Page 85 of XOXO

It’s an article about Liza Randall on vacation in Hawaii posted to a paparazzi website. She’s a social media influencer turned actress after a sex tape scandal our firm helped her with. She’s also my boyfriend’s ex. They dated for three years until she dumped him. Just like every aspect of her life, the media extensively covered their relationship and nasty breakup.

Then I see it and my heart sinks. Photos of them together; romantic dinners, kissing on the beach, holding each other poolside, and finally the icing on the cake… the two of them having sex on a hotel balcony.

Allegedly.

My stomach churns and my hands shake as I read the title of the article, ‘back together at last?’

“What the hell?” I gulp, looking up at Colleen. “I feel sick.”

Colleen grabs her phone as it slips from my grip. Leaning forward, I clutch my stomach while fighting back tears.

“I’m supposed to get in front of this, but I had to show you first.” Colleen sighs with a mix of anger and empathy on her face.

She’s amazing at her job and has a way of making things go away. We met on my first day here. She was fresh out of college, foulmouthed, and two steps ahead of everyone. It didn’t take her long to become head of public relations. She’s been an amazing friend, supporting me through my dad’s sudden passing, then again after I met my biological father. I was even maid of honor at her wedding, which I attended with my boyfriend, Nigel Walker.

He’s fifteen years my senior, and one of the founding partners here. We started dating a year after his messy breakup with Liza. As a junior partner, he recruited me, along with another, to work with him on a high-profile case. I was overjoyed at the prospect of demonstrating my abilities as a trial lawyer.

We became close, working side-by-side for months preparing for the trial. After a jury awarded our client one hundred million dollars, Nigel rewarded us for our hard work. He gave the other junior partner a pool for his new house. I was given a Birkin and promoted to senior partner. Nigel rewarded himself with a new lime green Lamborghini. Thinking back, he couldn’t have bought a better car that screams, ‘Look at me, I’m a douche.’

Six months later, Nigel asked me out. His idea of a first date was flying us to Mexico to spend the weekend in a private villa. It was magical, and I was hooked. Something I never thought I’d feel again after losing out to the mate bond three years earlier.

“I can’t believe he’d do this to me!” I knock books off my desk.

“Fucking pig.” Colleen stomps her foot.

“He’s also our boss,” Dorin says, picking books up.

“Who the hell does he think he is?” I slam my fist on my desk.

“Fucking dick!” Colleen shouts.

“You’re not helping,” Dorin says, glaring at Colleen.

Bouncing my knee, I fight my emotions as anger builds. I swore after Kevin I’d never let a man hurt me so badly. At least Kevin had the balls to tell me face-to-face.

“Bullshit!” I jump to my feet and head straight to the door.

“Kick his ass.” Colleen shouts from behind me.

“Shayla!” Dorin jumps in front of me with her arms extended. “Think about this.”

“There’s nothing to think about.” I walk past her.

Stepping out of my office, everyone stops to look my way. I know what they’re all thinking; I’ve heard the whispers and rumors that run throughout this place. Hell, I’ve even agreed with some of them, especially comparing myself with Liza. She’s tall, with large breasts, an hourglass figure, and an ass that won’t quit. I’m short and plain. The only thing I have going for myself is my brain.

Getting off the elevator on the tenth floor, I make a beeline straight to Nigel’s corner office. I’m so furious my entire body trembles. This man does not know the hellfire storm heading for him.

“Miss Stone, he’s in a meeting,” Marge states without looking up. “Miss Stone!” she exclaims jumping to her feet as I storm past her.

Swinging the door open hard, I freeze when I see them together. Liza on Nigel’s lap, his hand between her thighs. Stunned, they jump as the door swings wildly, crashing into the wall.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Walker,” Marge states putting herself in front of me. “She barged past me before I could stop her.”

“It’s okay, Marge. Shut the door on the way out.” His eyes shift to me. “Careful.”

“Why did I have to find out from a paparazzi website?” I put my hands on my hips as the door closes behind me.

“What did you expect?” Liza points between me and her. “It’s like comparing a Bently to a Kia.”

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