"I said we're really broken up! Do you not get it?! If you still don't believe me… fine. I'll say it right here in front of everyone, one more time: Scott and I are over!"
Scott's smile vanished.
Someone in the crowd let out a derisive snort.
"So, is she for real or what?"
"It's an act. I'll bet five dollars."
"Ten!"
"A grand!"
"No way, seriously?"
"What, you actually think she means it?"
"Psh, figures. Let's keep it small then—ten thousand!"
"Wait, no one's betting that she's over him for real? What's even the point? Hahaha!"
Simone raised her hand.
"100,000 dollars. I bet she's serious."
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
Sharp glares and shrill laughter closed in around me. I clenched my fists.
The elevator doors slid open again, and I turned to leave.
"Hey! Fiona, don't go!"
Simone lunged for me just as the doors began to close.
Her movement was too violent—half my body got caught in the doors. With a loud groan, the elevator jolted downward a short distance.
I staggered and collapsed onto the floor.
Looking at the elevator now suspended in mid-air, a chill ran through me. If I'd been a second slower…
I grabbed Simone's arm and, in one swift motion, slapped her hard across the face.
"Do you have any idea what you just did?!"
"Simone!"
Panic instantly flashed across Scott's face. He rushed forward and scooped her into his arms.
"Simone…"
His trembling fingertips gently brushed the side of her reddened face before he looked up at me. His expression was cold. Distant. Veiled with a hatred I'd never seen before.
So… this was how important she was to him? Even after what she'd done, she couldn't take a single slap?
"Fiona…"
His voice was low, terrifyingly so.
Their friends immediately understood. They moved in, forming a tight circle around me.
I scanned the ring of people. Most were men—some twice as broad as me.
I lifted my chin and met Scott's gaze.
"What are you going to do?"
He hesitated.
I stepped forward.
"Planning to kill me right here?"
The veins on the back of Scott's hands bulged instantly.
I held his stare, unflinching, unwavering.
"Let's go back."
He gritted his teeth and helped Simone to her feet.
She froze.
"Scott? She hit me!"
"I said, let's go back!"
He repeated, his voice icy and final.
"Scott!"
Her teeth were clenched so tight I could almost hear them grind. Tears streamed down her face. But this time, Scott didn't comfort her. He just kept his cold eyes locked on me as he led her away by the hand.
I closed my eyes, letting the storm of emotions settle.
I picked up my towel and swimsuit and took the stairs down to the first-floor pool.
But when I finished my swim and went to shower, all my clothes were gone.
"Well, well, look who it is?"
A familiar voice rang out. I turned.
Simone's friends were holding my clothes, waving them in the air with smug, disdainful smirks.
"Give those back!"
I lunged forward, but another girl yanked the changing room door open and shoved me out into the open.
"Oh my god! She's not wearing anything?!"
"No way, how trashy can you be?"
"Psh! Not bad though. Anyone get a pic?"
"Already did! Posting it in the group chat now!"
The sharp click of leather dress shoes on marble cut through the chatter. Everyone fell silent.
"Huh? Scott is here too?"
I looked up. Scott stood before me, holding Simone's hand.
He stopped directly in front of me.
Behind him, Simone's earlier anger was gone. Every curve of her face now radiated pure, gloating triumph.
"Are you satisfied with this punishment?"
