The billionaire’s only obsession

“Don’t tell me you’re planning to rot away in this room while the whole campus is at his party.” Alexa’s voice cracked through the stillness like a whip. She was sprawled across Emma’s bed in ripped jeans and glittering top which clung to her like second skin, legs crossed. Her lipstick was a bright shade of red which complimented her skin colour, a wide grin on her lips. Emma’s fingers tightened on the edge of her book. She didn’t look up from the book on her lap. She pretended to read though her eyes had been stuck on the same line for the last ten minutes. His party. The words stirred something in her chest she didn’t want her cousin to see. “I’m not going.” Emma murmured, her voice was low, defensive. “You mean you’re too scared.” Alexa rolled onto her stomach, chin propped on her palm, eyes glinting. “You’ve been in love with Jason Reed since your freshman year, and now he’s hosting the biggest party of the semester and you’re seriously telling me you’d rather sit here…. reading??” Heat rose in Emma’s cheeks. The name alone was enough to stir a flurry inside her heart. Jason Reed. The golden boy. Captain of the basketball team. Every girl’s dream. And the boy who - somehow - had chosen to be kind to her. He smiled at her in the cafeteria, sat beside her in class when seats were scarce, called her friend. Friend. The word stung like a bruise pressed too hard. “He doesn’t see me that way.” Emma whispered. “Not yet,” Alexa shot back, smirking. “But he won’t ever if you keep hiding in your tower like some tragic princess. Tonight is your chance. You confess. You tell him how you feel. Simple.” “Simple?” Emma let out a bitter laugh. “You think it’s simple for someone like me to walk up to someone like him in front of everyone and—” “And tell the truth?” Alexa interrupted, hopping off the bed. She grabbed Emma’s wrists, tugging her up. “Come on, Em. You’ve spent your whole life letting people walk past you. Your parents. Lily. Everyone. Don’t let him walk past you too.” Emma’s breathe caught. Alexa’s words slid under her skin, pressing on wounds she tried so hard to ignore. She thought of Lily—her sister, the golden child, the one their parents adored so completely Emma sometimes wondered if they even remembered she existed. Every laugh, every proud glance, every ounce of love in their house belonged to Lily. Never her. Jason was different. Or at least, he had been. He noticed her when no one else did. He said her name like it mattered. And maybe that was why her heart ached at the thought of letting the chance slip away. Alexa saw the flicker in her eyes and took that as her chance. “That’s it. You’re coming. No excuses.” Before Emma could protest again, Alexa was already digging through her closet, tossing sweaters and faded jeans until she pulled out a dress Emma had forgotten she owned—a soft black one that clung to her figure in a way she never dared to show. “I can’t wear that,” Emma started, but Alexa shoved it into her arms. “You can, and you will.” The party was alive long before they arrived. Music pulsed through the ground, lights strobed across the crowded house, laughter spilling out into the night. Emma’s chest tightened as she stepped inside, swallowed by the heat, the noise, the swirl of bodies. She tugged at the hem of her dress, wishing she could shrink, vanish, escape. But Alexa had her by the wrist, pulling her forward like a storm dragging a leaf. And then she saw him. Jason. He stood across the room, tall, broad-shouldered, his smile so effortless it seemed the world bent itself to his charm. Girls leaned towards him, boys clapped him on the back. He was the centre. Always has been. Emma’s breathe hitched. Her fingers trembled. This is it. This is your chance. “Go,” Alexa urged, giving her a push. Heart pounding loudly she wondered if anyone else could hear, Emma gathered every shard of courage she had left and moved toward him. Each step felt heavier, the music louder, her pulse wild. She rehearsed the words in her head—Jason, i like you. Jason, I’ve liked you for so long. Jason, please just see me. But when she finally reached him, her world shattered. He wasn’t alone. Jason’s lips were pressed against another girl’s in a hot makeout session. The girl was slender, beautiful, everything Emma was not. The kiss was hungry, careless, like she was the only girl who had ever existed. Something splintered inside Emma’s chest. She froze, her heart collapsing on itself, her breathe caught, strangling her throat. The words she had carried for years turned to ash. She stumbled back, blind, before Alexa’s voice caught her. “Emma? Hey— But Emma couldn’t hear. She grabbed the nearest cup, filled with something bitter, burning, and swallowed. The fire in her throat distracted her from the ache in her chest. Another drink. And another. Until the music blurred, the lights spun, and her pain softened into numbness. She barely remembered the stumble towards the restroom. She just knew she needed to breathe, to wash away the string of tears she refused to shed here. The hallway was dim, quieter than the chaos outside. She pressed against the wall, her steps unsteady, her head light. She pushed into the restroom, gripping the sink as she splashed cold water against her face. Her reflection stared back at her—make up smudged, eyes glassy. She should have stayed back. “You shouldn’t be here alone.” Emma spun, her heart lurching. A man leaned against the door, his smile twisted, his eyes raking her body. She shook her head, words fumbling. “I—I’m fine. I was just— He stepped closer and her stomach dropped. His hand reached, brushing her arm. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. “No—please—” Emma stumbled back, panic sparking through the haze of alcohol. Her chest tightened, her voice broke. Where the hell is Alexa? Where is anyone??