Page 69 of Billion Dollar Vow

Oliver:Actually, I’m already in bed.

Me:Shouldn't you be out partying it up?

I can’t help the skepticism in my response. After all the worry and anger I’ve felt, his tame behavior seems almost suspicious.

He sends me a photo of the TV in his room, mirroring what I’d done to him earlier.

Me:Well, if you’re bored, can’t your brothers entertain you?

Oliver:I think I’ve had enough of them. I’m ready to come home.

Me:What time do you fly out tomorrow?

My insides vibrate at the thought of him coming home. I’m surprised by how conflicted I feel. Part of me still wants to hold on to my anger, but another part misses him more than I care to admit.

Oliver:Why, trying to figure out how much time you have to clean up the house?

Me:Not at all. I’ll be sure to leave you a mess.

Oliver:I think the plan is to be home in the afternoon. But I need to tell you, we’ve got a double date Saturday with Dan Warne and his wife.

Me:Wait, what? Since when?

Oliver:Sorry, I’ve been meaning to tell you.

Me:So... where is it?

Oliver:Golf first, then lunch. Nothing fancy, I promise.

Me:Easy for you to say. You actually know how to play.

Oliver:I can teach you.??

Chapter 17

Oliver

Iwakeupfeelingsurprisingly refreshed, knowing it’s my last day here. It's Saturday, and as I climb out of bed and walk to the window, I can’t deny how breathtaking the view of this private island is. So far, we’ve had meals prepared by top chefs, listened to a live band one night, and spent our days jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, diving?and even unwinding at a beachside cigar bar.

For the final few hours today, Harvey and I are taking over, as Evan was in charge, but the girls have gone a little wild.

On Nova’s social media, there’s one shot that shows Chelsea laughing with a drink in hand, her hair wild from dancing, and her friends crowding around her in the background. Another photo features Nova, her hand raised like a cheerleader, urging the crowd on with a big grin as the party goes into full swing. The captions are full of playful challenges, like “Let’s take this up a notch” and “Who’s ready for round two?”

I’ve seen enough pictures of Nova, Chelsea, and the girls having fun that I urge us to turn it up. So, today will be a James Bond-themed event… including tuxedos, casino games, and luxury speedboats. Looking at those photos, I can’t help but think Karley would fit right in with them since she has the same energy.

Then my phone rings. It’s Liam. I ignore it and then a text comes through; it’s a photo of him and Warne at the golf course. I didn’t realize they’d still play without me. When I called to tell Mr. Warne I married Karley, he was thrilled. It made me feel like I’m miles ahead, but I know I can’t relax until the gallery’s in my name. I’d hoped the bachelor party might delay the golf game. But of course, Liam went out of his way to make sure it still happened. I don’t respond. I’m too annoyed, and I should focus on being with family today.

Harvey and Jeremy are the only ones who know what’s going on with Karley. I needed someone to confide in, especially after I kissed her. When I’m around others, I keep my ring in my pocket. I couldn’t bring myself to tell Evan because he’s like a second dad. He’d just lecture me about responsibility and how I need to think things through before acting, so I keep it between Harvey, Jeremy, and me. Being the two youngest, we naturally bonded more than with our older brothers, Jeremy and Evan. And since Harvey met Jemima, who’s expecting, he’s softened. He just wants me to be happy, like him.

There’s a knock at my door. I quickly put my phone away and open it to see the boys, all dressed up in sharp James Bond suits. “Coming or what?” Richard, my friend, asks with a goofy grin.

“Give me a second; I just woke up.” I laugh, running my hand through my hair.

“Well, hurry up! We’re starting early,” he says before walking off.

I walk into the house and kick off my shoes, hearing a faint noise that makes me smirk. The TV’s on, so she must be watching something.

When I enter the living room, I stop and grin at the sight of her curled up on the sofa, a blanket wrapped around her, eyes closed. She looks peaceful, beautiful…

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