I hesitated—just for a second—before answering. “Ten thousand.”
Elena’s eyes widened, disbelief flashing across her face. “Ten thousand?” she repeated, her voice rising. “You gave her ten thousand dollars?”
She let out a short, incredulous laugh, shaking her head. “God, Adrian...”
Then her expression hardened again. “When is she supposed to pay it back?” Her voice sharpened. “Or did you just give it to her for free for sleeping with you?”
I shook my head immediately, keeping my voice low and steady. “No, Elena. Of course not. She still owes me.”
I paused, choosing my words carefully. “She promised she’d pay it back by early next year. That’s what we agreed on. And she will.”
Her shoulders eased—only slightly, but enough to show she understood.
“And how exactly is she going to do that?”
“She’ll contact me. That’s the only way,” I said.
Elena let out a short breath, something close to a humorless laugh.
“So you two are still going to be in touch.”
I leaned forward, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “For God’s sake, Elena. I know I messed up, but I’m notstupid enough to repeat the same mistake. Hurting you once was already more than enough.”
She didn’t respond.
Seconds passed before she finally said, “Give me her number.”
My head snapped up. “What for?”
“Just give it to me. Why? I’m not allowed to ask?”
“It’s not that,” I said quickly. “It’s just... better if you don’t.”
She gave a cold, humorless laugh. “What? You’re afraid I’ll yell at her? Stop worrying about your girlfriend.”
“She’s not my girlfriend,” I said sharply, heat rising in my voice.
“Then why not give it to me?”
I rubbed a hand over my face. “Elena, no. You’re pregnant. I’m worried about you.”
She let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Funny how your worry only shows up now.”
“Elena—”
“Where’s her number? If you won’t give it to me, I can ask Astrid.”
My jaw tightened. “Don’t drag other people into this.”
“Why not? Embarrassed?” she shot back. “Astrid already knows.”
I felt my patience snap. “Damn it, Elena. Why don’t you just tell everyone I cheated, then?”
Her voice broke as she screamed, “You did cheat!”
The words slammed into me like a punch.
She took a shaky breath before continuing. “You know what—” her voice wavered, and she paused, pressing a hand to her side as she tried to steady her breathing. “—I asked Astrid because I wanted to know... if she knew anything about you and Phoebe.”
