Page 73 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

It’s only been a week since Becky arrived, but it feels like a decade. The house, once warm and full of life, now feels suffocating, like the walls are closing in on me. Breakfasts, which used to be filled with laughter and light teasing, are now a strained affair. Becky always manages to sit next to Nate, and while she smiles and laughs as if nothing’s wrong, I can feel the tension.

I glance at Nate across the table as he pours syrup over Max’s pancakes. He’s trying, I can see that, but it’s like Becky’s presence has put a wedge between all of us. I try to tell myselfit’s fine, that this is temporary, but the doubt in my chest grows louder with every passing moment.

“Dad, can we still go to the park this weekend?” Max asks, his fork dangling in midair as he looks expectantly at Nate.

Nate glances at me briefly before nodding. “Of course, buddy. We’ll go.”

“Yay!” Max cheers, turning to me. “You’ll come, right, Liz?”

Before I can respond, Becky chimes in, her tone light but pointed. “Why would Max go with Liz when he can go with his mom?”

Her words hang in the air, sharp and cutting. Max’s smile falters, and he looks between Becky and me, his small face full of confusion.

I force a smile, even though my chest tightens painfully. “Becky’s right,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “You should go with your mom, Max.”

“No!” Max protests, his voice rising in distress. “I want to go with Liz! Please, Dad, tell her she has to come.”

I open my mouth to argue, to insist that it’s fine, but Nate steps in before I can. “How about everyone goes together?” he suggests, his tone calm and measured.

Becky’s smile tightens, but she doesn’t argue. Max seems appeased, but I can’t shake the weight pressing down on me.

The rest of the day passes in a blur. Becky continues her quiet attempts to fit back into Nate’s life, sliding into conversations and moments as though she’s always belonged. And maybe she does.

I sit in the living room later that evening, watching Max play with Boomer. He’s laughing, his joy untouched by the undercurrents of tension swirling around us. It’s a beautiful sight, but it only deepens my doubts.

What am I still doing here?

I glance toward the hallway, where Becky had disappeared earlier. I can’t ignore how much she seems to want to reclaim her place in Nate’s life. She’s the mother of his child, after all. Wouldn’t it make sense for them to be a family again?

The thought twists painfully in my chest, but I can’t ignore it. I’ve tried to tell myself that Nate has moved on, that I have a place here, but Becky’s presence makes it impossible to believe.

I know that I can’t do this anymore.

With a deep breath, I stand and make my way to Nate’s study. My heart pounds as I knock softly on the door, hesitating for just a moment before stepping inside.

Nate looks up from his desk, his brow furrowing in concern. “Liz? What’s wrong?”

I close the door behind me, crossing my arms as I try to find the right words. “I need to talk to you.”

“Okay,” he says, setting his pen down and leaning back in his chair. “What’s going on?”

I take a shaky breath, my throat tight. “I think… I think it’s time for me to move out.”

His eyes widen, and he stands abruptly. “What? Why?”

I look away, unable to meet his gaze. “I just… I don’t think I belong here anymore.”

“Liz,” he says, his voice firm but gentle. “That’s not true. What’s going on? Did something happen?”

I shake my head, swallowing hard. “It’s not about one thing, Nate. It’s… everything. Becky’s here, and she’s…” I trail off, struggling to put my feelings into words.

“She’s what?” he prompts, stepping closer.

“She’s trying to fit back into your life,” I say finally, my voice trembling. “And maybe that’s how it should be. Maybe she should be here, with you and Max. As a family.”

He frowns, his jaw tightening. “Liz, you are part of this family, and Becky is absolutely only a temporary person passing through. Can’t you see that?”

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. “No, I can’t. Not really. I’m just… Bryan’s sister. A guest in your house. I don’t have a place here.”

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