Page 6 of Sexting My Ex's Dad
She laughs, as I look back at the picture of Elio. Anastasia is right though. He is hot.
Anastasia breathes, scrolling through more information. “He seems quite successful and charitable. Maybe Owen didn’t have the full picture of his father, or maybe their personal relationship was just strained.”
A whirlwind of conflicting emotions stirs within me as I try to reconcile this new image of Elio with the one Owen had painted. Could it be that there was more to the man than I had been led to believe?
“Maybe.”
“What’s weird is how Owen’s dad is so rich, yet you were the one paying the bills.”
I hadn’t thought about it like that. “Yeah. If I could go back and get the money back, I would.”
“So what happens next?” She asks.
“Next, I will go to him and get my check back.”
“Get your check back?” she hums before her smile suddenly widens and she leans forward. “Stella, I have an idea. When yougo to get your security deposit from Elio, why don’t you demand compensation for all those years you spent taking care of Owen? Clearly, the man can afford it.”
“Compensation?” I ask, caught off guard by the suggestion.
“Duh,” she says. “You were practically his caregiver, and you deserve to be financially supported after everything that jerk put you through.”
True…but that doesn’t mean I can go to his dad and demand money.
“Ana, I don’t know...” I hesitate, unsure if I have the right to make such a request. “It feels...wrong.”
“Wrong? Stella, you dedicated years of your life to him!” Anastasia exclaims, her blue eyes blazing with conviction. “And he just left you, without so much as a backward glance. You have every right to ask for what you’re owed.”
Her words strike a chord within me. I bite my lip, mulling over the idea as I weigh the pros and cons.
“Think of all the things you could do with that money, Stella,” Anastasia urges, her voice softening. “You could take care of your brother’s expenses, find a new place to live, and start rebuilding your life.”
Her words paint a vivid picture in my mind, one filled with hope and possibility.A future that I deserve.
“Alright,” I agree.”I’ll do it. I’ll tell Elio to cut me a check.”
“Good,” Anastasia replies, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.
I wish I had her confidence.
4
STELLA
Istand before the towering glass building that houses TerraVolt, my heart pounding in my chest. The enormity of the structure mirrors the weight of my apprehension as I prepare to confront Elio Lombardi. I take a deep breath and walk towards the entrance, determined to not let my fear hold me back.
“Excuse me, miss. You can’t enter without a badge,” a security guard says gruffly, his arms crossed over his chest as he blocks my path.
I steady myself. “I have an appointment with Elio Lombardi,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. The guard raises an eyebrow skeptically, clearly unimpressed by my claim.
“Name?” he demands, holding out a tablet for me to sign in. I scribble my name and watch as the guard scrutinizes it. After what feels like an eternity, he nods curtly and hands me a visitor’s badge. “Don’t remove this or you’ll be escorted out.”
“Thank you,” I mumble, attaching the badge to my blouse and stepping into the bustling lobby. Employees weave through thecrowd like bees in a hive, their faces buried in screens and their fingers tapping away at devices. I feel adrift in this sea of activity, unsure of where to go or whom to ask for help.
“Stella March!” A stern-looking receptionist calls my name and waves me over. I approach her quickly, grateful for the assistance. “Mr. Lombardi is expecting you. Please follow me.”
As she leads me through a maze of corridors, I steel myself for the impending confrontation with Elio Lombardi. This meeting could change everything for me, but only if I find the courage to fight for what I deserve. I follow the receptionist through a set of imposing double doors.
The moment the doors open, my breath catches in my throat. Before me stands Elio Lombardi, his magnetic charm radiating from him like an aura. He leans against the massive desk dominating his office, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that accentuates his commanding presence. His salt-and-pepper hair frames a face that is both handsome and distinguished, while his piercing blue eyes seem to look right through me.
