Page 48 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

Panic floods me as I stare at the phone, my heart pounding in my ears. The last thing I need right now is my brother picking up on the chaos swirling inside me.

I hesitate, my finger hovering over the decline button. But avoiding him now will only make him more suspicious. With a resigned sigh, I answer.

I take a deep breath and answer. “Hey, Bryan.”

“Liz,” he says, his tone light but tinged with curiosity. “How’s it going?”

“Good,” I lie, forcing a smile into my voice. “Busy, but good.”

“Busy, huh? Nate keeping you on your toes?”

I laugh, though it feels strained. “Not really. Things have been running smoothly since I got here.”

“Hmm,” Bryan says, and I can almost hear the frown in his voice. “You sure you’re okay? You sound a little off.”

I swallow hard, panic creeping up my spine. “I’m fine, Bryan. Really. Just a lot on my mind.”

He doesn’t respond immediately, and the silence stretches uncomfortably. “Liz,” he says finally, his tone soft but firm. “If something’s bothering you, you can tell me.”

I close my eyes, guilt gnawing at me. “I know,” I say quietly. “But everything’s fine. I promise.”

Bryan doesn’t sound convinced, but thankfully, he doesn’t push. “Alright,” he says. “But if Nate’s giving you a hard time, let me know. I’ll set him straight.”

“No!” The word bursts out before I can stop it, and I cringe at how defensive I sound.

“No, not at all. Nate’s been great. Really.”

There’s a pause on the other end of the line, the kind that feels heavier than words. “Okay, if you insist.”

I close my eyes, guilt prickling at the back of my neck. If Bryan knew even half of what was running through my head right now—about Nate, about the kiss—he’d probably book the next flight back and drag me out of here himself.

“I insist,” I say quickly. “Work’s fine. Everything’s fine. I’ve just been a little tired, that’s all.”

He doesn’t sound convinced, but thankfully, he doesn’t push. “Alright,” he says. “But if something’s bothering you, I want to know. Got it?”

“Got it,” I reply, though the words feel hollow.

“How’s the trip going?”

Bryan sighs, his tone shifting to one of mild irritation. “Busy. Meetings, deadlines, the usual. But the renovations on the beach house are almost done. By the end of the week, you should be able to move back in.”

I should feel relieved, but instead, the thought of leaving Nate’s house makes my heart ache.

“That’s great,” I say, forcing enthusiasm into my voice.

My stomach twists again, but this time, it’s not panic—it’s something closer to sadness. Moving back to Bryan’s house should feel like a relief, but the thought of leaving Nate’s home feels ... wrong.

“But maybe I should wait until you’re back. I don’t really want to be in that big house all by myself.”

Bryan is quiet for a moment, and I hold my breath, hoping he doesn’t read too much into my excuse.

“Yeah, I get that,” he says finally. “No rush. Stay at Nate’s as long as you need.”

I exhale, relief washing over me. “Thanks, Bryan.”

“Just don’t let him overwork you, I know he can be a workaholic,” he adds, his tone lighter now. I can imagine the smile gracing his lips.

I laugh, though it feels strained. “I won’t.”

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