Fake Dating My Brother's Bestfriend For Rebound

4. Let's Date

CHLOE

Beneath the table, I clenched my fingers into a fist, locking eyes with him. I needed that much confidence if I were to stand up against him.

“Do you know what ex means?” I went on, not batting an eyelid. “The past. Someone with little or no importance. That's who you are to me—an ex.” I leaned in just slightly. “You don’t matter. Whatever choice I make has nothing... absolutely nothing to do with you. You hold no weight, no influence. Get that straight.”

He was delusional to think I came here for him.

A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "Does my presence rattle you that much? Got something you're hiding from your newly wedded wife?” I threw a glance toward Riley at the counter.

“You wouldn't dare tell her anything, Chloe. Stay away from my life and my business. Don't ruin this for me,” he spoke through gritted teeth.

“I have no business with you, Williams. It's quite unfortunate I ran into you here, but your presence won't ruin the vacation I planned for myself,” I replied.

“And your boyfriend?” he asked, catching me off guard. I'd almost forgotten I had to deal with the aftermath of claiming to have a boyfriend. “Who is he? When did you start seeing him?” His eyes dimmed

“Why should I answer your pointless questions?” I snapped. “Did you forget that we are over? We’re practically strangers now. You have no right to question who I choose to be with.”

“He was always lurking in the corner, wasn’t he? That’s why you jumped on him right after we broke up,” he sneered.

I stared at him, stunned. Was he being serious right now?

A small laugh escaped my lips as I leaned forward. “You've got some nerve.” My voice was low.

Then I stood up, pushing my chair back with a loud screech. “You got married the second we ended things. Or should I say, the second you were done pretending?”

I stepped closer, maintaining eye contact with him. “Should I remind you how you were already seeing her while we were still together? Don’t bother denying it. You know the details better than anyone. You cheated on me.”

He flinched. Just slightly. But I saw it.

The screech of the chair drew a few curious glances from those dining in the large hall. Williams immediately took a few steps back.

I almost laughed at his reaction. He kept darting glances around—especially toward Riley, like some criminal trying to stay undercover.

“Stop acting like you’re innocent, Williams. You disgust me.” I glared at him harshly.

“Oh, and tell your wife to keep her distance,” I added. “Because one of these days, I might just let it slip how badly my last relationship ended. That’d be a real mess for you, wouldn’t it?”

In that spot, I made my decision. I wouldn’t catch the first flight out of the city as I initially wanted to. As tempting as it was to ruin Williams’ new relationship in revenge for the years he stole from me, I wasn’t going to stoop that low.

No—I'd stay. I’d make him squirm. Let him be the one to leave with his 'wife'.

I saw the way he froze when he sighted Riley and me together. He looked absolutely petrified and I loved it.

"I placed an order for you, babe. The servers will bring it along with mine," Riley said with a bright smile as she walked over to us. She glanced between Williams and me, then took her seat. "What were you two talking about?"

Without a word, Williams grabbed her gently by the arm and pulled her to her feet. "Let's go, babe," he said.

"I just told you I placed an order. Why are we leaving when we just got here?" she asked, clearly confused.

"We'll talk in the room. Let's just leave," he said firmly.

I sat there, watching them with a blank expression.

“But Chloe and I are still talking. What’s wrong with you, babe? Did something happen?” she asked, a frown forming on her forehead.

“Just listen to me for once!” he snapped frustratedly.

“Oh, great! Now you’re raising your voice at me?” she shot back, slapping his hand away. “Do you think I’m some kind of robot, just programmed to follow your every command?”

With that, she turned and stormed off.

“Babe!” Williams called, rushing after her. “Wait! I'm sorry for raising my voice. Babe, please!”

I buried my face in my palms, exhaling sharply again and again, fighting to keep my emotions in check. I couldn’t cry—not again. He didn’t deserve another tear.

“Your order’s here, ma’am,” the server said, balancing a tray of food in his hands.

“Just take it away,” I muttered, rising to my feet. A moment ago, I was starving. Now, I couldn’t stomach a single bite.

Thanks to Williams, my appetite was gone.

I walked over to the bar, settling onto a stool. “A glass of tequila,” I told the bartender. I figured alcohol was the best escape since I had no one to vent to.

By the time I reached my third glass, I was still craving more. “Keep it coming,” I slurred, a loud belch escaping me.

“I never knew you to be an alcoholic,” a voice suddenly said beside me.

I ignored whosoever that was and grabbed the fourth drink from the bartender. But just as I was about to chug down the content, a firm hand held mine, snatching the glass away.

“Hey!” I yelled, spinning around to face the person. My breath caught as I saw his face—Alexander.

He chuckled, emptying the liquid in his mouth with a smug grin. “Babe sounds way sexier, though.”

My eyes widened in disbelief. “What?”

He just stared at me, and an uncomfortable heat rushed through my veins. There was something about his eyes. Riley had mentioned it earlier, but I was only just noticing it. His gaze was like fire—they could set me aflame.

“I already told you that was a mistake….” I paused, biting my bottom lip. I wasn't sure how I should address him. It was damn awkward.

“I'm leaving,” I muttered, standing up. Just as my feet hit the floor, I lost my balance and stumbled, landing directly on his lap.

In that split second, I froze.

“Is this another mistake, princess?” He asked, his breath brushing against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

A crazy thought hit me.

“Do…” I paused, trying to gather my courage. “Do you want to date me?” I asked, glancing at him from the corner of my eyes.

“Are you that drunk?” he chuckled.

I shook my head. There was no turning back now. “Let’s date, Alexander.”