Page 80 of “Not” Engaged to the Grumpy Billionaire

“And if that idiot ever comes to his senses…” His voice trails off, but the unspoken hope hangs in the air.

I laugh weakly, shaking my head. “Don’t hold your breath.”

As I climb into the taxi, I glance back at Bryan one last time. His expression is a mix of sadness and determination, and I know he’s hurting for me as much as I’m hurting for myself.

The car pulls away, taking me away from Ocean Bay, from Nate, from everything.

I’ve made my decision. Now I just have to live with it.

Chapter eighteen

Nate

The moment the truth hit me; it was like the ground beneath my feet shifted. Liz was gone—really gone—and it was all my fault. I’d stood by while she packed her things, convinced myself I was doing the noble thing by letting her leave. But noble was just another word for coward.

I can’t let this end like this.

Without hesitation, I grab my car keys and head straight for Bryan’s house. The drive feels endless, each passing second taunting me with the thought of Liz slipping further out of reach. My mind races with everything I want to say, everything I should’ve said.

By the time I pull into Bryan’s driveway, my chest is tight with anticipation. I slam the car door shut and stride to the front door, not even bothering to knock before pounding on it.

Bryan opens the door, his face instantly darkening when he sees me. “What the hell are you doing here?”

I step inside without waiting for an invitation, my heart pounding. “I need to talk to Liz,” I say, my voice firm.

Bryan doesn’t budge, his arms crossing over his chest. “She’s not here, Nate.”

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. “What do you mean she’s not here?”

“She’s gone,” he says coldly. “And honestly? Good for her.”

I blink, trying to process what he’s saying. “Gone? Gone where?”

Bryan glares at me, his jaw tight. “Does it matter? She’s finally putting herself first for once. She deserves better than whatever mess you’ve been putting her through.”

“That’s not fair,” I say, my voice rising. “You don’t know what’s been going on—”

“Oh, I know enough,” Bryan cuts me off, stepping closer. “I know you’ve been leading her on, making her think there was something real between you two, only to let your ex-wife waltz back into your life like nothing ever happened.”

“It wasn’t like that,” I argue, but even to my own ears, the words sound weak.

Bryan scoffs, shaking his head. “Save it, Nate. I don’t care what excuses you have. The fact is, you hurt her. And now she’s gone because of you.”

His words cut deeper than I expected, because deep down, I know he’s right. I’ve been running from my feelings, hiding behind excuses and fear. And in doing so, I’ve pushed away the one person who made me feel alive again.

“I know I screwed up,” I admit, my voice raw. “I’ve been a coward, and I hate myself for it. But I can’t let her go, Bryan. I can’t.”

Bryan narrows his eyes at me, his stance still defensive. “And what exactly do you plan to do about it? Beg her to come back? Promise her the world, only to let her down again?”

“No,” I say firmly. “This time, I’m going to fight for her. I’m done running. I’m done being afraid.”

Bryan studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re too late, Nate. She’s already gone.”

My stomach drops. “Gone? Gone where?”

“She left for the airport an hour ago,” Bryan says, his tone softening slightly. “She’s not coming back, Nate. And from my point of view, not hers, not unless you give her a real reason to.”

I don’t think. I don’t hesitate. I turn on my heel and head for the door, my mind already racing with the possibilities.

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