Chapter 9: Mistress Turned Winner

"Naomi, what am I supposed to do now?" I stared out the window, eyes glassy, completely hollow inside. For so many years, Julian had been my whole world. My entire world revolved around him. Now, without him, I felt like I had lost all motivation. My day started and ended with him. And now? I didn't even know what I was supposed to wake up for. Without him, it felt like the ground had vanished from under me. "Serena, he's a piece of garbage. You're lucky you found out now. Imagine if this had happened after you married him." Naomi sat down beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "But it still hurts..." I clung to her. My tears had dried up days ago, but the pain stuck around like it owned me. "You're going to forget about him," Naomi said, gripping my shoulders. "And then you're going to find someone a hundred times better. One day that cheating bastard is going to regret everything." I didn't say anything, but deep down I was grateful. If it weren't for Naomi, I honestly don't know how I'd be standing right now. "Alright, up. Get dressed, put on makeup, and let's go spend some damn money. After today, Julian Shepherd will be just a bad memory." Naomi dragged me out of bed. I didn't have the energy to resist. We hit the shopping center near her place. I froze for a second when I realized it belonged to the same company Julian worked for. Every cell in my body wanted to walk out. Naomi gripped my hand. "Stay. He doesn't own this place, and he doesn't own your life." So I stayed. Naomi shopped like it was a sport. Her hands were full of bags in minutes. I walked behind her like a ghost, untouched by any of it. Then I saw them. Julian and Monica. The air got sucked from my lungs. I grabbed Naomi's arm, ready to flee. "What the hell, Serena? I'm not even done." "Let's go. I'm not staying here." I turned my back to them, praying they wouldn't notice me. Naomi frowned but didn't say anything. Then she saw them too. "Serena," Monica's voice rang out behind me, fake-sweet and smug, "what a surprise. You seem to be doing just fine. Breakup's still fresh and you're already out shopping? Guess someone's moving on fast." I clenched my jaw, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. Naomi stepped in front of me. "Well, if it isn't the long-term side chick. So, Monica, how does it feel? You finally won."