Page 25 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

"I’ve changed," she says, her tone dripping with sincerity. "I’ve had time to think, and I want to make things right."

I shake my head slowly.

"You can’t come in and out of our lives as you please, Becky. It doesn’t work like that. Max... Max deserves better than that."

Her expression hardens slightly, but she covers it with another sad smile.

"I know, Nate. I know. But I want to try now. I want to be there for him."

I don’t buy it. Not for a second. But I also know that if I shut her down completely, Max might blame me for not giving her a chance. And I’m not about to let Becky mess with his head like that.

"You can meet with Max," I finally say, my voice measured. "But not yet. I need to talk with him first. Get him used to the idea that you’re back."

She lights up at that, smiling brightly as if she has just won some kind of prize.

"Of course! That’s more than fair. Thank you, Nate."

She steps forward as if to hug me, but I take a step back and put my hand up, keeping the distance between us. Her smile falters for a moment before she covers it up with her usual charm.

"I’m staying in an apartment, just fifteen minutes from here," she adds, clearly pleased with herself. "Let me know when you’re ready for me to see him."

I don’t respond, but my mind is already spinning. Fifteen minutes away? The thought of her being that close doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t trust her. Not with Max, and definitely not with whatever game she’s playing.

"I’ll let you know," I say, my tone flat. "But don’t expect this to be easy."

Becky smiles, as if she is already planning her next move. "Thanks, Nate. Really."

I don’t bother responding. Instead, I tell her goodbye, shutting the door firmly in front of her. As I turn away, I feel a strange mixture of relief and dread. Relief that the conversation is over, and dread because I know this isn’t the last of it.

For years, I’d worshipped the ground Becky walked on. I’d been a fool. She had been my everything, and when she left, it felt like a part of me died with her. But now? Now, I don’t feel the pain I once did. There’s no longing, no hurt. I’m numb to her. And that, at least, is a small victory.

But even so, I can’t shake the feeling that her return to Ocean Bay has nothing to do with Max. Whatever brought her back... I have a bad feeling it’s something else entirely.

And I’m going to find out what.

***

Sitting at the dinner table, I watch as Liz moves around the kitchen. Her usual sassy energy is in full swing as she dishes out dinner.

Her voice drifts over to me, soft and cheerful, as she hums a tune I can’t quite place. She’s practically dancing as she sets the table. Max is following her lead, trying to sing along despite not knowing the words.

They’re standing near the dining table as she finishes setting it for the pasta with roasted vegetables she whipped up, still humming that silly tune. Max claps his hands, trying to keep up with her exaggerated moves.

“Come on, Max! You’ve got to keep up!” Liz teases, her voice light and playful, that infectious energy pulling Max in as always.

He bursts out laughing. “I’m trying, Liz!” His little feet stumble as he bounces around, trying to match her rhythm.

Normally, I’d be laughing too. I’d let myself enjoy this watching the two of them, feeling the warmth in the room, theease between us. But tonight, my mind is somewhere else caught in the mess Becky’s return has stirred up.

Liz twirls around, her laugh filling the kitchen. She’s completely immersed in the moment. Her cheeks flush as she makes Max laugh, their connection so natural it’s almost unsettling. A pang of jealousy twists in my gut, a feeling I can’t quite shake. She makes it look so easy getting Max to light up like that.

Max glances at me, his face full of excitement.

“Dad! You should sing with us!”

Normally, I’d try. I’d at least give him a smile and wave it off, but tonight, I can’t muster anything.

“Not tonight, buddy. You and Liz are doing great without me.”

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