Page 45 of Billionaire's Second Chance

“What did he promise you?” She rudely interrupted me.

“Nothing,” I cleared my dry throat.

“So you slept with him for nothing?” Lily laughed.

“No. You’re not letting me explain, Lily. Would you please listen?” I pleaded.

“What more do you want to explain? Tell me, Ava. Have you slept with Damon Alexander?”

“Yes.”

She threw her hands in the air. “That explains—”

“Three years ago.” I cut her off.

That got her attention. She relaxed her shoulders somewhat, then nodded.

“Go on.”

“I met Damon while I was still at Columbia. He was invited to lead a workshop at the School of Drama. As naïve as I was back then, I fell for his charm and thought we had a thing. I realized how wrong I was when he disappeared without a trace the next day.”

She stared blankly at me, blinking in intervals but saying nothing.

“When I auditioned for the role, I could see approval in his eyes, but I didn't see recognition. He had no idea who I was, Lily. He didn't remember me," I roamed her eyes for understanding. "I thought I had hailed the audition, but the next day I learned that you had been announced as the lead character even though you hadn’t auditioned. As you can imagine, I was hurt. Not only did Damon not recognize me, but he gave the role to someone who didn't even try.”

I paused and signaled one of the waiters to come over. “A glass of water, please.”

“Make that two.” Lily nodded at the waiter. “You were saying?”

“And then, you came strutting in all your glory at the gym where I worked," I sipped water and continued. "But the moment you approached it, I had already decided that I had nothing against you. Until I heard you talking to Damon on the phone."

Lily blinked once, and then her eyes widened, anticipating my next words.

"In my anger, I stalked you to your date with Damon that night. I simply wanted closure. I wanted confirmation that he had picked you not because of your talent but because you were his new love interest. And when I saw you kissing, I acted on impulse. I took those pictures,” I blurted.

“You sent those pictures to the tabloids?” She gasped and clutched her purse, ready to either leave or smack me with it.

“Yes.” A simple confession was all I had to offer.

“You ruined everything. My relationship, my career,” Lily paused, crunched a napkin, and wiped a tear that had formed at the socket of her eye.

“I know. And I'm sorry.” I looked down at the table, avoiding her eyes.

“And why tell me all this now? You know I could sue you for those pictures, right? Just like I'm suing him.” Lily threatened.

"I'd understand if you did," I held her gaze. "Damon had no idea I was behind it. He wouldn't do that to you."

She arched her brows. “You’re not defending him, are you?”

“I don’t want the wrong person punished for what I did,” I elaborated.

Lily jumped to her feet.

“You’re unbelievable, Ava," she cried out. "After everything this man has done to both of us, you still want to protect him? I'll make sure I'm his last victim. And don't worry, I won't go after you. It seems like you're already punishing yourself by choosing him.”

Fuck!

***

---