Page 25 of My Billionaire Casino Boss

When I finally have a steaming mug in front of me, I call my mom.

“Hi, sweetheart,” she says. “Tell me everything! You know I’ve always loved Thomas. When did this happen?”

I consider coming clean, but something about her excited tone stops me. “It’s…it’s new, Mom. It’s probably nothing. Don’t get obsessed about it, okay?”

“Oh, stop it. I’m just happy for you. I want grandbabies!”

I cringe. “That’s exactly what I mean about not getting obsessed.”

She makes a dismissive sound, and I change the subject—not an easy feat. I don’t have the energy to juggle this mess yet today. We make plans to have lunch this weekend, but one thought just keeps flashing in my head: What have I done?

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Rough Start - Thomas

I’vespentthebetterpart of the day planning our first “official” public date. I’ve chosen a popular restaurant, one that’s always buzzing with people. It’s the perfect place to be seen, to convince Hillary and the public of our “romance”.

As I get ready, I find myself more nervous than I’ve ever been for a date. It’s strange because I know it’s all an act, but there’s a part of me that can’t help but feel like it’s real. I’ve never really taken a woman out like this before. My dating history has been a string of casual hookups, never anything serious.

When I see Lily at the restaurant, my breath catches in my throat. She’s wearing a simple black dress that hugs her curves perfectly, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. She looks gorgeous, and for a moment, I forget that it’s all fake.

“Hi,” I say, offering her a small smile. She returns it, but there’s a stiffness to her posture, a tension in her eyes.

“Hi,” she replies, her voice low.

We sit down, and the date starts off awkwardly. We struggle to act affectionate, to engage in natural conversation as a real couple would. I can tell she’s uncomfortable. So am I. We make small talk, but it feels forced, and unnatural. She keeps glancing around the room as if she’s looking for an escape.

“I’m sorry,” she says suddenly, so quiet I barely hear her. “This…this isn’t what I thought it would be.”

I look at her, surprised. “What do you mean?”

She hesitates, then sighs. “It’s clear you’ve only thought about how this date will look to others, but I’m not enjoying myself. I feel like I’m just playing a role—which, of course, I am. But…I don’t know. It’s just not how I’d like to be spending my time.”

Lily’s words hit me like a punch to the gut. I’d been so focused on the optics, on making sure we were seen and believed, that I’d forgotten to consider her comfort. I’d forgotten to consider her.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I didn’t realize—”

She gives me a small, sad smile. “It’s okay. I just…I thought this would be different.”

I look at her, really look at her, and I see the discomfort in her eyes, the stiffness in her posture. She’s right. This isn’t what either of us signed up for. This isn’t what either of us wants.

“I can do better,” I say, my voice firm. “I will do better.”

She looks at me, her eyes searching mine. “How?”

I think for a moment, then make a decision. “Let’s get out of here,” I say, standing up. “Let’s go somewhere we can actually have fun.”

She looks surprised, but she doesn’t protest as I lead her out of the restaurant. We drive in silence to my casino, a place where I know we can let loose and enjoy ourselves. On the way in, I pull the floor manager aside and ask her to give me some chips and tokens, charging them to my personal account. With a small velvet bag in tow, I lead Lily around the casino, and I see her relax slightly. She looks around, her eyes wide with curiosity. I flash her a smile as I lead her to a row of slot machines.

“Ever played?” I ask, handing her a few tokens.

She shakes her head, but there’s a spark in her eyes that wasn’t there before. “No, but I’m happy to spend your money giving it a try.”

And just like that, the tension between us eases. She is laughing and joking. I look at her, and Iseeher. Not the woman I’m pretending to date, but Lily. Beautiful, smart, funny Lily. And I realize that I want to get to know her—reallyknow her.

“Hey, let’s go into the back,” I suggest. “I can teach you some of the card games without all my employees staring at us.”

Lily looks relieved, and we settle into the private room usually reserved for big business groups.

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