Page 2 of Stranded

I don the suit of a lawyer-in-the-making, but deep down, I feel like an imposter, a puppet maneuvering through motions. This isn’t the life I want; it isn’t the life I chose. But I’ve been too scared to push back.

As much as I love the cushy life, I’ve never enjoyed playing the game. Being a part of the social dynasty, my parents are part of, attending pretentious parties and giving everyone fake smiles. I play the game well, but deep down, I want out.

It’s taken Preston showing me his true colors and revealing that he’s just another character in the play I’ve been cast in. A play I no longer want a role in.

As the elevator doors close, I feel a sense of relief. I’m free and unchained from an unfulfilling relationship about appearances rather than love. I’m Ivy St. Clair, the heiress, lawyer, and socialite, but I desire love, honesty, and respect. Things that money can’t buy.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I’m not mourning the loss of Preston; I’m mourning the time wasted on a man who didn’t deserve me.

As the elevator hits the ground floor, I square my shoulders, ready for whatever comes next. Because there’s one thing I know for sure: I deserve better than a cheating playboy.

As I walk onto the busy Manhattan sidewalk, I can’t help the small victorious smirk that forms on my lips. This is the start of a new chapter, and I can’t wait to see where it will lead me.

IVY

“Welcome, Miss St. Clair. Can I get you something to drink?” the hostess asks.

I smile. “I’ll take a glass of pinot noir, please.”

She nods dutifully, not judging that it’s eleven o’clock in the morning. Normally, I wouldn’t drink this early, but after the morning I’ve had, I need something to take the edge off.

The hostess returns with my glass of wine. “Can I get you anything else?”

I shake my head. “No, thank you, Alice.”

“The captain will announce our take off shortly. They’re just finishing fueling the jet, and we’ll be on our way.”

“Great,” I say, forcing a smile. The sooner, the better. I don’t doubt that Preston will be on the phone to his mom, Jane, asking her to reach out to my mom. And I don’t want to talk with her right now.

My phone starts buzzing, shattering the silence of the luxurious jet cabin. I glance at the screen and roll my eyes. Speak of the devil. Mom’s name flashes in bold letters across the screen. I take a sip of my pinot noir and consider letting it go to voicemail. But I know better. Ignoring it will only make the situation worse. I take a deep breath and swipe my thumb across the screen.

“Hi, Mom, what a pleasant surprise,” I say, my tone dripping with feigned cheeriness.

“Ivy St. Clair, where are you?” she demands, her voice shrill.

“I’m sitting on the jet waiting for it to take me to Alaska.”

“Your father’s jet?” she says, her voice stern. “No, you’re not going to Alaska without Preston.”

I swallow hard. “It’s too late. The jet is about to take off.”

“I’m warning you, I’ll get them to tell the captain to turn back around!”

“Then I’ll go to the airport and fly commercial.”

She gasps as if I’ve suggested I try giving living on the street a whirl. “Don’t be so disgusting. St. Clairs don’t fly commercial.”

“Well, there’s two choices. Let me go to Alaska on Dad’s jet, or I’ll fly commercial.”

There’s a few moments of silence. “What are you going to do in Alaska all alone for Christmas? You might as well come home.”

I’d rather gouge my eyeballs out than come home for Christmas. Not only because it’s always terrible but it’ll be ten times worse now that I’m single. Mom always has Jane over during Christmas, which means Preston will be there. She’ll push me to get back together with him, which is the last thing I want.

“Preston may have made mistakes, but he’s your perfect match. This is nonsense.”

“Perfect match, huh? Is that what we’re calling cheating playboys now?” I retort, my tongue sharper than a double-edged sword.

“All men make mistakes. It’s in their nature.”

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