The Billionaire's Challenge - Final Google

Looking around, the white walls and oak cabinets weren’t much to fall in love with, but she’d figure out how to make this into a home. Something cozy, warm, and welcoming.

Then again, she had been working long hours over the past several weeks while planning all of the details for the marketing campaign. And things were going to get crazy again once this campaign got underway. The press was going to love her ideas and all of the social media blitz that would come along with this type of change in advertising would be a welcome distraction from dealing with Reid.

The salesperson was standing in the apartment, awkwardly shifting from one foot to the other, not sure what to say next.

“I’ll take it,” she told the woman.

Thirty minutes later, she’d signed the one year contract on the apartment, accepted her parking sticker and keys, then walked out. Taking a deep breath, she tried to feel good about this move. She should feel empowered and in control.

But deep down inside, in that place she didn’t want to open up yet because she knew it would hurt too much, she could feel the pain just waiting to break out.

Not yet, she told her previously-scarred heart. “One more thing to do,” she whispered. Getting back into her car, she drove back into the city. Luckily, she found a parking space not too far from her destination. When she stepped into the store, Selena was immediately greeted by Grace and her warm smile.

“Hi again! Back for more?” she asked, moving to shake Selena’s hand.

Selena blinked back more tears. “Yes. I need something special for an event tonight. I don’t want to wear the plain strapless bra I’d originally purchased to go with the dress. I want something spectacular,” she explained.

Grace smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I have something that would be perfect,” she said and walked towards the back of the store. Selena followed, feeling exhilarated. Princess Diana had stepped out in public in a daring, strapless black dress on the same day her husband admitted to an affair. This would be Selena’s grand event in the same way.

Grace lifted a bustier into the air, holding the silver lace piece of art up for Selena’s inspection. “How about this?” she offered.

Selena looked at the bustier, her smile increasing as she imagined what she would look like, and feel like, in the gorgeous piece. What was better, Reid would never see it. Oh, he’d know she was wearing something different, something enticing. But he’d never get even a peek. It would be her secret.

Her own “revenge dress”.

“Why don’t you try it on?” Grace suggested.

Selena agreed and moved into the plush dressing room, refusing to remember the last time she’d been here. When Reid accompanied her.

Taking a deep breath, she pulled her tee shirt and bra off, and slipped the bustier on. As soon as she secured the small hooks in the back and turned to face the mirror, she knew it was perfect! The deep V of the top would allow her to wear the sundress lower than she’d originally planned. And the boning in the construction would push her breasts up higher. She could just imagine Reid looking at her breasts.

“Yeah, I’ve got quite a rack,” she whispered in satisfaction to her reflection in the mirror.

With a shake of her head, she pulled it off and dressed once more. Stepping out, she caught Grace’s raised eyebrows and nodded. “I’ll take it,” she told the woman.

At the cash register, she cringed only slightly at the three hundred and fifty dollar price tag as she handed her credit card over to Grace. Revenge was expensive, she realized.

Didn’t matter. Stepping out into the sunshine, she lifted her face, absorbing the warmth. What had started off as a wonderful victory had become nothing more than hours to endure until she could escape. Glancing at her watch, she realized it was later than she’d thought. She’d skipped breakfast and lunch, and her stomach grumbled. She thought about just not eating, but knew that wasn’t a good option. Not with her history. Skipping meals lead to hunger and hunger led to either binge eating or…a more devastating reaction. No, she’d never go down that route again.

Instead, she stopped by a sandwich shop and grabbed a bite to eat, but was only able to stomach about half of it. Better, but she still grabbed a banana and nibbled on it as she drove back to Reid’s house. She’d have to pack before the party. And somehow get her suitcase into her car without Reid seeing her. She wanted to be ready to hit the road by the time the party ended.