Page 45 of My Billionaire Casino Boss

I hang up, a sense of relief washing over me. It’s a start, a step in the right direction. It won’t fix everything, but it’s a start.

And right now, that’s all I can ask for.

The morning show studio is a whirlwind of activity, the bright lights and bustling crew making me feel like I’m in a fever dream. An assistant leads me to a plush chair across from Lisa. She greets me with a warm smile, her eyes flicking to the camera as we go live.

“Good morning, Tahoe,” she begins, her voice smooth and practiced. “We’re here with Thomas Ward, owner of the renowned Tahoe Winds Resort and Casino. Thomas, thank you for joining us.”

“Thank you for having me,” I reply, forcing a smile. I’m not here for pleasantries. I’m here for one reason, and one reason only.

The interview starts off with the usual questions about the casino and my business. But soon, Lisa steers the conversation toward the elephant in the room.

“Thomas,” she says, her tone serious. “There’s been a lot of speculation about your recent engagement to Lily Adams, and the subsequent fallout. Can you tell us what happened?”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “Yes,” I say, my voice steady. “I can.”

I explain the fake relationship, the deal I made with Lily. I don’t sugarcoat it or try to justify it. I lay it all out, the good, the bad, the ugly. I take responsibility for my actions, for the hurt I caused. I admit to my arrest and the fight that led to it.

“But there’s something else I need to say,” I continue, turning away from Lisa to look directly into the camera. “Something I need to say to Lily.”

I swallow, my heart pounding in my chest. “Lily,” I begin, my voice thick with emotion. “I know I messed up. I know I hurt you. And for that, I am truly sorry. Our relationship started as a lie, but somewhere along the way, it became real for me. I fell in love with you.”

The words hang in the air, heavy with truth. “I know I don’t deserve you,” I continue, my gaze never wavering from the camera. “I know I’ve made mistakes but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it right. To show you that I can be the man you deserve.”

I pause, taking a deep breath. “I love you, Lily,” I say, the words echoing in the silent studio. “And I’ll do anything to get you back.”

As the camera cuts away, I’m left sitting in the chair, my heart pounding in my chest. I’ve laid it all out, bared my soul for the world to see. Now, all I can do is wait, and hope that Lily heard my words, that she believes in my sincerity.

I need her to because without her, none of this matters. Without her, I’m just a man with a casino, a man with a hollow life. With her, I’m so much more. I’m a man in love, a man willing to fight for what he wants. And I meant what I said—I won’t stop until I’ve won her back.

The rest of the day passes in a blur, my mind consumed by thoughts of the interview and whether I sounded like an idiot. I go through the motions at the casino, and while none of my employees mention the show, I imagine at least a few of them must have seen it, which means by the end of the first shift, everyone will know about it.

At home after work, I pace restlessly, my gaze constantly drifting to my phone. I’ve left it on the coffee table, the screen facing up, so I can see if Lily calls or texts. The screen remains stubbornly blank, the silence of the device a painful reminder of the distance between us.

I find myself wondering if she’ll even see the interview. Does she watch the local morning show? Or is she avoiding the news, making sure her life is devoid of any traces of me? The thought sends a twinge of pain through my chest.

I shake my head, forcing the thoughts away. I can’t afford to doubt myself, not now. I need to believe that Lily will see the interview, that she’ll hear my words and understand the sincerity behind them. I need to believe that she’ll give me a chance to explain and make things right.

As the hours tick by, my anxiety grows. I try to distract myself, try to focus on anything but the looming interview and the uncertainty of Lily’s reaction. But it’s no use. My thoughts keep circling back to her.

And so, I wait, and I hope.

Because without that hope, I’m not sure what I have left.

twenty-six

Pack It In - Lily

Thedayshaveblurredinto a monotonous cycle of job applications, rejections, and a growing sense of despair. I’ve been scouring job boards, sending out resumes, and even cold-calling companies, but it’s all been in vain. Each “We regret to inform you…” email feels like a slap in the face, but the radio silence I’m getting from most companies is even worse.

I’m sitting on my bed, the glow of my laptop illuminating the room, when the realization hits me that I need a fresh start, a clean slate, and I’m not going to find it here in Tahoe. The memories of Thomas are too fresh, too raw, and they taint everything with a bitter aftertaste. I need to get away, to put some distance between myself and the past.

The decision to move back to Colorado isn’t an easy one. I’ve always loved Tahoe, its stunning landscapes, and the sense of community that has always welcomed me. But every corner I turn, every street I walk down, is a painful reminder of what I’ve lost. The scandal, as mild as it may be, has made me a recognizable face, and I hate the whispers that follow me wherever I go.

My parents and Eric are my rocks during this tumultuous time. They offer words of comfort, shoulders to cry on, and a safe space where I can let my guard down. Deep down, I know that even their support can’t fill the Thomas-shaped hole in my life. He’s hurt me but I miss him.

I walk around my house and find myself in front of the dresser. Nestled among my scarves and gloves is the pretty box that holds the engagement ring Thomas gave me. I open it and hold the ring up deep in thought, its beauty a stark contrast to the ugliness of our situation. I should probably return it, but I know I can’t bring myself to let it go. The black diamond Thomas chose for me is a tangible reminder of what could have been, and I’m not ready to part with it just yet.

My family is at my rental house to help me pack. The atmosphere is somber, the usually lively Adams clan subdued by the reality of my impending departure. No one wants me to move. My mom wraps my dishes in newspaper with quiet efficiency, her lips pressed into a thin line. Christina is sorting through my clothes, folding them neatly into boxes, while Eric disassembles my bed, his brow furrowed in concentration.

---