Page 21 of Enemies with My Brother's Billionaire Bestie

“Thank you,” Julia mouths, her eyes puffy with tears. I wonder just how many more tears she’ll shed on her actual wedding day.

As the cake cutting leads into more socializing, I allow myself a small breath of relief. So far, nothing has gone wrong—thankfully, Olivia’s candles haven’t caused a disaster yet. But I know better than to speak too soon.

“Drama always stirs up whenever Olivia is involved,” I mutter under my breath, “and a part of me feels tonight won’t be an exception.”

Chapter thirteen

Olivia

He shouldn’t be here. His presence is ruining everything, especially my mood—and it’s the last thing I need today. I admit, I didn’t think lighting candles everywhere would end in disaster. But Elliot acting as though this is his wedding, followinghisrules, is making my stomach turn. I’d even say he’s taking the joy out of it, but I’m already too annoyed to care.

Maybe I was too quick to judge when I thought there might be a prince charming beneath that rough exterior. But no. Elliot is cruel through and through, and no amount of delicious tomato soup or a cute dog is going to change that.

“I’m not taking the candles out, Daniel. The event’s almost over and nothing’s happened,” I pout, knowing he’s already tried to convince my brother. It’s the only reason why he has me standing here in the corner, giving me those pleading puppy eyes.

Daniel leans over, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I know that, but if things go south, it could be disastrous. Let’s just take them out now that Julia’s done with her starstruck moment.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, trying to stop myself from escalating things further. Daniel’s had a hectic day managing guests and his soon-to-be in-laws. Elliot’s smug face is about the last thing I need right now, but I keep my composure.

“Just so we’re clear, I’m only doing this for my brother, not because you asked,” I snap at Elliot, turning on my heel to return to my seat. But as soon as I make the move, the chaos erupts.

A guest—who has clearly had more than enough champagne—stumbles, grabbing the tablecloth in a desperate attempt to stay upright. In one quick motion, he sends everything on the table crashing to the floor. And just like that, flames begin to lick the air, turning what was supposed to be a night of celebration into a fiery nightmare. This is not the blaze I wanted to ignite.

“Fire!” someone yells, and panic follows. People scramble, grabbing fire extinguishers and spraying water, their frantic movements a blur against the blazing scene.

It’s astonishing how quickly curtains can go up in flames. Maybe this is how quickly passion burns out: likeBurning Bridges and New Flames.That could be the title of my next blog post.

When the fire’s finally out, I spot Elliot rushing to my side, his hair and suit covered in white extinguisher residue. His eyes are wild with concern. “Are you okay?” He pulls me in, his hands almost frantic as they scan my body for injuries.

I jerk away, rising to my feet and surveying the damage. “I’m fine. Looks like you took out all the candles in the room.”

“Is that really what’s important right now?” His voice is irritated, almost angry.

“Of course not. But it seems like you were looking for an excuse to take them out, and well, the universe answered your call,” I say dryly, but my attempt at teasing only makes him more annoyed.

He runs a hand through his hair, exasperated. “None of this would’ve happened if you’d just listened when I asked you to take the candles out.”

His yelling doesn’t help the storm brewing inside me. “I’m sorry about your drapes and curtains. I’ll pay for them,” I snap, my frustration bubbling over.

“Pay for them?” He scoffs, incredulous. “Are you serious, Ollie? This isn’t about the curtains. This is about how people could’ve been hurt. You could’ve been hurt,” he growls, slamming his fist on the table. The room falls silent, the tension palpable.

Daniel steps forward, his smile forced but polite. “How about we take a breather? No one was hurt, so let’s not make this worse.”

Elliot glares at me, brushing off Daniel’s attempt to defuse things. “Tell that to your sister and her ridiculous ideas.”

“What did you just say? This was an accident, Elliot, but it seems like you have a problem with meandeverything I do,” I snap, my voice trembling with rage.

“Ollie, don’t,” Daniel urges, squeezing my arm in an attempt to calm me down.

“No, don’t ask me to stay calm, Daniel. We all know this isn’t the first time your so-called best friend has tried to sabotage me. So if you need someone to stop talking, it’s him.”

Elliot looks stunned, his eyes narrowing. “Sabotage you? Are you seriously implying I started the fire? Come on, Ollie, get real.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time you’ve pulled something like this, so forgive me if I’m not inclined to overlook your latest stunt,” I retort, the words sharp and cutting.

The room is silent, and all eyes are on us, but I don’t care. I’m done yielding to his bullying and cruelty. His glare is searing, our tempers flaring.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Maybe you should take your sister home, Daniel. She needs rest,” he says, brushing me off once again, like I’m a child throwing a tantrum.

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