Page 83 of Bestie's Bossy Billionaire Brother
“That’s just his stupid game, Oliver,” Erica says urgently. “Whoever sent those to you is clearly trying to make you feel that way. I’m telling you, we planned this so Catherine could finally be free of him. I guess he decided to come after you instead.”
I look at my sister, considering what she is saying. Could it be true? Is it possible that Catherine never betrayed me after all? Have I been thinking irrationally this whole time?
“But why would anyone do that?” I ask.
Erica shakes her head. “I don’t know. I don’t have all the answers. But I know Catherine was never unfaithful to you. And she certainly never would have dated Jason of her own accord.”
I want to believe my sister, and I want to believe that Catherine doesn’t have to suffer for her ex’s mistakes. But my mind is still reeling from the shock.
“What am I supposed to do now?” I ask.
“I don’t know, maybe start with an apology,” she says, her glare making me feel smaller than usual. “But you have to figure out what’s real and what isn’t. And you have to do it before you make a mistake that you’ll regret.”
I nod, my mind still racing. Erica is right.
She looks at me with determination in her eyes. “Oliver, wake up,” she urges, her voice stern yet caring. “You know what you need to do. You’ve been living in a world of assumptions and hurt feelings, but think about Catherine. She’s been nothing but good to you and Alice. She didn’t deserve any of this.”
I rub my temples, feeling the weight of her words. It’s like I’ve been in a fog, and Erica is trying to pull me back into clear skies. “I’ve messed up, haven’t I?” I murmur, the reality of the situation starting to sink in.
“Big time,” she confirms, softening a bit. “But you love her, right?”
My mouth opens and closes, unable to admit to her first, but also unable to lie.
She nods as if she knew as much, despite having just discovered the relationship. “You owe it to yourself and to Catherine to make this right. Prove to her that she means more to you than some baseless accusation. Otherwise, you’re going to lose her, and it’s pretty clear to everyone around you that she’s the best thing that’s happened to you in a long time.”
As Erica stands up to leave, she places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’re a smart man, brother. Figure it out.” With that, she walks out, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
That night, as I lie in bed, I can’t help but replay Erica’s words in my head. She’s right. I’ve let fear and suspicion poison what Catherine and I had. Now, I need to find a way to apologize, to show her that I understand the depth of my mistake. It’s not just about clearing her name; it’s about winning back her trust, her heart. I realize that the journey ahead won’t be easy, and it’s going to require more from me than I’ve ever given before. As I finally drift off to sleep, my last thought is of Catherine, and the hope that love can indeed conquer all, even my own foolishness.
Chapter 31
Catherine
“Whatthehell,Catherine?My brother, of all people? Why didn’t you tell me?”
I sigh, crossing my arms over my chest as I let Erica in. I knew Erica would be pissed, but I’m not ready to have this conversation yet, not now that she’s shown up at my temporary rental completely unannounced.
“I didn’t want to complicate things,” I say, avoiding her gaze.
“Complicate things?Catherine, you were seeing my brother behind my back. That’s about as complicated as it gets,” Erica hisses, her eyes blazing with anger.
“I know, I’m sorry,” I say, feeling guilty for the pain I’ve caused her. “It just happened, and I didn’t mean to keep it a secret from you. Besides, how is it any different from you keeping your relationship with Fred a secret from Oliver?”
Erica scoffs, shaking her head. “That’s not the same thing, Catherine. Fred and Oliver have a history, and I was trying to protect Oliver from getting hurt.”
“I was trying to protect you, too,” I say quietly, tears stinging my eyes. “But I messed up. I know that now.”
Erica’s expression softens, and she sighs heavily. “I just don’t understand how things could backfire like that with Jason.”
“You know what he’s like,” I retort. “He’s a snake.”
Erica nods in agreement. “I just can’t believe he sent those photos to Oliver. They really looked like you two were back together.”
I pause, my brow furrowing. “Wait, what do you mean, photos with Jason?”
“You don’t know?” Erica asks.
I shake my head.
