Chapter 82

TESSA

I wait until 10 AM to call Emilia, right as I’m walking to work. Growth, if you ask me.

I could’ve called her at 7, when I was still stewing in bed. Or at 8, when I nearly threw my phone across the room. But no—10 AM. That’s self-control.

I choose to walk. Thought it might help. Walking clears my head. Brings a sense of order. Reminds me that I make terrible, terrible decisions.

Still, I stop at a quiet café near the office for caffeine. And maybe because calling Emilia from my office means I’d have to admit to myself that this is serious.

She starts judging me rather quickly. “You were doing so well! What happened to all that talk about not letting your parents ruin your life?”

I sigh. “I thought you said no judgement.”

“I lied. But more importantly—have you forgotten a key detail? You don’t have a boyfriend. And if you did, he wouldn’t be playing for Team Orlov.”

I hear clinks on her end—probably digging through her cabinets. M