CHAPTER 11: The Meeting By The Beach
Victoria’s POV
The call came while I was still debating my next move. Would I sell my information and truly expose Ethan or would I let it be? The fact that he had called to demand I deleted the video had upset me even more; he had such audacity.
My phone buzzed on the table, the name flashing across the screen like a
challenge. Lily (pink heart emoji).
For a moment, I stared at it, my finger hovering over the reject button. The thought of hearing her voice churned my stomach, but curiosity got the better of me. I answered with a clipped, “What do you want?”
“I think we need to talk,” Lily said, her tone smooth, almost casual, as if she hadn’t played a major role in wrecking my life.
“I have nothing to say to you,” I bit out, my hand trembling slightly.
Actually, I had a lot I would like to say to her, but she wouldn’t like any of it. I wanted to tell her how much I hated her now, I wanted to tell her that I wish I had never met her, that I hope she gets what she deserves.
“Oh, I think you’ll want to hear this,” she continued, unbothered by my hostility. “Meet me at Coral Point Beach at 4. It’s in your best interest.”
Her words were calculated, and they hooked me despite my better judgment. Against my instincts, I agreed.
What could she possibly have to tell me?
The wind was sharp against my face as I stepped onto the beach later in the day, the salty tang of the ocean filling the air. The waves crashed rhythmically, their endless pull and push mirroring the storm in my chest.
Lily stood waiting near the shoreline, her silhouette framed against the setting sun. She was dressed impeccably, of course, in a flowing white blouse and tailored pants that barely seemed touched by the wind. She looked out of place here–polished, composed; everything I once was.
“Victoria,” she greeted with a practiced smile as I approached.
She seemed nothing like the woman who had been my best friend, she looked venomous and predatory as she watched me with those eyes of hers.
“Lily.” I stopped a few feet away, crossing my arms. “What’s this about?”
She gestured toward the sand. “Why don’t we sit?”
“I’d rather stand,” I replied flatly.
Her smile tightened, but she didn’t push the issue. “Fine. Straight to business, then. I’ll make this simple: I want the video.”
The sheer audacity of her demand nearly made me laugh. “You want the video,” I repeated, my voice laced with disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”
Did she think she would just walk up to me and ask me for the video? Did she think I’d give it up so easily?
‘I’m willing to pay you a significant amount for it,‘ she continued, ignoring my tone. “Name your price.
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. She was flaunting her money in my face, my money. “You think this is about money?”
“Isn’t it?” she asked, tilting her head. “We both know you’re broke now, like, really broke.”
‘No, Lily,” I snapped. “This is about betrayal. You betrayed me, you destroyed my marriage, and now you think you can buy me off?”
Her expression hardened, the mask of politeness and composure slipping. “Don’t be so dramatic, Victoria. You and Ethan were over long before I came into the picture. I just sped up the inevitable.”
The words hit me like a slap, the casual cruelty, how she let the words roll of her tongue with such confidence. Her boldness momentarily left me speechless.
“You’re unbelievable, I finally managed.
“I’m practical,” she corrected, her tone sharp, “That video could ruin more than just Ethan’s reputation–it could impact mine as well. I’ve worked too
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CHAPTER 11. The Meeting By The Bleach
hard to build my brand to let it be dragged mugh the mud because of your vendetta.”
“Oh, so this is about your precious image? I shot back. “Not about Ethan? How noble of you.”
I wasn’t surprised at all. If she cared aimut anyone other than herself she wouldn’t have slept with her best friend’s husband in the first place.
She took a step closer, her eyes narrowing. I’m giving you a chance to end this quietly. Take the money, start over, and move on.”
1 shook my head, my anger boiling over. “You dinmitt get to diictifte how I move on. And you sure as hell don’t get to profit off my pain.”
Her composure faitered for the first time,, a flicker off frustration crossing her face. “Do you even know what you’re doing, Victoria? You’re playing with fire. That video will ruin you just as much as it will mum him. Do you really want to become a public spectacle? To have your life picked apart by strangers?”
Her words gave me pause, but only for a momentt. Yes,, II had thought of all that, I had considered everything, and that was why I still hadn’t sold the video to a publishing agent, but I was beginning to think I dumn it all to hell. I’d rather face that than let you and Ethan walk away unscathed.”
Lily let out a sharp laugh, shaking her head.. “You always were mive. You think exposing Ethan will hurt him? Men like him always land on their feet. You, on the other hand…”
Her gaze swept over me, a pointed reminder of how far I’d failem. The implication atung, but I refused to let her see it.
I’ll take my chances,” I said coldly.
Her eyes darkened, the air between us crackling with tension. Youre making a mistake, Wictoria. A big one.”
“No, I countered, stepping closer. “The mistake was even trusting either off ynu.”
For a moment, we stood there, the sound of the waves filling the silence. Them, Hillys expression shifted, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile.
You’ll regret this,” she said softly, almost like a promise.
I doubt that,” I replied, and we stood there glaring at each other. Her hazel eyes bung day into my browns.
