Page 9 of Eat Slay Love

This scene would hit theaters, and millions of women would watch it, aching for something they might never have. They’d see this moment—the passion, the connection, the devotion—and it would remind them of all the things missing in their own lives.

And here I was, helping create that heart-shattering ache.

That thought settled heavy in my chest.

I forced my gaze back to the set.

Ava let out a soft sigh as Liam pressed his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling, their movements slow and deliberate.

Liam whispered, “I love you.”

My heart ached some more.

“I love you too.”

The camera zoomed in.

It was mesmerizing.

And it was devastating.

I shifted my weight, my blazer suddenly feeling too tight, my skin too warm.

My mind wandered to my upcoming trip, the one I’d been planning for months.

A solo romantic trip for Valentine’s Day.

Just me.

The thought had thrilled me when I first booked it. I’d secured a reservation at one of the most exclusive restaurants on the planet, Alchemy—a culinary temple so revered that justgetting on the waitlistwas considered an accomplishment.

It had oneStellarstar.

Thankfully, Liam had hooked me up and got my name on there.

This wasn’t just dinner.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Twenty courses.

All flawless masterpieces presented like art on a plate with hidden mysterious experiences.

And the price?

$5,000.

I sighed.

But now, watching this scene—watching two people create a moment so intimate, so connected—I couldn’t help but wonder if the trip would be enough.

Could this amazing experience in New York truly fill the emptiness currently creeping into my chest?

Or would I sit there, surrounded by strangers, and feel more alone than ever in my life?

Tension gathered in my shoulders.

Maybe. . .I shouldn’t do it.

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