Page 22 of Fake Engagement with my Brother's Best Friend

I can see through the facade. There’s something in her eyes—a glint of satisfaction, like she’s already planning her next move. As she excuses herself from the conversation and starts to walk away, I know I can’t just let it go. There’s too much at stake, and I can’t have her stirring up trouble, especially not now.

I wait a beat, then follow her out of the dining area. I catch up with her just as she reaches a quieter part of the resort, away from prying eyes and ears. “Samantha,” I call out, my voice laced with frustration.

She turns to face me, her expression calm, almost bored, as if she’s already forgotten our conversation. “Logan,” she replies, her tone cool and measured. “Is there something you need?”

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my temper in check. “What was that back there? I’ve told you to stay out of this, to leave Grace and me alone. What are you trying to do?”

Samantha’s eyes narrow slightly, a hint of that familiar, calculating expression slipping through. “I’m not trying to do anything, Logan. I was just making conversation. Isn’t that what old friends do?”

“Don’t play games with me,” I snap, my patience wearing thin. “You’re up to something, and we both know it. I’m asking you to stop, for once. If you don’t care about embarrassing me, at least think about Emily and Joseph. This is their wedding, their time to be happy. Don’t ruin it with whatever scheme you’ve got in mind.”

Samantha’s smile turns cold, the pretense of friendliness dropping. “Oh, please, Logan. Don’t act like you’re so noble. This whole thing— this little charade you’re putting on—it’s all justa game to you too. You’re only upset because I’m messing with your carefully crafted lie.”

I step closer, my voice low and firm. “You’re angry I broke up with you, I get it, but that’s no excuse to ruin this vacation. Stop being so bitter.”

She lets out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Bitter? Is that what you think, that I’m jealous of your little act with Grace? Please. I’m just having a bit of fun, watching you squirm. Honestly, it’s been more entertaining than I expected.”

My jaw tightens, the anger simmering just below the surface. “This isn’t a game, Samantha. Not anymore. Grace means something to me, and I’m not going to let you hurt her—or anyone else here—just to get back at me.”

Samantha’s eyes flash with something—anger, or maybe something deeper, but she hides it quickly behind that practiced smirk. “If Grace means so much to you, why are you messing her around like this?”

I swallow hard, knowing she’s trying to get under my skin, trying to make me question everything. I won’t give her the satisfaction. “That’s between Grace and me,” I say, my voice steady. “If you care about Emily and Joseph at all, if you have any respect for them, you’ll back off. Let them have their wedding in peace.”

For a moment, Samantha just stares at me, her expression unreadable. Then she sighs, as if I’ve exhausted her, and shrugs. “Fine, Logan. I’ll play nice—at least for now. Don’t expect me to just disappear. I’m not going anywhere.”

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can say anything, I hear someone approaching. I turn to see Joseph heading ourway, a curious look on his face as he takes in the scene between Samantha and me.

“What’s going on here?” Joseph asks, his tone light but laced with curiosity. His eyes flick between the two of us, clearly picking up on the tension in the air.

“Nothing,” I say quickly, forcing a casual tone. The last thing I want is for Joseph to get caught up in this mess. “Just talking.”

Joseph raises an eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but he doesn’t press the issue. Instead, he turns his attention to Samantha, who’s now sporting a polished, serene smile, as if the confrontation that just took place didn’t even happen.

“Hey, Sam,” Joseph says, giving her a friendly nod. “You’re not going to be at the beach bar tonight, are you?”

Samantha’s smile falters just a fraction, and she shakes her head. “No, I have other plans. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

“Cool, cool,” Joseph says, nodding again before turning back to me. “We’re having a little party at the beach bar tonight. You in?”

I hesitate for a second, my mind still on Samantha and the conversation we just had. The idea of a night out, away from all this tension, sounds like exactly what I need. Especially if Samantha isn’t going to be there.

“Yeah,” I say, managing a smile. “I’m in. Sounds like a good time.”

“Great,” Joseph says, clapping me on the shoulder. “We’ll have a good time, unwind a bit. You could use it.”

I nod, appreciating his easy-going nature. “Yeah, I could,” I admit.

Joseph glances at Samantha again, clearly sensing the weird vibes, but he doesn’t say anything about it. “Alright, I’ll see you there, man,” he says, before giving Samantha a polite nod and heading off.

As soon as he’s out of earshot, Samantha turns back to me, that smirk still playing on her lips. “Enjoy your party, Logan,” she says, her voice dripping with something I can’t quite place. “I’m sure it’ll be… fun.”

I don’t bother responding, just give her a curt nod before turning on my heel and walking away. I don’t have the energy to deal with her anymore, not today.

Chapter Thirteen

Grace

I’m late. Of course I am. After spending far too long stressing over my hair—trying to get it to look effortlessly perfect while only managing to drive myself crazy—I finally managed to pull it into a loose, elegant updo that seemed like a compromise between casual and formal. Now, I’m rushing through the doors of the rehearsal dinner, feeling the weight of being late for such an important event.

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