10. SILVER AND GOLD #2
I followed her through the side exit, emerging onto the hotel’s private event terrace—reserved for functions like the gala—overlooking the harbor.
While Bella scrolled on her phone, I took a few moments to gaze out into the darkness.
Boats bobbed in the distance, their lights blinking in the darkness as I wondered why Karlos hadn’t made an appearance. He’s probably avoiding awkward questions about the land acquisition.
Bella grabbed my hand.
The air felt humid and heavy, full of something foreboding that ran down my spine. She squeezed my hand before I smiled awkwardly, pulling free from her grip.
My dark mood didn’t match our vibrant outfits as we leaned over the railing—me in my gleaming gold suit, Bella in her silver dress. The silver fabric fluttered in the breeze as she carried on talking about her social media.
I glanced at my watch, barely able to contain my excitement. “Well, that’s half an hour up. Time to go.”
“Oh Karson, don’t go yet. I’m so glad we’re together now!” Her face lit up with joy, stumbling to one side. “Our dads always said we’d be the perfect couple.”
Hearing a noise nearby, I turned to see a horde of photographers. They’d moved a wall of plants away from the hotel’s barrier, their lenses pointed at us like rifle scopes. “Bella, quickly, let’s go inside,” I said, turning toward the door.
But she lurched toward me. I flinched when her lips collided with mine. As she reeled unsteadily to one side, my arms flew up to stop her from falling. After steadying her, I stepped away.
Out of reach.
When she staggered in my direction, I placed my hand under her elbow and led her back inside. I shielded my eyes with the back of my hand, wincing as the flashes lit up the night around us.
That’s just great. Their stupid photos will be everywhere. Ivy’s totally going to see them.
Fuck you, Karlos.
Scowling, I sat Bella down in a chair. “I’m leaving. And to be completely clear, we’re not together, Bella.”
She stared at the floor, a single tear trickling down her cheek, smudging the star.
“You know what, Bella?” I took a step back, then reached out and tucked a finger under her chin, tipping her face up until she looked at me. “We both deserve to be with someone because we love them, not because they’ll make good headlines, or because it’s what our parents want.”
“You have no idea what it’s like.” She clamped her lips shut for a few seconds.
“Daddy paid my last boyfriend, Pedro, to never talk to me again. He said he wasn’t suitable for someone like me.
Then Pedro ghosted me. I only found out what he did because my friends told me.
It was humiliating… and I miss him. I loved him. ” She let out a small sob.
“Believe me, Bella, I know how it feels. But I’m not giving up on getting what I want. And neither should you. The only person who gets to decide who’s good enough for you is you.”
“You really think so?” Her smile reappeared. “Thanks, Karson,” she said, wiping away her tears.
I nodded goodbye, then wove hastily through the lavishly dressed crowd, pushing open the door to the pickup area.
Gus waved at me from the car as I hurried down the stairs.
A wall of flashes erupted. “Karson! How long have you and Bella been dating? Are you going to make it official?”
“Get the camera out of my face,” I snapped, tearing along the red carpet and pushing through a sea of reporters, before throwing myself into the back seat.
“Gus!” I slammed the door behind me, almost crushing a pushy photographer’s finger as he grabbed at it. “Get me out of here. Now.”
***
IVY
I was lying on the couch, licking ice cream from my spoon and staring blankly at an episode of Friends, “The One with the Embryos,” when I became aware of three pairs of eyes on me.
Olivia, Sass, and Suki exchanged a look.
“Ivy, this is your favorite episode,” Olivia said, “and you haven’t even smiled once, that’s just wrong.”
“Girl, you’ve been bed-rotting for nearly two weeks!
” Sass added, removing the spoon from my hand.
“Karson’s a total jerk for what he did to you.
” She drew her eyebrows together. “But babe, you’re going to be a featured model in the Adore Designs campaign.
You need to pull it together for the shoot. ”
I sighed and covered my face with my hands. How was I ever going to be ready for that when I could barely get off the couch?
“She’s right,” Suki jumped in. “You deserved way better than that.” With crossed arms, she gave me a hard stare. “And you’re going to get it with your new contract. Don’t let Karson’s betrayal ruin that.”
My mouth turned up in one corner as I attempted to smile. “You’re right, of course you’re right—both of you.”
“Attagirl.” Sass smiled. “There’s only a few days until the shoot, so I’ve booked us in for a facial and a full-body treatment to help you get ready.”
“There’s nothing like a spa day to make you feel better,” Suki said.
“Exactly. And I’m taking you out dancing tonight,” Sass added. “Before you say anything, no is not an option. Time to get back up, girl.” She took my hands in hers and pulled me up off the couch.
“Suki and me would’ve come with you, but we’re working late tonight,” Olivia said, pushing out her bottom lip.
“It’s all good. Thanks, guys. Maybe you’re on to something.”
Olivia leaned in and gave me a quick hug before checking her watch. “We need to go, or we’ll be late for work, but Sass’s got you, yeah?”
“Thanks.” I made a heart with my hands as Olivia and Suki grabbed their bags and rushed out the front door.
My mind flashed back to when I’d woken up that morning and seen viral photos of Karson making out with some gorgeous woman.
They were in their glamorous outfits at a stupid gala. It made me nauseous. The post reported that her name was Bella, the daughter of some media tycoon.
Perfect for a billionaire’s son, I guess.
She must be the woman he told me about in his horrible voicemail.
“You know, Sass, I thought somehow Karson’s father was behind his betrayal.” I remembered Karson’s reaction when the car arrived to collect us, back in Sydney. “From what I’ve heard, he’s a pretty brutal guy. But seeing those photos of Karson… it must be true. He has someone else.”
“Sadly, all the evidence points in that direction, hon,” Sass replied with a downward smile.
Next time, I won’t give my heart away so fast. I’d fallen for his lies so easily.
Fallen for him so easily.
But he’d seemed so genuinely lovely. So real. It was still hard to comprehend that he’d been so dishonest. But it is what it is…
“Alright,” I said, shaking my head in an effort to clear my thoughts.
“I’m done moping.” I rose to my feet. “Anyway, I’ve still got my contract, right?
And you guys are the best friends anyone could ask for.
How would I have gotten through this without you all supplying me with a constant stream of chocolate cookies and ice cream? ”
We laughed as Sass shoved a chocolate cookie into her mouth. “We’ve got your back. Model’s code,” she mumbled with a wink, her mouth still full.
“You know what, guys?” I shifted off the couch. “I’m going for a surf.”
Sass’s mouth fell open, her hand still hovering over the cookie jar. “And there she is.” Sass clapped her hands together in delight.
“And after my surf, if there’s still time, I’ll do some yoga out on the deck before we head off.” With a supreme effort, I flashed a smile.
It was forced, but it was a start.
Time to get back up, Ivy.
A tingle of life seeped back into my body.