Betrayed I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother novel Chapter 36

chapter 35

He looked down at me, brow furrowed, his eyes treating me like some kind of incomprehensible fool

“Did he brainwash you? Have you seriously never met a better man in your life?”

I paused for a beat, then deliberately glared at him.

“His brother Ethan is the upgraded version–pity they’re both hung up on the same woman.”

I held his gaze, tone deliberately casual.

“Mr. Windsor, I begged you. I asked you who Zane truly wanted–but you never told me. No one else did either. She’s their golden girl, and me?” My voice dipped. “Tell me I don’t look like a whole clown right now.”

The moment Ethan’s name left my lips, something shifted in his eyes–a flicker I couldn’t quite decipher.

edge

His mouth opened, words hanging on the edge of explanation, but then he swallowed them back. A sharp inhale, like he was physically restraining himself. “…What’s the point of digging up the past now?”

“Hold up, weren’t you the one who came at me first?” I fired back, eyes locked on him. “What, you think I tarnished the Windsor family name or something?”

A sharp, white–hot anger flared in my chest–so intense it nearly startled me. Truth was, I rarely let emotions hit me this hard. But this man… he always knew how to get under my skin, how to push me right to the edge. What the hell is wrong with me?

He fell silent.

Then he just stared at me, those sapphire–blue eyes holding something far too complex and deep to read-

What was that?

Pity?

Heartache?

No. I don’t need anyone’s pity.

There was a time I desperately wanted someone who truly understood me, who could empathize, who’d always have my back. For that, I was willing to give my whole heart, hoping for the same in return.

But in the end?

Gavin, Zane–they all chose to walk away.

After having my heart torn apart again and again, it grew tougher.

I, Ellara, will no longer rely on anyone’s pity. I won’t beg anyone to love me.

I won’t forgive a single soul who betrayed me.

Because forgiving them would be betraying myself-

I will love myself more than anyone else ever could. I’ll protect myself, keep myself from being hurt by others.

12:19

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

24.8%

chapter 35

After a long silence. Gavin’s voice returned, low and resonant. “What if someone told you that everything Gavin did to you in the past. was for a reason? That he hopes you can forgive him–that he actually cared deeply about you. Would you believe it?”

Do you think I would?” I couldn’t hold back a bitter laugh. How strange. Had he completely forgotten how he’d cast me aside? Why did he speak as if it were someone else’s story? Was this what a cold, calculating businessman did–rewrite history to ease his conscience?

Maybe people like him only ever saw their own gain. Other people’s feelings? They never truly mattered.

He closed his eyes briefly, as though shielding whatever emotion lay beneath. When they opened again, they held only the familiar chill–the detached rationality Gavin was known for.

“Elara,” he said, his tone cutting through the space between us, “you have to face the truth–you were never in his heart.”

“Ha… I know.”

I gave him a careless smile, playing the part of the “dutiful wife” to perfection.

“But as long as he comes home occasionally, that’s enough for me. Besides, Zane’s always been good to me. He buys me whatever I want–he always tries to make it up to me. Is there really anyone else in this world who’d treat me better than he does? No. I should cherish this husband who treats me

so well.”

I said

every word with utter seriousness. I knew exactly what I looked like right now-

A complete, pitiful, lovesick fool.

The hand still resting on the car door tensed, veins bulging on its surface.

His deep blue eyes stared at me as if I were an incomprehensible madwoman.

“Do you really love him that much?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I’m head over heels for him.” My voice was absolute.

Gavin’s icy gaze grew even colder.

“Are you out of your mind? Haven’t you seen-

He cut himself off, sucking in a sharp breath. “… You really won’t leave him? No matter how much he hurts you? No matter what anyone says?”

“Isn’t this what you wanted? If you didn’t want me to marry him, to fall for him, why didn’t you say anything before all this happened? It was your silence that let it happen. And now you want me not to love him? What gives you the right? Do you think I’m some puppet you can control?”

At that, his frown deepened-

“Ellara, I…”

“Save it. You don’t need to explain anything.”

I smiled.

“Mr. Windsor, I’m tired now. Please leave. I want to go home–I have work tomorrow.”

Maybe that got through to him. He didn’t say another word, just turned and got back into the car.

Only when the black Bentley vanished from sight did I finally let out the breath I was holding.

I remembered that thing that meant nothing to him, but everything to me-

Before I agreed to marry Zane, I asked everyone who he truly loved. Back then, I was desperate to find someone to share a genuine, mutual love with for the rest of my life.

12:20

Betrayed? I Upgraded to His Billionaire Brother

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