh, keeping the same rhythm as the soft music playing in the elevator.

The whiskey roils in my gut as the floors tick by. What am I doing? How will he react?

Elijah won’t leave Esther for me. After all, Esther had said it herself. I’m nothing more than a distraction, a plaything, and she’s right. He won’t choose me. Why should he? Oliver didn’t.

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