Chapter Text
Cleo knew she should’ve stood up for herself. She knew that not declining her father's offer was a terrible decision, but what would've changed if she did? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
She sat alone in the bathroom of the De Nile penthouse, holding a ruby engagement ring between her fingers. She wanted to scream, but no sound came out. All she could think about was what it would've been like if she had drowned in her own tears. She rested her head against the toilet seat, unable to stand up. But she had to. She had no other choice.
She slowly pushed her shaking legs up, balancing herself by holding onto the sink and the towel hanger. “ Come on, Cleo, get yourself together.” She whispered, sprinkling some cold water on her face.
Her mind was all over the place. How was she going to tell her boyfriend about this? How was she supposed to let go of the only person she truly loved? She couldn’t bear the thought of hurting Deuce. Still, she had to tell him somehow. She wasn’t going to leave him. She refused to let anyone make her choose between him and her family.