Page 31 of My Billionaire Casino Boss

Rows upon rows of glittering diamonds greet me, each one more extravagant than the last. None of them feel right. None of them feel like Lily. I need something that captures her spirit, her uniqueness. Something that, despite the circumstances, she would love.

I want to give her something that she’ll want to keep. Or, hell, maybe she’ll sell it. At least it’ll be a nice consolation prize. I find myself drawn to a ring that’s uniquely Lily. I wander through the store, my eyes scanning the displays. And then I see it. A black diamond, set in a delicate band of rose gold. It’s unconventional, just like her. It’s beautiful, just like her. It’s perfect.

I imagine her surprise when she sees it, the way her eyes will light up. I can see her sliding it onto her finger, the black diamond a dramatic contrast against her pale skin. I can imagine her looking at it, a constant reminder of the lie. But also, maybe, a reminder of us.

I buy the ring, my heart pounding in my chest. It’s more than just a symbol of our fake relationship. It’s a symbol of my hope that maybe, just maybe, she’ll feel something real when she wears it. I know it’s a long shot. But as I head back to the casino, the ring burning a hole in my pocket, I let myself hold onto that hope. Because without it, all we have is a lie. And I want more than that. I want Lily.

I meet Lily at what I’ve started to think of as our spot, a quiet corner of the casino away from prying eyes. The ring is heavy in my pocket, a constant reminder of the lie we’re living. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s to come.

“Lily,” I begin, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “I got you something.”

I pull out the ring and her eyes widen in surprise. She reaches out to take it, her fingers brushing against mine. The contact sends a jolt of electricity through me, a reminder of the connection between us, and suddenly this feels all wrong. I shouldn’t be handing her an engagement ring while she’s in her work uniform. I should be down on one knee, looking up into her eyes.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmurs, her fingers tracing the black stone. But there’s a sadness in her eyes, a pain that mirrors my own.

“We need to keep up appearances,” I say, my voice rough. “You should wear it in public.”

She nods, slipping the ring onto her finger. It looks perfect there, a stunning contrast just like I knew it would be.

“I’ll wear it in public,” she repeats.

The words hit me like a right hook, but I don’t let it show. At least I don’t think I do. I watch as Lily takes off her necklace, slips the ring onto the chain, then tucks it under her collar, hiding it from view. It feels like a rejection, a cruel reminder that this is all just an act. But as I watch her, the ring hidden away, the question gnaws at me: Does she feel the same way I do at all, even deep down? Does she wish on some level, like I do, that this were real?

“Of course,” I say steadily. But inside, I’m reeling. The sight of her taking off the ring is unexpectedly heartbreaking, a painful reminder of the reality of our situation.

We part ways, each lost in our own thoughts. As I watch her walk away, the ring hidden away under her shirt, I feel something like grief. But underneath it all, there’s a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for us. A chance for this deception to become something real.

The casino is a different beast today. Or maybe I am because the familiar sounds of slot machines and the murmur of gamblers are the same, but the air is charged with a different energy. An energy that makes my skin prickle and my stomach knot.

I’m used to being the center of attention, but not like this. Not with everyone whispering behind their hands, their eyes following me as I move through the casino floor. They think they know my business, that they have a glimpse into my personal life. And even though what they think they know is a lie, it’s still uncomfortable.

I’ve always kept my personal life separate from the casino. It’s been my sanctuary, my escape. But now, it feels like I’m on display. Like I’m part of the show. And I don’t like it.

I can feel their eyes on me as I walk into my office, and can hear the hushed whispers that follow me. I close the door behind me with a sigh, leaning against it for a moment. This is all so new, so foreign. I’m not used to feeling like this, like a fish in a bowl.

I move to my desk, my fingers drumming a restless beat on the polished wood. I need to focus, need to get back to work.

I rub my temples, trying to push away the tension headache that’s been building all day. This isn’t like me. I’m not one to let things get to me, to let them throw me off my game. But this…this is different. I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on my computer. I’m halfway through signing off on payroll when my email notification sounds.

The message is from Bart Wilson, an investor who’s a big name in state politics. He’s known for his family-oriented values and his preference for working with people he considers upstanding. I’ve been trying to get a meeting with him for months, hoping to discuss a potential expansion of the casino, but I’ve heard nothing but crickets until now. I click to open the email and sit up straighter—my interest piqued.

The message reads, “Thomas, I’ve been following the news about your engagement. Congratulations! It’s good to see a young man settling down, starting a family. It speaks to your character. I’d like to discuss the potential expansion of your casino. Let’s set up a meeting.”

I stare at the email, my mind racing. This could be a game-changer for the casino, a chance to expand and increase our profits. But it also raises the stakes on my arrangement with Lily. If this investor finds out our engagement is a sham, it could ruin everything.

I lean back in my chair, rubbing my temples as I try to process this new development. Just when I was starting to wonder if I should bow out of this sham gracefully, the biggest complication yet falls into my lap.

Figures.

sixteen

Deal With The Devil - Lily

Thewhispersfollowmelike a shadow as I walk through the casino floor. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me, the resentment and jealousy palpable in the air. I’m the girl who’s supposedly sleeping her way to the top, the girl who’s got the boss wrapped around her finger. It’s a role I never wanted, a role I never asked for. But it’s the role I’ve been thrust into, all because of this fake relationship with Thomas.

“Must be nice to have the boss as your personal sugar daddy,” one of the cocktail waitresses whispers to another as I pass by. My cheeks burn, but I grit my teeth, forcing myself to keep walking. I’ve always been a private person, always kept my personal life separate from my work. But now, my personal life is on display for everyone to see, to judge, to comment on. And even though it’s all a lie, it still hurts.

I make it to the break room and let out a sigh of relief. It’s empty, a small sanctuary away from the prying eyes and gossiping mouths. I sink into one of the chairs, my heart heavy in my chest. I fight back the tears, the unfairness of it all threatening to overwhelm me. I’m just trying to make a living, just trying to get by. I never wanted any of this.

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