Page 39 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

"We were married for almost three years," Nate begins, his eyes distant, as if he’s looking at something far away.

"I loved her. I mean, really loved her. I thought we had something real, but it turns out I was wrong."

I have a rush of concern for him. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been.

"What happened?"

He takes a deep breath.

"I started noticing things. Little things, you know? She’d get phone calls late at night and wouldn’t say who it was. She’d go out more often, and I’d always get these vague excuses. I had my suspicions, but I didn’t want to believe them. I was stupidly in love with her, and I ignored all the signs."

My heart aches for him, for the pain I can hear in his voice.

"And then?"

"And then I found out the truth," he says, his voice tight.

"She was seeing someone else. The entire time, she had been having an affair with a guy named Cole. When I confronted her, she didn’t even try to deny it. Packed her things and left. Didn’t even look back. Never even said good-bye to little Max." His voice chokes up telling me.

I’m speechless for a moment, trying to process everything he’s told me. I knew there was more to Becky’s story, but I hadn’t expected this.

"I’m so sorry, Nate."

He shrugs, but there’s a sadness in his eyes that he can’t hide.

"It’s fine. It was a long time ago. But... it changed me. I don’t trust easily anymore. Especially not when it comes to women."

I nod, understanding more than I’d like to admit.

"I get that. I mean, I haven’t been married or anything, but... I’ve had my own heartbreak."

Nate’s eyes meet mine, and for the first time, I see a vulnerability there.

"What happened?"

I swallow, feeling the weight of my own story settle on my chest.

"I dated someone for a while. His name was Matt. He was charming, and he seemed perfect at first. But it turns out he was using me. He wasn’t interested in me—just what I could do for him. When I found out, I broke it off, but... it left me pretty shaken."

Nate frowns, anger flashing in his eyes. "He sounds like an asshole."

I murmur a laugh.

"Yeah, he was. But it’s in the past now. That’s part of why I came back to Ocean Bay. I needed a fresh start, to clear my head. And home just seemed like the place to go."

Nate nods, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Looks like we agree on something, then."

I raise an eyebrow.

"What’s that?"

He leans back in his chair, his expression softening.

"We’re both not ready for commitment. Not after what we’ve been through."

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

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