Page 33 of My Billionaire Casino Boss

“I’m just…overwhelmed,” I manage to say, hoping it’s enough to placate her.

She studies me for a moment, her gaze piercing. “Just remember, sweetheart,” she says finally. “No man is worth losing yourself over.”

Her words hit me hard because that’s exactly what I’m doing, isn’t it? Losing myself in this lie, in this fake relationship. And for what? A job? A chance to prove myself? A favor for my infuriating brother? Is any of it worth the heartache?

seventeen

Damage Control - Thomas

Thedayisbrightand clear as I walk into Eric’s office, the city sprawling out behind him through the floor-to-ceiling windows. His office is a testament to his success, a sleek, modern space filled with expensive art and high-tech gadgets. But today, I’m not here to admire his taste in interior design. Today, we have business to discuss.

“She’s going to TMZ with the ridiculous baby–daddy story,” I say without preamble. “She sent me a message this morning. I don’t know what to do, man. Should I just pay her?”

It takes Eric a second to process this, but he recovers quickly. “No,” he says. “No. That psycho isn’t going to win this. We just need to up our game, that’s all.”

I cross my arms and stare at him. “You know, I’m really not sure why I let you make any decisions for me.”

Eric flashes me a grin. “I don’t either, but here we are. It’ll be fine. We’ve got this.”

It’s not the assurance I was hoping for, but it’s better than nothing. I’ll take what I can get.

Eric then proceeds to outline his plan for a photo shoot. A chance for Lily and me to show the world our “love,” he says, air quotes and all. The word leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This isn’t love. It’s a performance that somehow became a much bigger mess than it should have been. And Lily…she didn’t sign up for this. The guilt gnaws at me, but I push it aside. This is necessary. For both of us.

The photoshoot is set up in a beautiful park, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow on everything. Lily looks stunning, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I can’t help but feel a surge of affection for her. She’s handling all of this with such grace, such strength. It’s one of the many things I admire about her.

We’re in the middle of the shoot, posing under a tree with the sun filtering through the leaves, when one of Eric’s photographers approaches us. She’s a young woman, probably not much older than Lily, with a camera slung around her neck and a hesitant expression on her face.

“Hey,” she says, her voice soft. “I saw you the other day, having a discussion with some girl. It looked intense. I hope everything’s okay.”

I feel a jolt of surprise, my heart pounding in my chest. Lily looks taken aback; her eyes wide. “Oh, um, yeah. Everything’s fine. Thanks.”

“Who were you talking to?” I ask. Lily looks at me and then glances away. “Hillary,” she says so quietly I almost miss it.

“What?” I roar. “And you didn’t tell me?” Anger flares up inside me, hot and fierce. “What did she offer you, Lily?” I demand, my voice harsher than I intended. “What did you agree to?”

Tears well up in her eyes, and she looks at me, her gaze filled with hurt. “She offered to find me a job,” she confesses, her voice trembling. “She wanted me to end things with you and convince you to take her back. But Irefused, you ass.”

I blink at her. “You refused?”

“Yes,” she says, her voice firm despite the tears streaming down her face. “I refused because I respected you, Thomas. Because I cared about you. And because I didn’t want to hurt you. Obviously, that feeling is one-sided.”

My anger fizzles out as quickly as it came. Before I can say anything, Lily continues, her voice choked with tears. “I thought you knew me better than that.”

She turns away then, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. I reach out to comfort her, but she shrugs me off, her body language clear. I’ve messed up badly, and I’m not sure how to fix it.

Eric, who has been watching the entire confrontation, approaches me as Lily disappears. “You can go. I’ll Venmo you,” he says to the photographer without looking at her, and she scrambles to pack up her gear, then flees without a word.

His eyes are sharp. “That looked a lot like a lovers’ quarrel, Thomas,” he says, his voice low.

I run a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling up inside me. “It’s complicated, Eric,” I mutter, avoiding his gaze.

Eric crosses his arms over his chest, his expression hardening. “Complicated how?” he asks, his tone demanding an answer.

I sigh, knowing there’s no point in hiding it anymore. “Things have…changed between Lily and me,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s not just a deception anymore. It’s real.”

Eric’s eyes widen in surprise, and for a moment, he’s silent. Then, he shakes his head, his expression one of disbelief. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?” he accuses, his voice filled with a mix of anger and disappointment.

“I…I don’t know,” I admit, my heart pounding in my chest. “But I do know that I care about her. More than I should during this charade.”

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