Page 35 of Changing Rules

Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and count to ten. I can’t allow myself to think negatively—I’m too easily consumed by it. With a second inhale, then exhale, I’ve brushed away my gloomy thoughts. I’m determined to focus on the task at hand. I have a long day ahead of me.

As I stepout onto the porch, I freeze, and my heart lodges itself in my throat.

Over the past week, every time Xander and I have been out, it felt as if we were being watched. He said it’s probably paparazzi, that it’s pretty common, and as I zero in on the car parked out front, I think he might be right.

I grimace. I know this guy, Jim. He’s probably the nicest photographer I’ve encountered—and I encountered plenty after the media caught wind of my relationship with Xander—but that doesn’t mean I’m happy to see him.

It’s going to be fine.

Today has to be good.

Straightening my back, I head to my car.

When he notices me, Jim gets out of his vehicle, a sly grin playing on his lips. Just the sight of him makes me nauseous. He isn’t snapping photos, and he doesn’t seem to be recording, though I might be wrong about that. His camera could be hidden. Maybe he’s here to talk, to ask some questions. At the moment, I’m not sure which is worse.

“Hello, Isabella. Long time no see.”

I shiver involuntarily.

“Hey. In all honesty, I would’ve preferred to never see you again,” I mutter as I take him in.

He’s around fifty and shorter than I am, with light brown hair. He reminds me of a mouse.

“Sorry, love. Just doing my job.”

“What do you want?” I stop beside my car and twirl around to face him.

“Is everything okay between you and your boyfriend?” With a slippery smile, he looks me up and down.

“Yes.” I open the car door and toss my purse onto the seat. “Why?”

“Came across some interesting photos.” He shoves a hand into his pocket and retrieves his phone. “Not gonna lie, it piqued my curiosity.”

My stomach twists. “What do these photos have to do with me?”

“You tell me.” With a shrug, he holds his phone out to me.

I don’t want to look, yet my gaze drifts to the device’s screen anyway. The moment the image registers, my heart squeezes in my chest, as if someone has wrapped steel cords around me and pulled, suffocating me. A heavy weight settles in my soul, the weight I’ve been fighting off for days, the one I know won’t be easy to get rid of.

In the photo, Xander and Stacey sit at a table in a small café, smiling at one another, her hand covering his.

Jim swipes to show me another. This time, it’s Stacey climbing out of Xander’s Porsche. Based on the clothes she’s wearing, these photos were taken on different days.

Today has to be good.

“Do you know this girl?” Jim asks.

I look up, knees wobbling, and meet his gaze.

His eyes are narrowed, like he’s searching for even a hint of a reaction. He’s not getting one from me. I’m sick and tired of being toyed with, of all these people playing games behind my back and using my weaknesses against me.

“Sorry.” I force a bright smile. “I have no idea who she is.”

“Don’t you want to know why your boyfriend has been spending time with another woman?” He quirks an eyebrow. The guy is practically salivating, digging for dirt. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s aroused right now. Guys like him feed off the misery of others. I refuse to give him what he wants.

“Honestly? No.” I climb into my car and grab the door handle. “I trust him.”

“Famous last words.” Jim laughs and takes a step back. “These photos will go live in a couple of hours.”

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