Semua Bab Let Me Go, Boss!: Bab 91 - Bab 100

Riley’s POV My hand was tucked into the crook of Jax’s elbow, each of our step rehearsed as we walked through the ballroom. I pasted on a polite smile, the one I had perfected over the last few events, and nodded politely as another couple approached.“Mr. Maddox,” a man beamed, reaching out to shake Jax’s hand. “I’m Warren Blake. I run the Blake Foundation in Colorado. This is my wife, Evelyn.”Jax grinned, it was his usual sharp and practiced smile. “I remember you both,” he nodded, smiling brighter, “it’s so good to see you again, Warren. Evelyn, you look stunning.”I smiled and extended my right hand. “Riley. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”Evelyn’s eyes raked over me with interest, or judgment. Probably the latter, she was judging my dress, the way the slit grazed my thigh and the neckline plunged a little too low. Her smile tightened into a practiced line. “You’re even prettier than the photos. I can see why the press loves you two.”I laughed, the sound polite and noncommi

Camilla’s povI can’t believe Jax walked out on me, just like that. The moment Riley was out of our sight, I’d barely said anything when he turned around, stormed out, and left me standing there like a damn fool in front of everyone.I had stood there frozen for a few seconds, feeling the heat of every camera flash burning into my skin. Everyone was talking, murmuring and whispering about me. Some of them glanced over with eyes filled with pity and some filled with scorn.I lowered my head, my fingers grabbed the edges of my dress and I started pulling it downwards, suddenly self aware of the several people looking at me. You’ll pay for this Jax, you definitely will. I turned on my heel and started to walk to the nearest side door. My velvet heels digged into the carpet as I walked, my heart was pounding like it was trying to jump out of my chest. People stared as I passed, some nudged their partners to “look at me,” while these stared at me in pity. I yanked the door open and step

Riley’s povI slammed the door behind me and leaned against it, holding my breath in hopes that it would stop the night from catching up with me. I just kissed Jax Maddox.Again. For what felt like the hundredth time even though I knew it was wrong. My heels clicked against the floor as I stepped inside my apartment. I didn’t bother turning on the lights, the soft city glow leaking through the windows was enough.I dropped my purse on the counter, my hands shaking as I did.I could feel the tears creeping in, threatening to spill over as I thought about Camilla and the baby on the way.“God!” I sighed, rubbing my face in frustration. I hated complicated situations, and yet I’d gone to put myself in the middle of one. My fingers undid the clasp of my dress slowly, as if that would keep me from falling apart. I let it slip off my shoulders and stepped out of it like I was shedding everything that had happened tonight.But it wasn’t that easy. Jax’s voice was still ringing in my head.

Five hours ago…CAMILLA’S POVI woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing nonstop on the nightstand. Frustrated, I stretched my hand and reached for it. When I unlocked the phone, I was welcomed with dozens of notifications. My group chats were on fire. My mother’s name popped up, twice.“BREAKING: Jax Maddox caught kissing girlfriend backstage at gala.”Attached below it was a very clear photo of Jax holding Riley’s face like she was the damn oxygen in his lungs, his mouth were on hers while her hands fisted in his tux jacket like she needed him.I stared at the image for a full minute, my blood raging in my veins as I did.So, this is what it felt like to be replaced publicly. The two idiots didn’t even bother trying to hide it. Did they not think of what would happen when people saw him kissing his girlfriend and he abandoned his pregnant baby mama?How dumb was he? I thought he was getting better and smarter with his PR now, but apparently, he still hadn’t learned anything. I hisse

Riley’s Pov After everything: the scandal, the kiss, the nonstop chaos, I needed this run more than I wanted to admit. My leggings clung to my damp legs, and my sports bra was sticky, but I didn’t care. The sun was sinking behind the rooftops, painting the street with a soft, hazy glow. For once, I felt like maybe I could breathe again.I glanced at my phone, still in my hand, music humming softly through one of my earbuds. The screen lit up with a reminder notification of the last text from Jax. I hadn’t replied, not because I didn’t want to, I just didn’t trust myself to say anything that wouldn’t sound like I’d already forgiven him. I wasn’t ready for that. I’d been replaying his words all day, every sentence looping in my head like a song I couldn’t get rid of.She’s out. For good. If you need me, I’m here. No more pretending.I shoved the phone back into the waistband of my leggings and took a deep breath. I needed to focus on the moment. The rhythm of my footsteps, the cool ai