Page 47 of My Billionaire Neighbor's Secret

“Drake and I are over,” I blurted out, though he didn’t ask about it. But he looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to go on. So I did. “He’s just not who I need in my life right now, or maybe forever. I can’t be with someone like that.”

I wanted to be honest. But maybe, deep within myself, I was saying this because I wanted to assure Carter that I did not have any intention of ever getting back with Drake. Perhaps I wanted to let him know that I wasn’t hung up on my ex anymore.

“I realize now that I’ve moved on,” I continued, every word affirming my current feelings. “We’ve drifted apart. I have so many things that I still want to accomplish, and he’s just… he’s still the same old Drake… and he hasn’t even gotten rid of his vices…”

Carter nodded, his eyes narrowing a little. He was thinking deeply, but was his usual quiet self.

“What about you and your friendship?” I asked.

We were both avoiding the topic earlier, but here we are now. It was time to face the music. We both cared for Drake, but his ways were inexcusable. I, for one, was perfectly okay with completely taking him out of my life. But as for Carter, that was another story. It was more complicated.

Before Carter could answer, my phone rang. I saw that it was Drake, so I didn’t answer. He sent a message instead, saying sorry and telling me he planned to leave town for a while.

There was no message for Carter.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen to us,” Carter admitted. “But I’m willing to face the consequences of my words and actions toward him. Besides, he needs the lesson. He needs to grow up.”

I nodded. “You’re absolutely right.” I decided not to reply to his message. He was like a little kid who was desperate for my attention. But I had no more obligation to that man. I let him go a long time ago.

“So you don’t love him anymore?” Carter asked straightforwardly.

I looked into his eyes. The question surprised me, but I knew the answer without any hesitation. “No,” I said. “I don’t.”

He looked a little relieved, or maybe I just imagined it. I really shouldn’t let my imagination run wild. Besides, I wasn’t even supposed to get involved with anyone here in Las Vegas.

It’s the Sin City,a voice in my head reminded me.It’s okay to get involved even without any commitment. It can be good for you.

Carter invited me then to dinner. As we walked back to the dining hall, I found myself telling him about getting stood up at the altar and receiving a message from Drake. And as I talked about it, I realized that for the very first time, I did not feel like crying or killing myself or hurtling things at the wall. I realized I could speak about it as if it had happened to someone else, like it was just some other distant memory of mine.

“He loved you, Leigh,” Carter told me. “For all it’s worth… He did love you… But I guess he got too scared.”

“Yeah,” was all I said.

As we sat down at the table where we had breakfast earlier that day (which felt like it had happened a year ago already), we began to talk about his hotels. I could see how his eyes lit up when he talked about his business. He was definitely passionate about it, the same way he talked about his home at the orphanage and about his philanthropic projects there.

“So what do you do all day at your computer when you’re at home?” I asked with curiosity. I could recall many times when I would see him through my second-floor window sitting there for hours during the day and also at night.

Carter chuckled. “You’ve really been spying on me, huh?” he teased, but his tone indicated that he was amused and flattered.

I was actually horrified and embarrassed that it would seem that way. “Oh, of course not,” I said defensively. “It just so happens that I can clearly see your office from my window every time I pass by it while I’m at home.”

He grinned but did not look truly convinced.

“I’m not spying on you!” I said with conviction, which made him laugh.

“Alright, I believe you,” he said, still laughing. “Well, if you really want to know, I check my emails and have conferences with the managers and executives of my hotels and resorts. I also attend to a lot of paperwork.”

“You don’t watch YouTube or Netflix at times? Or maybe play a game?” I said. “Isn’t that a boring life to live? I do a lot of work too, but sometimes I just need a break because I feel so drained.”

“I do have one game on my computer!” he said proudly, making me snicker. “It’s a word game.”

I laughed. “You’re such a geek!”

He pretended to be hurt but couldn’t hold his laughter in. “That’s what they all say,” he answered. “You’re talking to one proud geek.”

A geek who’s gorgeous and good in bed, I thought mischievously. But, of course, I didn’t say it out loud.

The food came--- another Balinese feast. I was astonished. “I thought the chef went home already,” I said with wonder.

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