Page 79 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I fell for him,” I admit, my voice barely audible. “I didn’t mean to, but I did. And all the way. I fell totally in love with him. And now… now I can’t stay here anymore.”

Bryan stands abruptly, pacing the room like a caged animal. “I knew it,” he mutters. “I knew this would happen. I never should’ve let you stay there.”

“Don’t do that,” I say, shaking my head. “This isn’t your fault, Bryan. I’m an adult. I knew what I was getting into.”

He stops pacing to glare at me. “You knew what you were getting into? Did you know his ex-wife was going to show up and turn everything upside down? Did you know he was going to let her stay there, like nothing ever happened? Oh yeah, I already talked with him.”

“Bryan, stop,” I plead. “You don’t understand.”

“Then help me understand, Liz,” he snaps. “Because right now, all I see is my little sister heartbroken because of a guy who should’ve known better.”

I bite my lip, tears welling up again. “He didn’t do anything wrong,” I whisper. “He’s just trying to do the right thing for Max. And I can’t blame him for that.”

Bryan sighs heavily, his hands on his hips as he stares down at me. “So what? You’re just going to leave? Run away from all of this?”

“I have to,” I say, my voice trembling. “I can’t stay here, Bryan. Not with everything that’s happened. Not with all the memories.”

He sits back down beside me, his expression softening. “Liz, are you sure about this? Are you really ready to leave everything behind?”

I nod, though my heart feels like it’s breaking all over again. “It’s the only way.”

He studies me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine. “Okay,” he says finally. “If this is what you want, I’ll support you. But I still think you’re making a mistake.”

I manage a weak smile. “Thank you, Bryan.”

We sit in silence for a while, the weight of the conversation settling over us. Finally, Bryan stands and looks at the bags by the door.

“When’s your flight?”

“In a few hours,” I say quietly.

He frowns. “That soon? Liz, I just got back. I thought we’d have more time.”

“I know,” I say, my voice cracking. “But I needed to leave as soon as possible. I couldn’t stay here any longer.”

Bryan sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Let me drive you to the airport.”

I shake my head. “I’ve already called a taxi.”

“Liz—”

“Bryan, please,” I interrupt. “I need to do this on my own.”

He doesn’t look happy about it, but he nods reluctantly. “Fine.”

“But promise me something, Bryan.”

“Anything,” he responds.

“Whatever happens between me and Nate, it doesn’t change anything between you and him. He’s still your best friend.”

He hesitates for the longest minutes. But finally, he nods. “I promise.”

When the taxi arrives, Bryan helps me carry my bags to the car. As we stand on the curb, he pulls me into another hug, holding me tightly.

“You know you can always come back, right?” he says softly. “No matter what.”

“I know,” I whisper, blinking back tears.

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