Chapter 9

Thalia woke naturally at ten, stretching luxuriously. "Mmm... not working feels amazing." After her morning routine, she headed downstairs for breakfast. Rosa had prepared enough for two. Thalia glanced at the empty seat across from her, saying nothing. "Miss Winters, will Mr. Ashcroft be joining for breakfast?" Rosa asked hesitantly. "He didn't chlast night," Thalia replied between sips of coffee. "So no." "Oh." Rosa retreated to the kitchen, knowing she'd overstepped. After breakfast, Thalia got a message from Asher. ? O [Thoughts on engagement gala attire? Custom or designer ready-to-wear?] Was there even a custom? To think of it, she didn't know the engagement date. [When's the gala?] Asher: [Not set yet. Waiting to see when you're back in London?] Thalia: [Nine more days here.] Asher: [Perfect.] Worried about custom timing, she replied: [Let's go with the esigner. I'll look at collections.] Asher: [Let me know what you choose.] As she was about to close WhatsApp, Drake's chat notification appeared. It was a video. In a dimly lit private room at S Club, a drunk Drake was leaning into Sienna's embrace, mumbling, 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 8.2% Chapter 9 "Sienna, you're finally back... I knew you'd cback... I waited five years..." The background was noisy with their friends' voices-Drake's usual crowd and Celine among them. All the people she knew. In the video, Sienna held Drake, smiling down at him. “Drake, you're drunk." Drake nuzzled closer. “I'm not... I'm clear... You're Stenna, the love of my life... See? I know exactly what I'm saying..." Someone off-camera: "Drake, if Sienna's the love of your life, what about Thalla?" Drake: "Who's Thalia? I only... only love Sienna..." "Looks like you're the only one for him," Celine's voice carried clearly. "Look how he clings to you when he's drunk. You're all he sees." Thalia's lips curved in derision. Three years with Drake, and she'd never heard them call her anything but "the girlfriend.” No surprise there. They'd never considered her Drake's real partner. "Why can't Thalia take a hint? Sienna's back, and she's still hanging around. Zero self-awareness." That was Celine's friend, the son who'd called her necklace fake. She'd always looked down on Thalía. Celine chimed in: "Girls like her don't let go of trust fund babies easily". Thalia's eyes lowered, a cold smile playing on her lips. Celine would never say this to her face. Now she knew for sure that the look of disdain at the birthday party hadn't been her imagination. Celine's friendly act was just that: an act. Like the others, she saw Thalia as beneath them. "Sienna, we're all on your side." "God, yes. We never liked her. She needs to understand her place, trying to force her way into our circle." "She's probably read too many romances about the billionaire falling for the commoner. She's a joke and doesn't even know it." "Exactly! She's notin our class. Drake was just slumming it. Now that Sienna's back, Thalia needs to go." 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True The third was an off-shoulder ivory ballgown with scattered crimson rose petals on tulle overlay, romantic and graceful. She posted the three on Instagram with the caption: "Help your girl choose!? Which one's giving the main character energy for the perfect night? #fashiondilemma #needadvice #cantdecide?" Within minutes, likes and comments flooded in. Asher: "All three are absolutely stunning? Get them all if you love them," Her childhood friend Victoria chimed in. Victoria: "Bestie, your taste is GOD TIER? Let Asher spoil you and get the whole collection! #richboyfriend #treatyourself. Her other friend Charlotte: "Our princess is about to serve LOOKS? Slaying in any of these tbh #queensthings" Katie: "OMGGGG BOSS!? Is this what I think it is?!! Drop the deets, are we hearing wedding bells?!?" Among the warm wishes from friends and family, a few comments stood out. Celine: [......] Mason: [Thalia, are you...] Chase: [Seriously? Dream on lol] Coworker A: [Maybe check the prices before flexing? You can't even rent these.... Coworker B: [Must be nice having money to burn.] Drake: [?] Thalia raised an eyebrow. Seems Drake had sobered up. Sure enough, his message came through. [Delete that post. Now.] Thalia: [No.] Drake: [Still pushing for marriage? Did nothing I said get through to you?]