𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐃

18: new beginnings

My heart raced, its erratic pounding almost loud enough to drown out my thoughts. I fought the urge to push him over the edge, to let the turmoil inside me spill out in a moment of reckless abandon. I had ignited his fury, just as I intended, but the fire inside me remained unquenched, still burning since the night he used me.

That night, he had said I proved him right. Those words echoed in my mind, fueling a growing madness. I had glimpsed the real Justin—the one he kept hidden behind layers of bravado and childish defensiveness. The side of him that had shown itself briefly was intense, passionate, and disturbingly genuine. It was a side he reveled in, one I had felt deeply, and one that had made me foolishly compliant.

But my compliance hadn't been enough. I should have known better; Justin always took steps back, retreating into his arrogance, as predictable as the sunrise.

I prepared for bed, attempting to calm the storm inside me. I hoped he'd spend the night restless, tormented by the aftermath of our confrontation. As I settled under the covers, I found solace in the knowledge that I had him where I wanted him—caught in the web of my revenge.

Morning arrived with the jarring sound of my phone. A text message from Liam. I couldn't help but smile. I knew using Liam as a pawn against Justin was a manipulation, but it also promised genuine companionship. It was thrilling to be desired, to experience the ease and enjoyment of someone like Liam, who contrasted so starkly with Justin.

"Good morning, Elle. I'm just letting you know that I'm driving you to work today. I think we have some things to discuss after last night," his text read.

I called him immediately, the phone barely ringing once before he answered.

"Hey," his voice was a warm morning rumble.

"Good morning," I replied softly.

"Yeah, good morning, beautiful."

His compliment made me smile, a chuckle escaping my lips. "Liam, I don't think it's a good idea for us to go to work together. What if Mr. Bieber loses it again? I know he's your friend, but what happened yesterday...?" I let my voice carry a tone of innocent concern.

"About that... how did it end with him? I really don't understand what happened," Liam asked, his confusion evident.

"Nothing much. He just drove me home and told me to act professionally, to not ruin his reputation or something," I fibbed. "He was so mad, Liam. I'm afraid of losing my job."

In reality, I knew my job was safe. The only truth was Justin's fury, which still simmered.

"Don't worry about your job; I've got your back. As for Justin, I don't know what's gotten into him, but just ignore it. Get ready, and I'll pick you up. I need to make it up to you for yesterday," Liam said reassuringly.

His words were comforting, and his kindness made him seem all the more appealing. Nothing like Justin.

"Thanks, Liam. But I don't want you to get into trouble," I feigned concern, though I was indifferent to the potential fallout of Justin seeing us together.

"Don't worry about me. Get ready. See you soon."

I ended the call and prepared quickly. I styled my hair into a sleek ponytail, slipped on large earrings, and chose a classy necklace. I doused myself in vanilla oud perfume, knowing full well how Justin had reacted to it. Gazing at my reflection, I admired how my black skirt hugged my curves and ended just above my knee. I paired it with high black boots and a matching purse, and my black blazer covered my front, revealing just a hint of my lace shirt.

Descending to the lobby, I met Liam outside his car. He opened the door for me with a courteous gesture, and I slid into the seat beside him. I noticed the two coffees on the console and smiled.