Chapter 3

Renzo used to call me every night.

Now I was lucky if he answered a text.

Meanwhile, Sienna had apparently become his favorite person.

She'd gotten the job he'd offered her, although I still wasn't sure what she actually did.

Every evening, she came home with another story about him.

“Renzo took me to lunch today,” she announced one night, dropping her designer purse onto the couch. “He's actually really sweet once you get to know him.”

I looked up from my laptop.

“I'd hope so. I've been dating him for a year.”

Her smile tightened.

“Right. Of course.”

I went back to my manuscript.

Honestly, she could have his lunch breaks.

I had other priorities.

That evening, I texted Renzo.

It's getting cold tonight. Don't forget your coat.

Two hours later, he replied.

Thanks, babe.

That was it.

A month ago, he'd have called immediately.

The following afternoon, someone knocked on my apartment door.

Renzo's right-hand man stood outside holding a velvet box.

“Mr. Vieri asked me to deliver this. He's been busy lately and wanted to apologize.”

Inside was a diamond bracelet.

A very expensive diamond bracelet.

I slipped it onto my wrist.

“Tell him I love it.”

Then I sent Renzo a photo.

It's beautiful. Don't worry about me, sweetheart. I know how important your work is.

Three minutes later, my banking app notified me of a deposit.

One hundred thousand dollars.

I smiled.

Guilt looked surprisingly good on my bank balance.

Over the next two weeks, the gifts kept coming.

A handbag. Diamond earrings. Another transfer.

I accepted everything and continued sending my usual sweet messages.

Then, over the weekend, I stopped texting altogether.

Renzo called Sunday night.

“Baby, you've been quiet.”

“I didn't want to bother you.”

“You're never a bother.”

I almost asked if Sienna knew that.

Instead, I sighed.

“It's just been difficult at home. Mom and Dad barely notice me unless they need something. Sometimes I wish I had somewhere that actually felt like mine.”

Renzo went quiet.

“Blair, you know I'd take care of you.”

“I know. I'm sorry. Forget I said anything.”

“Don't apologize, sweetheart.”

The next morning, his lawyer called.

Renzo had transferred a Manhattan penthouse into my name.

I nearly dropped my coffee.

By lunchtime, I had the paperwork.

That evening, I stopped by my parents' house to collect some things.

Sienna was in the kitchen when I laid the documents on the counter.

She spotted the address.

“Wait. That's the penthouse on Park Avenue.”

“Good eye.”

“Where did you get that?”

“Renzo gave it to me.”

Her face changed.

“He bought you an apartment?”

“Technically, he gave me an apartment. The distinction matters.”

She grabbed her phone.

“That's disgusting. You're using him!”

She called Renzo right in front of me.

“Renzo, Blair told me you bought her a penthouse. You shouldn't have to spend that kind of money to make someone love you.”

I leaned against the counter.

Renzo's voice came through the speaker.

“Sienna, that's between Blair and me.”

“But she's taking advantage of you!”

“She's my girlfriend. I can give her whatever I want.”

He hung up.

Sienna stared at her phone.

I picked up my paperwork.

“Anyway, enjoy your job, sweetie. I've got a new place to decorate.”

And for once, my little sister had absolutely nothing to say.