Billionaire’s Unlikely Bride - Chapter 54: Chapter 54

He turned, surprised to see Julie rushing toward him. She was out of breath by the time she reached him, almost double over as she tried to catch her breath.
"What are you doing here, Julie?" Damon asked, concerned.
"I came to talk to you before you leave, dummy," she said, catching her breath. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just... I can’t let you leave like this. I can’t let you hate me!"
Damon’s face softened as he listened. "What are you talking about, Julie? I don't hate you. You don't have to apologize for loving someone else."
"But you're leaving, and I don't want this to ruin our friendship. You mean so much to me, and I can't bear to lose you. Please stay." She pleaded with him.
Damon sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder and hugging her.
"You're not losing me, Julie. I’ll always be here for you. But I need to go. I promise I'll visit any chance I get. I don’t think you’re disgusting. I'm happy for you, and I only want the best for you."
Julie smiled weakly. "You promise you’ll visit?"
"Have I ever broken my promise to you? Besides, if I don't visit, your dad and Mason are gonna drag me back here." Damon said as they held each other for a long time before parting ways.
Arriving in Australia, he pulled out his phone and dialed his friend’s number.
"I'm here at the airport, but I don't see you anywhere," Damon said, scanning the area.
A familiar voice chuckled from behind him. "I'm right here, you arrogant jerk. You didn't even look properly."
Damon turned around to see Brian walking toward him, a wide grin spread across his face. The two men shook hands and shared a typical manly hug.
"Come on, I don't have all day," Damon said, picking up his luggage.
As they drove through Perth City, Brian kept an eye on his friend out of the corner of his eye.
“So, how’s the tech industry treating you?" he asked as they drove, curious about why he had come to Australia so suddenly. It sounded like something had happened when Charles called him, but the old man was tight-lipped about it and just said it wasn’t his story to tell.
Damon leaned back, watching the tall buildings fly by in a blur of infrastructure. "It's been good. Busy, but good. How bout you? How's the fashion world?"
Brian nodded. "The fashion industry’s doing well too. I’ve just launched a new line and partnered up with this genius woman. She's smart, talented, and knows how to run a business like no one else. Total beauty with brains."
Damon raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Sounds like someone’s whipped."
Brian laughed, not denying it. "I won't lie, man. I like her. I can’t seem to get her out of my head."
"Well, I can’t wait to meet the woman who’s got you all tied up." Damon teased. "So, is she your girlfriend yet?"
Brian glanced at him with a grin. "Not yet. You'll meet her soon enough. And hey, I'm glad you're here. I need new investors. Are you interested?"
Damon laughed. "I run a tech company, not a fashion empire."
Brian shrugged. "Doesn't matter. It’s not like you’d be doing any of the work. Just show up for meetings and toss your money in."
Damon chuckled, shaking his head. "So, in other words, you want my money and not me?"
"Exactly," Brian said with a smirk.
Damon thought for a moment. "Investing in something different doesn’t sound like a bad idea. But you have to fill me in on what I'm putting my money into."
Brian fist-pumped the air. "You won't regret it. We’ve got a meeting tomorrow with my business partner and a few other investors. You’ll see it’s a solid deal."
"Whatever, man. I've had a long trip and I need food."
The following day, Damon arrived at Brian’s office, running a bit late. He walked in and froze when he saw Raven and Brian going over designs and materials spread across the table. Brian tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear and then stole a quick kiss.
Raven shoved him playfully, laughing.
Damon was shocked by the scene. "Raven?" He called out.
Raven turned, equally stunned. "Oh my God, Damon? What are you doing here?"
Brian looked between them, sensing the tension. "You two know each other?"
Damon nodded. "That's my best friend’s wife."
"Ex-wife." Raven quickly corrected. "If Mason sent you, don’t bother. I’m not going back."
Damon raised his hands. "He didn’t send me. I had no idea you were here. But why didn’t you tell anyone you were leaving? You could have at least told Julie."
Raven sighed, looking down. "I needed time for myself; I had to leave."
"Mason's been going crazy trying to find you. Julie misses you." Damon said, stepping closer.
Before Raven could respond, Brian’s secretary interrupted, informing them that the other investors were waiting. Raven shot Damon an apologetic look. "Now’s not the time to talk about the past."
The three of them headed into the meeting room, but Damon couldn’t help but feel like things were going to get more complicated.
Later that evening, Raven was waiting for Brian to be ready for their date. She had agreed to meet him at his place instead of having him pick her up, as they lived close to each other and Brian had to clear up a few things at the office. When she arrived, she was surprised to find Damon there.
Brian explained that Damon was staying with him for a few days while his place was being sorted out. Brian excused himself to grab his car keys, leaving Raven and Damon alone.
Damon approached her, his expression serious. "You shouldn’t be dating while you’re still married to Mason."
"Your friend got his ex pregnant while he was still married to me. I'm sure they're living happily together." Raven crossed her arms, meeting his gaze. "Besides, we're not married anymore. We both signed the divorce papers. I’m moving on from my past."
Damon studied her for a moment. "Are you? Seems to me like you're only using Brian to distract yourself."
Raven sighed, looking away. "Mason and I are done, there's nothing left. And I’m not using Brian… I like him,” Raven admitted, surprised to hear the word coming from her mouth. While she enjoyed being with him, Raven had never really let herself think about that. “Why are you here? Brian just said your place is being sorted out, does that mean you're staying here for good?"
"Yeah, I decided I needed a change of environment." Damon nodded.
"I know Mason’s your best friend but could you not tell him where I am? Please?"
"I thought the both of you were over?" Damon teased.
"Please?" Raven whispered.
"Fine, as long as he doesn't ask, I won't say anything.”