Page 72 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

I freeze, the air leaving my lungs as Nate gently disentangles himself from her grip.

“Becky,” he says patiently, “the guest room is comfortable. You’ll be fine there.”

She starts to protest again, but Nate doesn’t seem able to take it anymore.

"I want to stay in our room," Becky whines.

Nate barely stops to think, he just says, "Fine, you can have the master bedroom.”

Immediately, her eyes light up while I stare at Nate like he has lost his mind. Why on earth will he be sharing the same room with her. Without a word, I turn on my heel and walk out of the room, my chest tight with frustration and something I refuse to call jealousy.

Minutes later, Nate knocks softly on my door before stepping inside.

“Liz,” he says cautiously, his expression a mix of concern and confusion. “What’s going on?”

“What’s going on?” I repeat, my voice is sharper than I intended. “Are you seriously asking me that?”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “If this is about Becky—”

“Of course it’s about Becky!” I cut in, the words spilling out before I can stop them. “You introduce me as Bryan’s sister, let her question why I’m here, and then give her your bedroom like it’s nothing. How do you think that makes me feel?”

His eyes widen slightly, and he steps closer, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. “Liz, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m not staying in the master, Liz. I’ve moved my things to the other guest room, ok?”

I take a shaky breath, my voice softening. “It’s not just that, Nate. It’s… everything. It feels like she’s back, and I don’t know where I fit into all of this.”

He reaches for me, his hands resting gently on my arms. “You fit, Liz. I promise you, you fit.”

“But she’s here,” I say, my voice breaking. “And I can’t help but feel like I’m in the way.”

“You’re not in the way,” he says firmly. “Becky’s chapter in my life is closed. This is just about helping her get better. That’s it.”

I search his eyes, looking for any trace of doubt, but all I see is sincerity.

“Do you mean that?” I ask quietly.

“Every word,” he says, his voice steady. “You mean more to me than she ever did.”

The weight of his words settles over me, and for the first time all day, I feel a glimmer of relief.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, tears slipping down my cheeks.

“Don’t be,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “I understand. And I promise, I'm only doing what she wants because the doctor advised that I should ensure she feels everything is still normal and it will help her regain her memory.”

"It's hard."

"I know and I'm sorry. I just want her to recover fast so she can be out of here."

I nod, trying to accept all of this. We hold each other for a long moment, the tension between us slowly unraveling.

As I pull back, I wipe at my eyes, offering him a shaky smile. “I just… I don’t want to lose this. Lose us.”

“You won’t,” he says firmly. “Becky is in the past. You’re my present, Liz. And my future.”

My breath catches at his words, and I nod, unable to speak.

For now, it’s enough.

***

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