Page 3 of Billion Dollar Revenge

I’m trying to get out of my head, but I can't help but hear his words on repeat.

“What a dickhead,” Summer snaps.

I’m unable to move for a moment, shocked. My eyes still stare at the phone as tears run down my face, but I’m not sad, I'm humiliated.

Have you felt the walls close in when everyone stares at you, feeling sorry for you? That’s how I’m feeling. I just want to run and hide.

I deserve it. People warned me. Family, friends, even co-corkers.

Summer pushes my hair out of my face, wiping away tears, offering to go over there and tell him off. “He’s a dick. I’m going to kill that cheating bastard.”

“He’s not worth it,” I say in a broken whisper.

“You’re going to be fine,” Summer says.

My head tilts to her. I find her eyes dull and sad. “I know, I just wish I hadn’t wasted so much time.”

“Don’t waste your time wishing you could change the past,” Summer says, walking me to the sofa.

“I know. Still wish I could, though.” I drop my chin and type a quick text, my fingers trembling with anger and heartbreak.

Me:You lying, cheating bastard. We’re done. Don’t fucking ever contact me again.

Sitting down, I pull the cream blanket over me and think about how I ignored his horrible behavior because I was scared that if I was alone, I’d never find someone again. And being alone terrifies me, because then I’ll never get married or have children like I so desperately want.

I’m getting older, and Bobby would remind me of that constantly. As if I needed to be told exactly why I needed him. He played on what I wanted the most, only to end up hurting me.

I’m more angry and upset at myself that I let him treat me this way. But it wasn’t like this at the beginning. He was sweet and charming. It started as a gentle comment about what to wear when we went to dinner, or how beautiful I was with lessmakeup, or how smart I looked with corporate clothes. I heard compliments, but now I can see how he was just trying to control me. In the more recent months, he turned it up, making me fear my life without him.

“You’re going to get through this,” Summer says in a soothing tone, wrapping her arms around me.

“I know I will,” I whisper through the tears rolling down my cheeks.

Unfortunately, I still replay every word he said in my mind for the rest of the night.

Chapter 2

Evan

There are no weekendsat my newspaper company, The New York Press. I’m in my office, approving the breaking news about the new Royal wedding scandal involving the princess and her bodyguard.

All hands are on deck for this story. Normally, Shyla handles all the work-related articles, but I haven’t had a major scandal like this in years, so I’m taking the lead on this one.

I’ve been at work since four a.m., and I’ll be here until I head to my brother Oliver’s for poker at seven.

I stare down at the article that needs finalizing in the next two minutes so it can go to print on time.

As I examine the picture and the article, I immediately hate the layout. The picture isn’t right; it seems blurry, and their faces need to be clearer.

I pick up my phone and dial my personal assistant, Gabby. She worked with my dad before I took total ownership of the company five years ago. Whenever I’m here, she comes intowork, although she doesn’t have to. I give her a nice bonus every year as a thanks. I appreciate her long hours and dedication to help me.

“Hi, Mr. Lincoln.”

“Gabby, can you call the photographer and editors? I need whoever's in up here now.”

“Sure, Mr. Lincoln.”

Hanging up, I lower my hands, resting them on either side of the paper. After another long inspection, I come to the conclusion that it’s definitely the wrong picture.

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