Page 34 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

"So, you’re saying this was to get Becky off your back? Who is she anyways?"

I nod, feeling more pathetic by the second.

"My ex-wife and, yes, that’s exactly what it was. I didn’t mean to pull you into it, and I’m really sorry about the kiss... I shouldn’t have done that."

Liz looks away for a moment, clearly deep in thought.

"I need some details about what she is doing here. I thought you were divorced, Nate."

I take a breath and continue, explaining the situation from the beginning.

"Yes, we are. Becky showed up out of nowhere a week ago," I start.

"She’s been trying to get back into Max’s life, and she’s pushing to reconnect with me, too. She left without a word, Liz.Four years. Not a single call, not even to check on Max. He was just a sweet little toddler, and she didn’t even look in on him.

Now, she’s back and acting like she wants to be a part of his life again, our life again." My voice tightens, frustration bubbling to the surface.

Liz’s eyes narrow, and I can tell she’s starting to understand. "So, she thinks she can just waltz back in and pretend like nothing happened?"

"Exactly," I say, feeling a little more at ease now that I’m explaining.

"I know how Becky is persistent. She’s not going to give up easily, especially now that Max is older and more aware of what’s going on. I don’t want him to get confused; to think she’s suddenly going to be this great mom. I know that she’s always been more focused on herself, even when he was a baby. That’s why... that’s why I did what I did."

Liz gives a slow nod. Her anger seems to be fading into something more akin to understanding. But there's still tension between us.

"So, you’re hoping that by pretending to be with someone else, Becky will finally get the hint and leave you alone?"

"Yeah," I say, sighing.

"I know it might sound ridiculous, but I thought it was the only way. Becky listens to gossip. If the town starts talking, she’ll get the message."

Liz shifts her weight from one foot to the other, clearly still processing everything. Then she surprises me by asking, "But is that really going to be enough to make her back off?"

I hesitate, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Honestly? I don’t know. She might still have something up her sleeve. Becky’s always had her own agenda. But I thought it might be worth a shot."

Liz looks at me, her eyes searching mine. "So... what now?"

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of what I’m about to ask her.

"I know this is a lot to ask, but... could we keep up the act for a while? Pretend we’re together, especially when Becky’s around? I just... I don’t want her confusing Max, and if the town hears about us, she might finally back off."

The silence that follows my request feels heavy, and I brace myself for Liz to tell me that I’m out of my mind. I wouldn’t blame her if she did.

But instead, she surprises me again.

"Why are you doing all this for her?" she asks, her tone softer now, more curious than angry. "You clearly don’t want anything to do with her. Why let her push you around like this?"

I exhale slowly, trying to find the right words.

"I’m not doing it for her," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I’m doing it for Max. He comes first, always. And as much as I hate what Becky did, I don’t want to completely shut her out of his life.

I need to let her see Max because I want to keep things civil... for him. I would have gotten a restraining order by now if it weren’t for Max."

Liz watches me, and I can see the understanding in her eyes.

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