My Best Friend’s Brother is My Ex Chapter 06

My Best Friend’s Brother is My Ex Chapter 06

The sum Soren Shaw offered as reimbursement would’ve covered my taxi fares for a full month.

After a moment’s consideration, I caved and accepted it.

Refusing would’ve just made things awkward—and he clearly didn’t need the money.

Still, something about simply being in his presence kept my nerves frayed nonstop.

The moment I stepped out of his office, every set of eyes on the top floor seemed to land on me.

I even caught snippets of whispered speculation about who I was to the infamous Mr. Shaw.

A cold, sharp realization crashed over me then.

This was Soren Shaw.

A man who’d spent his entire life revered and pursued by countless people.

There was no way someone like him would tolerate being deceived.

If I couldn’t bear the fallout once my secret came out, I had no choice but to keep up the pretense.

I snapped back to my surroundings just as the car pulled through the gates of the estate.

Soren didn’t come home for two days straight.

According to Mrs. Shaw, he kept other properties around the city.

Extended absences were nothing out of the ordinary for him.

Relief settled over me—at least I wouldn’t have to face him.

Chloe bounced back fast once her fever broke.

Restless as ever, she was itching to go out.

“Mila, it’s Ryan Mitchell’s birthday tonight. We’re all meeting up.”

“Wanna come?”

I hesitated, then agreed. A change of scenery was exactly what I needed.

Ryan was our mutual friend from high school, and we’d stayed close even after college started.

We headed out just as dusk fell.

The new mall buzzed with people.

Ryan was already waiting at the entrance with a group of friends, laughing loudly.

The moment he saw me, his whole face lit up.

“Mila, I told you guys not to bring gifts.”

I smiled. “Too bad. You went all out for my birthday. No way I’m showing up empty-handed.”

I handed him the watch I’d carefully picked out.

He took it, expression stiffening for half a second.

“You really… keep track of everything, huh?”

I grinned, pretending not to notice the disappointment in his tone.

Before I could say more, Chloe slung an arm over my shoulder.

Her gaze darted between Ryan and me, pure mischief.

“So, Ryan—whose gift do you like better? Mine or Mila’s?”

Laughter erupted around us.

Ryan’s ears turned bright red.

He kept sneaking glances at me, flustered.

Chloe wiggled her eyebrows knowingly.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it. Our Mila’s always been your favorite.”

I elbowed her, hard.

As we walked toward the restaurant, I hissed under my breath,

“You know I don’t feel that way about him. Quit stoking rumors.”

She burst out laughing. “Come on, Ryan’s good-looking, loyal… what’s not to like?”

“Why are you so against this?”

I choked on my own breath.

For some reason, Soren Shaw’s face flashed through my mind.

Shaken, I shook my head violently.

“You can’t manufacture attraction.” I muttered.

“No spark means no spark. Can’t force it.”

Seeing my discomfort, Chloe hugged my arm.

“Fine, fine. I’ll stop teasing you two.”