Page 33 of Enemies with My Brother's Billionaire Bestie

I roll my eyes, pushing off the railing. “It’s not a competition, Aaron. I should head back in.”

“Good idea. The night’s young—who knows, maybe another love story will start tonight.” He winks before heading back inside.

By the time I re-enter, the music has shifted, and couples are beginning to rise from their seats, ready to dance. Olivia spots me, her eyes sparkling as she holds out her hand. “Shall we celebrate our success with a dance?”

I hesitate, my heart hammering in my chest. I wasn’t planning on dancing tonight, but how can I say no to her?

“I… wasn’t really planning on dancing,” I admit, scratching the back of my neck. “But celebrating with you sounds perfect. Let’s make it a moment to remember.”

The soft notes of a violin version of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” begin to play as her hands slide onto my shoulders and mine find their place around her waist. We glide across the floor, the silence between us comforting and unnerving all at once.

“I got you a parting gift,” I whisper, the weight of what I’m about to do pressing down on me. “A token… for everything.”

“A gift? Now?” She laughs, clearly surprised. “Let’s see it, then.”

I pull a small jewelry box from my jacket pocket, watching as her eyes light up when I open it. But there’s a flicker of something else—sadness, maybe. I clasp the delicate bracelet around her wrist, our fingers brushing.

“It’s beautiful, El. You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to,” I say quietly, one truth I can allow myself.

As the song begins to fade, she glances up at me, her voice barely above a whisper. “So, I guess this is it. The end of our story.”

“Not yet,” I murmur, pulling her back into my arms as the music shifts to Ellie Goulding’s “How Long Will I Love You.” “You still owe me one more dance.”

Her head rests against my chest this time, and for a few precious minutes, everything feels perfect. But I know the truth. It’s not.

“Just for a few more hours,” I think to myself. “Pretend everything’s perfect, and you’re not completely falling apart.”

Chapter twenty-one

Olivia

Iwant to slow down time and relive every moment from tonight a million times. I wish I could remain in this moment on the dance floor, wrapped in Elliot's arms, holding on to his happy smile because I can’t be sure I’ll ever see it again.

Every good thing must come to an end. I’ve known that from the start of this friendship, but I never anticipated being this hurt by it or falling in love with him. Julia was right; there’s no need to pretend that I didn’t fall for the villain in my fairytale. I’ve fallen hard for Elliot Sharp, and not even ending our alliance can change that.

My brother walks over to where I’m standing, and I force a smile. “Thank you, Ollie, for making this day special,” he says, sincerity evident on his face as he crushes me in a bear hug.

“You have Elliot’s patience to thank as well, and you know I’d do anything for you,” I reply, hugging him back, acutely aware that it might be a long time before I get the chance to embrace him again.

“Don’t worry, sis, the honeymoon should only be a few weeks, unless Julia says otherwise,” he winks, and I shove him aside.

“Eww, brother, you don’t even try to be subtle,” I groan, and Elliot laughs.

Julia, having released Elliot from her hug, moves over to me. “Trust me, darling, honeymoons are anything but subtle. You might even have a little nephew by the time we return.”

“Gawd! Can you both just be on your way already?” I gag, and they laugh.

As he gets into the backseat of the limo, Daniel calls out, “Take care of my sister while I’m gone, El. You’re the only one I trust.” Elliot nods in response, and we watch the car drive off until it’s out of sight.

With the party now behind us, I can't shake the feeling that this might also be the end for us. “Would you mind walking me home? I could use some fresh air,” I say. He responds by taking off his jacket and wrapping it around me.

Elliot is like a knight in shining armor—perhaps more like a knight in always-available jackets, as he somehow manages to have one ready to shield us from the cool air. It feels natural to slip my hands into his jacket, savoring his warmth. I only wish I could say the same about his heart. Our walk is silent; the moon is bright, but a dark, unspoken cloud hangs over us.

“Any idea where they’re heading after New York? My brother always dreamt of sailing the seas for months. Do you think they might do that now?” I ask, hoping to break the ice.

“I don’t think Julia will agree to spending her honeymoon at sea, Ollie, but I do know they’re never going too far away to show up if you ever feel that I’m a threat,” he replies, making me laugh.

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