Chapter 3
Seeing my mom, Xavier dialed back the anger on his face.[]
“Oh hey, Mrs. Sterling. Just ran into Toni here, thought I’d say hi…“]]
Before Xavier could finish, I grabbed Mom’s arm.]
“Come on Mom, let’s check out some other places.“]
Sophie getting attacked was the last thing I remembered about her from my past life.
I figured the three of us would never cross paths again, but that night at dinner, Dad brought up old Mr. Morrison’s 80th birthday party.
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“Morrison’s big 8-0 celebration is this Saturday, but Lucas is flying back from London the same day. Talk about bad timing.“[]
“Look, even though Toni and the Morrison boy didn’t pan out, our families have history. They’re throwing this massive party – every influential family in the city’s gonna be there. We can’t just blow it off.“[]
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I was ready to say forget the Morrisons, but Grandpa Morrison had always been good to me.
In my past life, even after I lost the baby and couldn’t have more kids, he never treated me differently. Always remembered my favorite cookies from that fancy bakery downtown.[]
I ran the numbers in my head. A quick appearance to wish him happy birthday wouldn’t screw up my timeline.[]
I set down my fork.[]
“I’ll make a quick stop at the Morrison party. Won’t interfere with meeting Lucas.“[]
The birthday party came around fast.
The second I stepped into the ballroom, someone literally threw themselves at my feet.[]
“Miss Sterling, please, I’m begging you! Leave me alone! I never tried to steal Xavier from you, I swear I didn’t do anything wrong!”
“Those guys you sent after me- they’re dangerous! If they actually rape me, my life is over! You have everything already – please, just let me live!”
Before I could even figure out what the hell was happening, everyone already started rubbernecking and whispering.[]
“Holy shit, is that Toni Sterling? Who’s this random chick having a breakdown on the floor?”
“Dude, that’s the Morrisons‘ live in nanny or whatever. Sterling must’ve really fucked her up if she’s pulling this desperate crying act in front of everyone.”
“Oh snap, this is juicy. Everyone knows Toni’s been thirsty for Xavier since forever. He probably friend zoned her hard, so now she’s going psycho on his side piece ”
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Sophie’s little performance was so ridiculous. I almost laughed.[]
But I wasn’t about to waste my breath explaining shit to these vultures.[]
I stepped around Sophie’s dramatic ass and tried to head inside.[]
Xavier came charging over like some white knight, yanked Sophie off the floor, and pulled her behind him.[]
“Toni Sterling! This has gone far enough!“[]
I completely ignored his tantrum and turned to the butler.
“Is Mr. Morrison upstairs? I just want to say happy birthday.“[]
The butler stayed professional.]
“He’s in his study, Miss Sterling. Second floor, first door on your right.“[]
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I started walking away, but Xavier grabbed my arm and spun me around.[]
“We’re not done talking! What, you’re just gonna pretend Sophie doesn’t exist? Ignore her when she’s literally begging for her life? Is this the kind of classy bullshit your family taught you?“[]
“She just wants you to stop trying to destroy her! Why can’t you just be a decent human being for once?“[]
I’d had enough of this circus.
I looked Xavier straight in the eye.[]
“You got mental problems? Call a fucking therapist. Stop yapping at me like some rabid mutt.“[]
“You two nutjobs are perfect for each other. Now get out of my way.“[]
