Page 32 of Enemies with My Brother's Billionaire Bestie

He leans in, his voice low and warm. “A second is all I need to know you’re beautiful, Ollie.”

Before I can respond, he pulls away, slipping into his car and driving off. When I finally climb into the limo beside Julia, I’m still in a daze. His words keep replaying in my mind, filling me with an emotion I can’t quite name.

At the wedding, everything blurs—the ceremony, the vows, even Daniel’s teary eyes as Julia walks down the aisle. The only thing I can focus on is Elliot, sitting just a few seats away, as if nothing between us has changed.

But I know better. The question is, should I take the risk and follow my heart, or is it safer to run?

Chapter twenty

Elliot

I’m like a hawk—locked in, focused. I’ve had my eyes on Olivia all day. From the moment Daniel and Jules exchanged vows in the garden, to now, as she floats around the reception hall, smiling and waving at familiar faces. This is what happens when I let my emotions spiral and my mouth runs without restraint.

And that dress… God, that dress. It’s impossible to look away. I need to end this. Tonight. The friendship—everything—before I lose my mind completely.

She’s coming toward me now, a smile lighting up her face. It's not the best time for her to be smiling. Right now, I'm the most dangerous man in this room. She hands me a champagne flute, the pink bubbles fizzing at the rim, oblivious to the storm raging inside me.

“We did it, El! Well, Emma planned it, but we helped,” she says with pride, glancing around at the beautifully decorated room.

She’s right, in a way. Watching Daniel and Julia at the head of the table, grinning and whispering like teenagers, I know thisday wouldn’t be half as fulfilling if we hadn’t set our differences aside.

“We do make a great team, Ollie.” I smile, raising my glass to hers.

“And even better friends,” she replies, clinking her glass against mine with a radiant grin.

The words land like a punch to the gut. Better friends? It’s a cruel irony. How much longer can I keep pretending I only see her as a friend when my feelings run so much deeper? She should know better than anyone what’s really going on—the unspoken tension between us every time we "accidentally" end up alone, the way our supposed friendly outings always feel more like dates.

The sharp screech of a microphone pulls me from my thoughts as Emma’s voice cuts through the noise.

“I hope everyone’s enjoying the evening! At this time, I’d like to invite a couple of very special guests to say a few words to our bride and groom.”

“Uh-oh, that’s me.” I wink at Olivia, downing the rest of my champagne and grabbing another glass on my way to the front.

All eyes are on me now, including hers. For some reason, I feel a flicker of nerves—a business mogul, nervous in front of a few townies. Ridiculous.

I take a breath, steadying myself as I grip the microphone. “I was going to say I’m not a man of many words, but Danny would never forgive me—especially after giving me months to come up with this speech.”

Laughter ripples through the crowd, and Olivia’s smile is the brightest of all. I clear my throat and continue, trying to focus.

“Danny was the first real friend I ever had. The Reeds welcomed me into their family like one of their own—fed me, gave me a place to belong when I needed it most. I didn’t just gain a friend; I gained a brother.” My throat tightens as I glanceat Daniel, who’s blinking back tears. “You’ve always deserved the very best, and seeing you here today with Julia… it’s perfect. If I left this world today, I’d do so grateful for the bond we share.”

Danny nods, his eyes glassy, and the room fills with soft applause.

Turning to Julia, I smile. “And to Julia—thank you for loving him, quirks and all. You’ve brought out the best in him, and I know you’ll keep doing that for the rest of your lives. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness for you both.”

The applause swells as I raise my glass and the room toasts the newlyweds. But when I turn back to Olivia, her eyes are red-rimmed, her mascara slightly smudged. She’s been crying.

“Your speech was beautiful, El. I can’t believe you just… came up with that.”

“I didn’t plan it, Ollie. It just... happened.” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Give me a minute.”

I leave the reception hall before my own emotions betray me. The cold air hits my face as I step outside, the chill clearing my mind. Earlier, the idea of a life like Daniel’s—stable, predictable, full of love—had flitted across my thoughts. The idea of that life with Olivia.

But that’s not who I am. Broken people like me—people who’ve been through too much—end up hurting others. And hurting her is the last thing I want.

The door creaks open beside me, and Aaron steps out, handing me a bottle of water. I unscrew the cap and drink, hoping the cool liquid will wash away the tightness in my chest.

“You missed Olivia’s speech,” Aaron says with his usual grin. “I’ve gotta admit, it was better than yours.”

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