Page 40 of My Billionaire Casino Boss

Jessica leans back in her chair, her fingers steepled together as she studies me from across the polished surface of her desk. “So, Lily,” she begins, her tone casual but her gaze sharp. “Why do you want to work here?”

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the question. It’s a simple one but it’s also the crux of the interview. My answer needs to convey not just my desire for the job, but my passion for the field, my commitment to the company’s vision, and my potential as a valuable addition to the team.

“I want to work in a place where I can grow, where I can use my skills to make a real impact,” I begin, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach. “I’ve always been passionate about graphic design, about the power it has to communicate, to inspire, to tell a story.”

I lean forward slightly, my hands folded on my lap. “I’ve been impressed by the innovative campaigns you’ve developed in past projects. I love the way you’ve pushed boundaries in the industry. I want to be a part of that.”

I pause, taking a moment to gather my thoughts before I continue. “I’m always looking for ways to learn and grow. I’m not afraid to take on challenges, to think outside the box. And I think that’s something that could really benefit your team.”

Jessica nods, her expression thoughtful as she considers my words. There’s a moment of silence, and then she leans forward, her hands folded on the desk. “Well, I have to say, I’m impressed,” she says, her voice sincere. “You’ve clearly given this a lot of thought, and I appreciate your passion and your perspective. We’ll be in touch.”

I stand to leave, feeling calmer and more confident than when I arrived. I’ve done all I can. Now, all that’s left is to wait and hope that it was enough.

As I leave the office, I can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe this is the fresh start I’ve been looking for. Maybe this is the chance I need to move on from Thomas and everything that happened. I just have to wait and see.

I’m sitting on my couch, anxiously refreshing my email like I’ve done for hours each day all week when the message I’ve been waiting for comes. The subject line reads, “Re: Graphic Design Associate.” My heart leaps into my throat as I click it open.

“Dear Lily,” it begins. “We were impressed with your enthusiasm and loved your portfolio. We would like to extend an offer for the Junior Graphic Design Associate position…”

I don’t even finish reading the rest of the email. I’m too busy jumping up and down, a grin spreading across my face. I got the job. I actually got the job!

I immediately call Eric, my excitement bubbling over. “Eric!” I exclaim when he picks up. “I got the job!”

“Seriously? That’s amazing, Lil!” Eric’s voice is filled with genuine happiness for me. “We should celebrate. Drinks on me tonight.”

That evening, Eric and I settle in at a local bar, clinking our glasses together in a toast. “To new beginnings,” Eric says, and I echo his toast.

As the night unfolds, Eric and I find ourselves lost in a sea of shared memories, our laughter echoing in the dimly lit bar. We talk about everything, from our childhood pranks to our high school escapades, and even our shared experiences at the casino. It’s a welcome distraction; I am still raw from the wound Thomas left in my life.

“Remember that time we convinced Christina that the tooth fairy was real?” Eric says with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “And she kept trying to pull out her baby teeth and get more money but she was too scared to actually do it. She sat there for hours, a string connected to her tooth and the doorknob.”

I laugh, the memory bringing a genuine smile to my face. “Oh, she was so mad when she found out!”

We continue like this for a while, our conversation flowing easily. We discuss my new job, Eric asks about my responsibilities and expresses his excitement for me.

“I don’t actually know all that much about it yet,” I admit. “The pay is pretty good for a junior position. I need a job and it is more than I thought I’d be able to get. I’m hoping it’ll work out and be a good fit.”

“You’re going to be great,” he assures me, his words filled with brotherly affection.

As I sip my drink, a sense of relief washes over me. This job, it’s more than just a paycheck. It’s my ticket to a fresh start, a chance to move on from the chaos of the past few months. It’s a step toward independence, toward carving out a life that’s entirely my own.

Even amid the laughter and the clinking of glasses, a pang of sadness tugs at my heart. As excited as I am for this new chapter, I can’t shake off the feeling of what—or rather who—I’m leaving behind. Thomas. For now, I push those thoughts aside. Tonight is about celebrating and looking forward to the future—not about my broken heart.

The day after I accept the offer, I find myself in the bustling heart of a local shopping mall, flanked by Christina and our mom. The air is filled with the scent of new clothes and the hum of shoppers, a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of my house.

“All right, Lily,” Mom says, her eyes scanning the racks of clothes with a determined glint. “We need to find you some professional outfits for your new job.”

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Mom, I can pay for my own clothes,” I protest, but she waves me off.

“Nonsense,” she says, already pulling out a sleek black blazer. “Consider this a congratulations gift.”

As we navigate the store, Christina and Mom take turns picking out outfits for me to try on. They argue over colors and cuts, their banter light and familiar. My sister and my mother are a welcome distraction. Being with them feels normal when the rest of my life is chaotic.

At some point, while trying on a particularly stylish pencil skirt, Christina brings up Thomas. “So, have you heard from him?” she asks. Her voice is casual, but I can see the concern in her eyes.

I stiffen, the mention of his name bringing back a rush of memories. “No,” I say, my voice steady. “And I don’t want to talk about him.”

Christina opens her mouth, probably to press further, but Mom gives her a warning look. “Let’s focus on Lily’s new job, okay?” she says, changing the subject.

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