Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23400 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23400 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 117(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
8
Catherine
A few months later.
I can’t believe it. I sit in my small bathroom. I haven’t been in this bathroom in ages because I’ve basically moved into Reed’s apartment full time, and only come by on occasion to pick up clothes I need or other essentials. After our encounter at the Valentine’s Day party, the handsome billionaire and I decided to stick together come hell or high water.
Or more accurately, he’s in me more often than not, and it’s absolutely delicious.
At first, I thought it would be weird because I’d only just broken up with Rev. The disaster that happened was shocking and traumatic, yet with Reed’s support, I was over it within a week. After all, Rev never wanted me. I can see now that he was selfish and uncaring, with his nose always buried in his phone. Not only that, but he only dated me because he wanted to film a “fat girl” as part of his “Great Performances” series with his friends.
It’s disgusting and so inhumane. Any other woman would be going to therapy for PTSD after discovering these facts about her ex. But I’ve been okay because Reed talked me through it. He was patient and loving, and listened to me cry non-stop for a week. I wailed like a banshee while practically beating my chest, but he always comforted me with soothing words and gentle kisses. Within days, I began feeling better and Reed and I started dating immediately.
Of course, there’s the plain truth: I rolled right out of Rev’s bed and into Reed’s. Yet, I don’t feel bad about it at all. I know, it’s a little strange because they’re identical twins, but I haven’t had any regrets. The two men are nothing like each other, even if they share the same genes and the same last name.
In fact, I’d say that Reed is the opposite of his brother. Rev liked to act like he was Mr. Big Shot CEO, but in fact, Reed is the brother who’s the real thing. Rev was a poser with his “vaping empire” and allegedly astute business sense, but it’s all fake. In the months since that Valentine’s Day party, Jem Vape has fallen apart. There have been a cascade of news articles recently describing how teens are getting addicted to nicotine, and how Jem Vape specifically targeted underage customers. Plus, the FDA recently prohibited any fruit flavor vapes that might get teens hooked. As a result, Jem Vape has had to scale back a lot, both here in the United States and also abroad where they were beginning distribution.
Unfortunately, Rev completely lost it after seeing his company go belly-up. He even went so far as to beg Reed to lend him some money, and after his brother refused, Rev got angry. He said some nasty things about me, and how I was “used goods” and “sloppy seconds.” But Reed stood firm and ignored him, which made me feel so good about my man.
Then, Rev got even more desperate. He actually begged his brother to come on as co-CEO of Jem Vape in order to deal with their problems, but again, Reed refused. Reed just doesn’t believe in the product. He agrees with the FDA that vaping is attracting teens and developing a new generation of addicts. It doesn’t matter how much money there is on the table: he’s not to be responsible for the next public health crisis.
Plus, once a couple teenagers actually died from lung disease related to vaping, Rev had a breakdown. From what I understand, he’s turned the company over to the board, and they continue to run Jem Vape, although to be honest, I’m not sure what there is left standing. From what I heard, Rev is at home most days, drinking up a storm while also occasionally indulging in recreational drugs. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are empty pizza cartons scattered all over his penthouse, along with used bongs and a slew of video games. He’s entered a dark period, and from what I’ve heard, isn’t even close to coming out of it yet.
This is all good news for me because if anything, I dodged a bullet by breaking up with Rev. It’s hard to believe that I was actually entertaining the thought of pledging my life to this man, and potentially getting married to the lying manipulator. But instead, I saw who he really is, and managed to disentangle myself in a dramatic, if sudden, fashion.
Plus, my break-up with Rev allowed me to move on with Reed, and it’s been fantastic. My new boyfriend is gorgeous, handsome, and also astutely intelligent. When I asked him why he always works behind the scenes at the House of Permian, he merely let out a low chuckle.
“Sweetheart, the House of Permian sells designer handbags and haute couture to women. It’s based on the myth of Coco Permian, the original designer, and no one wants to see a guy in a suit promoting the product.”