Chapter 9

Thalia woke naturally at ten, stretching luxuriously. “Mmm… not working feels amazing,” she murmured. After her morning routine, she went downstairs for breakfast. Rosa had prepared enough for two. Thalia glanced at the empty seat opposite her, remaining silent.

“Miss Winters, will Mr. Ashcroft be joining us for breakfast?” Rosa asked hesitantly.

“He didn’t come home last night,” Thalia replied between sips of coffee. “So, no.”

“Oh,” Rosa murmured, retreating to the kitchen, aware she had overstepped.

After breakfast, Thalia received a message from Asher.

[Thoughts on engagement gala attire? Custom or designer ready-to-wear?]

Was there even time for custom? Come to think of it, she didn’t know the engagement date.

[When’s the gala?]

Asher: [Not set yet. Waiting to see when you’re back in London?]

Thalia: [Nine more days here.]

Asher: [Perfect.]

Worried about the timing for a custom gown, she replied: [Let’s go with designer. I’ll look at collections.]

Asher: [Let me know what you choose.]

As she was about to close WhatsApp, a chat notification from Drake appeared. It was a video.

In a dimly lit private room at some club, a drunken Drake leaned into Sienna’s embrace, mumbling, “Sienna, you’re finally back… I knew you’d come back… I waited five years…”

The background was noisy with the voices of their friends—Drake’s usual crowd, including Celine. All people Thalia knew. In the video, Sienna held Drake, smiling down at him. “Drake, you’re drunk.”

Drake nuzzled closer. “I’m not… I’m perfectly clear… You’re Sienna, the love of my life… See? I know exactly what I’m saying…”

Someone off-camera: “Drake, if Sienna’s the love of your life, what about Thalia?”

Drake: “Who’s Thalia? I only… only love Sienna…”

“Looks like you’re the only one for him,” Celine’s voice carried clearly. “Look how he clings to you when he’s drunk. You’re all he sees.”

Thalia’s lips curved in derision. Three years with Drake, and she’d never heard them call her anything but “the girlfriend.” No surprise there. They’d never considered her Drake’s true partner.

“Why can’t Thalia take a hint? Sienna’s back and she’s still hanging around. Zero self-awareness.” That was Celine’s friend, the same one who’d called her necklace fake. She’d always looked down on Thalia.

Celine chimed in: “Girls like her don’t let go of trust fund babies easily.”

Thalia’s eyes lowered, a cold smile playing on her lips. Celine would never say this to her face. Now she knew for sure—that look of disdain at the birthday party hadn’t been her imagination. Celine’s friendly act was just that: an act. Like the others, she saw Thalia as inferior.

“Sienna, we’re all on your side.”

“God, yes. We never liked her. She needs to understand her place, trying to force her way into our circle.”

“She’s probably read too many romance novels about the billionaire falling for the commoner. She’s a joke and doesn’t even know it.”

“Exactly! She’s not our class. Drake was just slumming it. Now that Sienna’s back, Thalia needs to go.”

Thalia considered three ballgowns: one was a classic, another was bold, and the third was an off-the-shoulder ivory ballgown with scattered crimson rose petals on a tulle overlay, romantic and graceful. She posted the three on Instagram with the caption: “Help your girl choose!? Which one’s giving main character energy for the perfect night? #fashiondilemma #needadvice #cantdecide?”

Within minutes, likes and comments flooded in.

Asher: “All three are absolutely stunning. Get them all if you love them x”

Her childhood friend Victoria chimed in: “Bestie your taste is GOD TIER! Let Asher spoil you, get the whole collection! #richboyfriend #treatyourself.”

Her other friend Charlotte: “Our princess is about to serve LOOKS! Slaying in any of these tbh #queensthings”

Katie: “OMGGGG BOSS! Is this what I think it is?!! Drop the deets – are we hearing wedding bells?!”

Among the warm wishes from friends and family, a few comments stood out.

Celine: [……]

Mason: [Thalia, are you…]

Chase: [Seriously? Dream on lol]

Coworker A: [Maybe check the prices before flexing? You can’t even rent these…]

Coworker B: [Must be nice having money to burn.]

Drake: [?]

Thalia raised an eyebrow. Seems Drake had sobered up. Sure enough, his message came through:

[Delete that post. Now.]

Thalia: [No.]

Drake: [Still pushing for marriage? Did nothing I said get through to you?]

Thalia: [Hm.]

Drake: [Thalia, enough.]

She didn’t bother responding.