Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 38

Night settled over the city, the KTV lounge glowing with swirling neon lights. This was it—the last wild night before graduation. The air was thick with beer, laughter, and the sting of goodbyes.

A couple of Emmy’s roommates were already a mess, hugging microphones and belting out an off-key “Don’t Say Goodbye.” Their faces were streaked with tears.

“Emmy, what if we never see each other again?” one of them sniffled.

“We’re all heading off in different directions! Getting everyone together again is going to be impossible…” another wailed.

Emmy’s eyes were rimmed red, but she held it together. Her tears just slid quietly down her cheeks. She lifted her glass, her voice raspy from the drinks.

“If you’re ever in the Capital, hit me up. I’ll treat you all to dinner.”

One of the girls wiped her face and joked, “You’ll be running a huge company soon. Can us regular folks even get in touch with you?”

But another roommate grabbed Emmy’s hand, suddenly serious.

“Don’t say that! If anyone gets married, it doesn’t matter where or how busy we are. We all have to show up. Promise?”

“Promise!” everyone chimed in.

After the party, Emmy stumbled back to her hotel, still reeking of alcohol and dizzy from the night. She threw herself onto the soft bed and blacked out immediately.

The next thing she knew, sunlight stabbed through the curtains, making her squint. Her head pounded with a brutal hangover. She frowned, then froze.

Her face felt fresh and clean. Her feet weren’t sticky anymore. Someone had washed her face—and her feet too.

But her clothes were still the ones from last night.

She pushed herself up and spotted a note pinned under her phone on the nightstand. The handwriting was instantly familiar. Dean.

If you can’t handle your drinks, don’t drink so much. I know you’re still not over me, but it’s time to let go and move on.

And by the way, you should thank Evelina. She’s the reason you graduated—and even got honors. I’ve taken care of everything at school. I won’t be coming back.

Emmy stared at the note for a second, then grabbed her phone. The roommate group chat had blown up.

He walked right past her into the kitchen and set everything down with a heavy thud.

“From the station,” he said.

Emmy blinked, finally finding her voice. “Wow, your team gets some nice perks.”

He just nodded.

She glanced at the fresh pork belly. “Guess I’ll make another dish. Give me a sec.”

James didn’t answer. He just strolled into the living room, took one look at her single armchair, and sank right in. He picked up the textbook Emmy had left on the coffee table and started flipping through it, looking completely relaxed.

From the kitchen, Emmy peeked out at him. The light made his profile look even sharper and more handsome. She couldn’t help but wonder if a firefighter could really make sense of that book.

The pork was bubbling in the pot, filling the place with the rich, mouthwatering smell of simmering soy sauce and spices.

Emmy wiped her hands and stepped out of the kitchen.