Chapter 32

Chapter 32
E L L I O T

I was staring at my ties, trying to decide which one to choose. I had a critical meeting with an investor about the branch we were opening in Seattle, and I needed to look my best.

Everyone was gone. Chloe had just left after promising to meet me for lunch, Jake said his fiancée needed him, and Harvey followed — his reason was to drop Phoebe off at the airport and attend his lectures.

Today was a mess. Alexis, oh, speaking of Alexis, I should probably text her and ask for more time, even if I don't mean it. I didn't want her to realise that I didn't truly care.

I grabbed my phone and hastily texted her, citing Chloe's pregnancy as an excuse. Fuck, this was harder than I expected.

Of course, she answered fast, and I used an emotional emoji to manipulate her feelings. I had finally decided which tie I was going to wear when someone barged in — and before I could say anything, I was hit in the face.

"You little fuck!" It was my brother, Dylan. He grabbed my collar and shoved me against the wall. "Why did you do that?" Dylan appeared angry. Really furious.

I knew if I didn't choose my words carefully, I'd walk out of here with a broken nose. "Dylan, calm down.”

"Calm down? I asked you to do one thing, but you did the opposite." His grip on my neck was slightly cutting off my air.

"Bro—"

"Don't call me 'bro' right now. Shit, I can't be your bother.”

“Okay, fine, but how do we have a conversation when I'm nearly losing consciousness?" I took a few lengthy breaths to guilt him into letting me go, and it worked. He hesitated, but eventually let me go. "Thank you," I replied, adjusting my collar and inhaling.

"You need to tell her." He was pacing now, running his fingers over his hair. "You cannot keep deceiving her. You have to tell her.” He repeated it as a chant.

I didn't understand my brother's obsession with Alexis. Why was he so concerned about me hurting her?

"Yes, about that, bro… I can't."

"Why?" He turned abruptly, his eyes flaming. "Why can't you just tell her you don't love her — that you're only using her to make Chloe jealous?"

"Because if Chloe stops caring, I'll lose her. And I cannot lose Chloe. Also, that Ray guy? Imagine taking a girl from him — shit, I could get company shares for that."

“Another bet with your nerd friends?"

"What can I say? It pays to disguise as the soft one." I shrugged and started tying my tie. "I mean, you love her, but she sees you as a monster. I, on the other hand, am the sweet guy who matches her personality." I was telling the truth.

"We made a deal. You cannot back out now."

"I know the deal, okay? Just this once—after graduation, when Mom selects the woman I'm meant to marry, I'll dump both of them. Then you can have her."

"It's my fault," he admitted, sighing. "I should've told her."

"Oh come on, bro," I laughed. "Even if you could tell her, do you really believe she would accept you? I mean, look at yourself. Dad cut you loose, you're a playboy with no actual future, and you're as confused as fuck.” I eyed him from head to toe, his street fashion sense. “Alexis prefers a man with a future…” I dusted my shoulder just to show him the suit, “And you clearly don't.”

“You're right," he muttered quietly, scratching the back of his head.

"Of course I'm right. Poor girl has bailed you out of jail more times than I can count; do you really believe that's what she wants for her future?” My words landed just as I intended. He became silent, eyes closed, palm still pressing into the back of his scalp.

I continued to get ready, watching him crumble, until I was fully ready with only my watch left.

"I'm going to tell her," he suddenly claimed. "I have to tell her."

"She won't believe you.” I grabbed my briefcase. "Now, Dylan, if you'll excuse me — some of us are actually useful to our parents." I turned towards the door but paused before leaving. "Oh, and I'm returning to my room. You can stay with Harvey. It turns out Alexis isn't bad in bed." He clenched his jaw and I knew I had struck a nerve.

"Elliot—"

"Okay, brother, have a good day. Oh, and let me know if you want me to invest in that tiny business of yours." (I heard he joined a food truck) I smirked. "Might consider it… dumb idea." I whispered the last words as I walked away, just as I heard glass shatter behind me.

Alexis and I have been friends for more than five years. She was easily manipulated, which worked to my advantage.

See, Chloe had always been jealous of Alexis. That is why I kept her around even longer. If Chloe saw me spending time with Alexis, she became clingy. So don't blame me for always making sure Alexis stayed single, or for making her fall for me so I could take advantage of it.

Chloe was the bad girl every guy wanted. From high school to college, she ruled. Sure, my brother had a strange affection for Alexis. But he never told her, because Alexis didn't like bad guys and Dylan was the type.

After what she had gone through, she wanted someone stable—someone with a future. Someone like me.

Unfortunately for her, I did not perceive her in that manner. She was simply the easiest option for making Chloe jealous.

Shit, I had to lie to her. Tell her I loved her. You have no idea how much practice it took to make it sound real.

I strolled outside, handed my briefcase to my assistant, and climbed into the back seat of the car. I took out my phone as soon as it vibrated.

"Mr. Perez? I'm reaching from Juan Hospital regarding the results of Ms. Chloe Morris."

"I'm all ears," I answered, smiling as I stared out the window as the car started moving.


Hi, lovely readers. Welcome! Author here— I just wanted to note that we’ve finally heard Elliot’s POV. What do you think of Dylan though? These brothers are messy, lol.