Page 121 of The Billionaire's Vow

“Did you get it?” Cassidy asked.

I shook my head. “Not exactly. I’m shortlisted.”

She screamed and threw her hand in the air, celebrating like I won a contract.

“Cassidy,” I drawled. “It’s not final, but she said she loved my illustrations.”

She started to sing DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win.”

I laughed and joined in with her dancing. We bumped butts and laughed hard until we ended up hugging.

“See?” Cassidy said, tearing up. “This is what you deserve.”

“I seriously can’t believe it,” I said, grinning as I took out my phone and typed a message. “I must tell Rocco.”

Adelina: OMG. Lily Crane moved me to the shortlist for The Sky Fairy and The Shadow Prince series!!! I’m losing my head. Cassidy’s here. I miss you, Superman.

We both waited a few minutes, but Rocco didn’t reply or call.

She squeezed my shoulder. “He’s probably in a meeting. I’m sure you’ll hear from him soon.”

I sighed, and she gestured for me to follow her downstairs. Maggie had a pretty brunch case in a bag for her. Zane was there and took it along with her suitcase. “I’m going to catch up with Rick. See if he has any ideas about your papers. I’ll be back in twenty minutes.”

Some of my tension eased. “Thanks so much, Zane.”

Cassidy and I hugged.

“Call me if you get tired on your drive.”

“I will, gorgeous, Even if I’m not tired.”

I laughed. “I love that we’re not that far away from each other.”

“Me, too. After I graduate, let’s live next door to each other.”

“Thank you for coming. Next time longer, okay?”

She kissed my cheeks. “Deal.”

I returned upstairs, changed into a tracksuit and sneakers, and left the bedroom with my brushed hair in a messy bun. I remembered passing a bookstore nearby and decided to go for a quick stop before a jog. Zane and Rick jogged with me most times. However, I also went a few times alone. It felt great to feel free to do whatever I wanted to do.

The sky was partly cloudy, so I took a small saddle bag, phone, and sunglasses to the elevator. After putting the security code at the gate, I walked onto the street.

There were no paparazzi.Also great.

I took off down the cobblestone streets to the end of the road and crossed the avenue around the corner with a café with seats already crowded with patrons. I inhaled the smell of coffee and fresh bakery, remembering Maggie made pastries I could eat when I returned.

The bookshop was old, with full shelves and a few books on display in the window. Bookshops and libraries had been my sanctuary—the quiet calm from whatever storm I faced outside. I could get lost in the magic and wonder of a story. To my surprise and delight,The Bumble Bee Ballwas on the front display shelf in the children’s book section!

I took a quick selfie with it in my hand and sent images to Cassidy, Rocco, and Jacob. I hesitated and sent the picture to my grandmother along with the news of the illustration job offer.She wants baby news but could be happy for me, too.

I browsed down the thriller aisle and found a book for Rocco. But then I realized I wanted to give him something else he’d wish for—my love.

How do I tell him I love him back? I had no words. But I had a book of poetry by Lord Byron. His romantic writings always captivated me when I read him in school.

I stood in line to pay using my credit card. Panic and fear rose for a few seconds, considering how many times I’d been embarrassed because it declined purchases. It happened when factory supervisors ‘forgot’ to deposit the money they owed me or paid less than they agreed. Blue-collar work attracted the cruelest bosses in the world.

I walked out of the store thinking about those harsh times, being unable to afford our basic needs, and wishing I could help other teens struggling to raise themselves. Yes, my grandparents had been strict with me, but the boarding school and college gave me a stable environment that shaped me into a responsible adult. And everything I went through had led me to Rocco Marini.

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