One year after she found herself at the center of a scandal that rocked the NBA and led to a change in ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers, V. Stiviano posted a long and cryptic note to Instagram on the birthday of her one-time companion, Donald Sterling.

Stiviano, the 32-year-old with whom Sterling was romantically involved, secretly recorded a racist rant that would ultimately lead to Sterling being banned for life from the NBA and pressured into selling the Clippers.

On Sunday, Sterling's 81st birthday, Stiviano posted a photo along with this message:


"It's official BFF's for ever" It happens like this. "One day you meet someone and for some inexplicable reason, you feel more connected to this stranger than anyone else--closer to them than your closest family. Perhaps this person carries within them an angel--one sent to you for some higher purpose; to teach you an important lesson or to keep you safe during a perilous time. What you must do is trust in them--even if they come hand in hand with pain or suffering--the reason for their presence will become clear in due time." Though here is a word of warning--you may grow to love this person but remember they are not yours to keep. Their purpose isn't to save you but to show you how to save yourself. And once this is fulfilled; the halo lifts and the angel leaves their body as the person exits your life. They will be a stranger to you once more. My mentor is my partner in crime, today is a day of celebration and trouble making for this best friend duo. The beginning of something great: another year with you. Our friendship is made of gold and it will stay solid for ever. I love you with all my heart. Happy Birthday Donald T. Sterling from the one and only your #ANGEL #VStiviano

A photo posted by V Stiviano (@vstiviano) on

While the nature of their friendship was and is unclear, testimony in a recent trial has shed light on Sterling and Stiviano's relationship. Shelly Sterling assumed Stiviano was her estranged husband's mistress, but Stiviano said the two did not have sex. She referred to Sterling as a father figure and lover. Donald Sterling referred to Stiviano as an "ex-friend."

Stiviano was on the losing end of a lawsuit filed by Shelly Sterling, and she was forced to return $2.6 million to the woman whom she referred to as the "Wicked Witch of the West."

In recent weeks Stiviano has posted a handful of photos of her and Sterling, although it is unclear when the pictures were taken:


" I will forever be your ANGEL " Don't let the evil witch of the west Rochelle (Shelly) Sterling suck the living life out of you. I'm here for you. I've always been here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm turning thee other cheek while unveiling the truth. Mask the pain with LOVE and compassion for thy enemy. When things get hard wear the visor and let your tears of joy flow. There's nothing you can't handle. Don't give up on life now. You know the truth and that's all that matters. This too shall pass. I LOVE you. I've learn from some of the best people in the world. Lucky and very bless and so it is. #LATimes #LosAngelesTimes #News #NYTimes #NewYorkTimes #TheNewYorkBestSellers #1 #Author #Writer #NewsWeek #WashingtonPost #ChicagoTribune #Crown #Publishers #Publishing #RandomHouse #TheNewyorker #WallStreetJournal #Change #Politics #DonaldTSterling #LOVES #VStiviano LOVE is my only motivation.

A photo posted by V Stiviano (@vstiviano) on



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