Chapter 105
Chapter 105
Freya
“So, let me get this straight: your sister, Jayla, was born as a hermaphrodite and has chosen the path of becoming a full- fledged woman?” Eva asks me. We are drinking hungover tea insile Maddie’s apartment.
I set down my cup. “Correct.”
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“I see…” Eva nods. “And now Jayla is maybeeee pregnant with your ex–husband, Clark, who secretly always had a crush on Jayla but was scared to admit it since he thought his football friends would bully him if the truth came out?”
“What a dick, right?” Maddie asks before I can even say anything. “He basically used Freya as his beard since she is so gorgeous and pretty, basically the dream woman in the looks department-”
T
“Woah, woah, stop right there!” I hold up my hands and look between the sisters. “I’m not a dream woman and-” I laugh at what she just said, “Looks department? Are you crazy? I’m so short that I have to show my ID when I buy Nocco from the grocery store!”
Maddie grins in her seat beside her older sister. “You are a dream woman, and a certain billionaire seems to agree Tell me, has Ethan texted you yet?”
. A frown works its way to my face. “No, but that’s okay since I don’t know if I want to go out with him anymore.”
Maddie stares at me. “Bitch, are you crazy? Why wouldn’t you go out with him?!”
with me.
I’m not given enough time to answer before Eva butt into the conversation. “I hate to say it, but I agree with my sister on this. Ethan Steele? That man…” She sighs heavily while shaking her head. “My heart rate never returned to normal after seeing his gorgeous face…”
I roll my eyes. “Okay, so Ethan is pretty, but so what? I’m probably just one of many girls he is dating…”
Maddie and Eva exchange a look before they both start giggling like drunk hyenas.
My eyes narrow. “What are you two giggling about?”
“Nothing,” Maddie tries saying, but it’s clearly something.
Both sisters are grinning at me, which makes me glare right back at them, and eventually, Maddie caves. “Okay, it’s just funny that you and Ethan aren’t even dating yet, and you’re already jealous of potential rivals in the games of love.”
“I’m not jealous!” I protest, but even I can hear how unconvincing I sound. “I’m just… worried. Ethan is younger than me and probably not ready for anything serious. This would just be about sex and… I don’t want to get hurt again. You both know how badly things ended with Clark.”
Eva’s expression softens. “Sweetie, not every man is like Clark. From what I’ve seen and heard about Ethan, he gems genuinely interested in you.”
“But why?” I ask, voicing the insecurity that’s been nagging at me “He could have any woman he wants. Why would he choose someone like me?”
Maddie reaches across the table and takes my hand. “Gods, Freya… Isn’t the reason obvious? Ethan has definitely seen how funny you are. Your humor is one of a kind–he must have fallen for you on that day you were stealing groceries.”
19:14 Sat, Feb
Chapter 105
Eva’s eyes widen. “Wait, what? Stealing groceries? Did I miss something?”
I ignore Eva. I’m too embarrassed to tell her about the time when I stole makeup and food and had Ethan help. I did what I had to do in order to survive, okay?
I focus on Maddie. “Thank you, but… I still don’t know if I’m ready.”
“To date someone new?” Eva snorts. “Course‘ you are.”
“This is bigger than just a simple date…” I mumble.
Dating a stranger would be fine, but I’m already starting to feel things for Ethan, which isn’t good. The last thing I need is to develop feelings for a young man who can’t return them.
“How is it bigger than that?” Maddie asks, but just then, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
I pick it up and see a text.
Unknown number: Good morning, lioness. I hope you’re not too hungover. Looking forward to seeing you later. – E
My heart skips a beat.
“Is that him?” Eva asks, leaning forward in her seat to try and steal a glimpse of my screen.
Much to Eva’s disappointment, I lean back in my seat so she can’t read the message. “It is…”
Maddie claps her hands excitedly. “Well? What did he say?”
I hesitate, not sure if I want to share the intimate nickname. He called me the same thing yesterday, and I want to keep it private between us.
My cheeks burn a little. “Umm… He just said good morning and that he’s looking forward to seeing me later…”
Eva squeals. “Oh my god, he’s so into you!”
The blush on my face is reaching for my ears. “He is not–he is just being polite.”
Maddie rolls her eyes. “Bitch, he couldn’t even finish his breakfast without thinking about you and texting you–he is into you!”
My eyes widen. “Okay, when you put it like that…” I sigh. “Fine, so maybe Ethan likes me a little, but I still don’t know if dating him is a good idea.”
“Are you insane? Going out with him and his gorgeous bum is a brilliant idea!” Maddie insists. “When was the last time dated someone, anyway?”
I have to think about it. “Hah… before I got married to Clark, I guess?”
Both sisters gasp dramatically.
“Freya!” Eva exclaims. “That’s way too long. You need to get back out there.”
“And what better way to do it than with a hot billionaire?” Maddie adds with a wink.
you
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Chapter 105
1 laugh despite myself. “You two are impossible.”
“We prefer the term ‘encouraging, dear,” Eva says primly.
Just then, my phone buzzes again. Another text.
DO
Ethan: Would you mind sending me your address? Since your dress didn’t fit you yesterday, I took the liberty of ordering you something new. It will fit my lioness perfectly.
I stare at the screen, my heart racing. Ethan bought me a dress?
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“What is it?” Maddie asks, noticing my expression. “Did he send dick pic or something?”
“Maddie!” Eva scolds, but she looks just as curious.
I shake my head. “No, nothing like that. He…he bought me a dress. For tonight. He just needs Maddie’s address so he can come and deliver it.”
Both sisters‘ eyes widen.
“Bought you a dress?” Eva repeats. “Like, as a gift?”
I nod, still a bit stunned.
Maddie whistles low. “Damn, girl. He’s not playing around.”
“This is serious,” Eva agrees. “A man doesn’t buy you clothes unless he’s really interested,” she claps her hands, “I’m so happy for you, Freya! Send the man my sister’s address right away!”
“Yes, do it now!” Maddie encourages. “This is your Cinderella moment, and you should embrace it!”
“I don’t know…” I hesitate. “Isn’t this moving a bit fast?”
Maddie rolls her eyes. “Girl, you’ve been divorced for months and haven’t dated anyone. This isn’t fast, it’s long overdue!” Eva nods in agreement. “Plus, he’s clearly trying to make you feel special. Don’t overthink it.”
I bite my lip, still unsure. “But what if the dress is, you know…too expensive?”
“Who cares? Ethan can afford it, and you, my friend, will do the dress justice by looking smoking hot on your date,” Maddie
says.
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“Or you can always choose not to wear it,” Eva adds more gently. But at least give the poor man the address so he can deliver it.”
“Okay, fine you’re right–I’m overthinking this and should just text him the address.”
Both sisters smile.
“You’re not doing the wrong thing by accepting the gift. Live while you can, yeah?” Eva says, lifting her teacup high in the air. “Cheers for daring to live a little.”
Maddie and I laugh and lift our cups as well.
