Henry, let her go. Stay out of this. You don't
have to do this. I try not to get too close.
The way he looks right now. Like he could do
anything in an instant and put her at risk. So
far he isn't touching her, but there are bruises
on her arm. Fuck. This is between me and my fiance.
He hisses. I step closer. Damn it, Elliot, leave.
I'm not leaving. Not until you free her. Juliana
whimpers. I'm trying hard to stay calm to avoid
this from escalating, but he's pushing me. Henry,
is this even worth it, huh? I take another step.
Doing drugs and getting yourself high to the
point where you want to hurt someone? You're
the reason I'm like this, he spits. Everything
I do is always overshadowed by you, and now everything
is falling apart because of you. Because you
couldn't keep your fucking hands off my fiance.
I am not. Henry reaches up and squeezes Juliana's
cheeks, silencing her. You are my fiance. You
think you're gonna embarrass me and just abandon
us like that? I am not leaving until we straighten
this fucking shit out. We are getting married
whether you want to or not. Anger flares in Juliana's
eyes, and before I can grab Henry, she knees
him in the crotch. He stumbles back, clutching
himself. You reckless piece of - I grab his hand,
stopping him from backhanding her. Henry shoves
me, then punches me in the face. I told you to
stay out of this. He shoves me again and I realize
I'm just a distraction. His real target is Juliana.
He lunges for her, but I grab him by the shoulder.
He swings at me, but misses. I retaliate, punching
him in the face just enough to slow him down
and then drag him to the floor. Let me go. I'm
not letting you go until you stop behaving like
this. Henry thrashes beneath me, fists pounding
into my arms, but I don't let up. I pin him down.
What is wrong with you? Why are you behaving
like this? His dark sunken eyes glare back at
me. He's been through hell, and now I'm wondering
if it's more than just alcohol and cocaine. Why
do you always have to ruin everything for me?
You've been a pain in my ass ever since my dad
brought you and you're fucking I slam my fist
into his face before he can finish you will not
talk about our mother like that Our mother he
sees my mother is dead you and Carla are just
placeholders I never agreed with that shit, but
who was I anyway? He didn't even wait a year
and suddenly you two fucking appear to ruin my
life We've done nothing, but love you and your
father Fuck you Let me go. I glance up. Juliana
is on the hotel phone. I have no idea who she's
calling. Not until you calm down. You stole everything
from me. And now you want Juliana? She is mine.
She is not something to have or possess, Henry.
The fuck is wrong with you? Get off of me. What
is the real reason behind all this? You were
never like this, brother. I am not your brother.
You are. I need to speak with Julie. She doesn't
want to talk to you. She is my fiance. She is
not. It's over. How deep and delusional can he
really be? Is he mental? It's not over until
I say it's over. Suddenly the door swings open.
Two men burst in with hotel staff. One of them
yanks me off Henry. Without hesitation, Henry
darts toward Juliana. Juliana grabs the bedside
lamp and smashes it against his head Fuck Sometimes
I try not to overthink things, but when I do
I wonder what would have happened if my mom had
never met his dad It's foolish, but maybe life
would have been different or maybe his father
would have found someone else and the outcome
would have been the same It's been three weeks
since that night at the hotel but the memory
is still fresh. Henry's now in rehab, nursing
24 stitches to his head. The nightmare didn't
end there. A week after being discharged from
the hospital and sent to rehab, Henry finally
opened up. The truth? He was drowning in debt.
He'd gambled away his father's company on a deal
that fell through. On top of that, he'd borrowed
money from a loan shark. The drugs and alcohol
were a mask. Henry owed just over half a million,
not including the company's losses. Marrying
Juliana would have saved him since her family
had set up a trust fund for her, one she'd never
touched. Thankfully, Dad had a contingency fund,
as if he knew Henry would one day burn everything
down. But even after all of that, the loan sharks
came knocking. Henry still owed them money. I
dealt with it personally, and hopefully, that's
the last of it. Mom and dad wasn't keen I'd spent
that large sum of money, but it was the easiest
way to get rid of them. I just hope Henry never
gets himself in that kind of trouble again. Juliana
filed a restraining order in both cities. She
didn't press charges, but the whole thing traumatized
her. She didn't mean to hit Henry, but she believed
he would have hurt her, and I don't blame her.
Now, I'm boarding a flight to go see her. She
left the next day without a word, and it's been
eating at me. Mom's kept in touch with her, and
we've exchanged a few texts, but it's not enough.
I need to see her face. I need to know how she
really feels. I've taken two weeks off work to
clear my head. Her parents know I'm visiting,
but they didn't tell her. According to her mom,
she's staying at the family home while she looks
for a new apartment. That gave me pause. She's
not coming back to my city, and I don't blame
her, not after everything. I walk out of the
airport and head straight to my hotel. I unpack
and call her, telling her I'm in town. She doesn't
sound shocked. She doesn't sound disappointed
either. She just sounds... normal? Either way,
I'm gonna see her to patch things over. I settle
into the hotel for a few hours, then take my
rental car to Giuliana's parents' house. She
answers the door with a smile. I don't know what
it is. But she looks different. Less pale than
I remembered. Less restrained. Less unhappy.
She opens the door wider and reaches for a hug.
I pull her into me tight. I don't want to let
go. Nice to see you. She finally says, breaking
the embrace. Same here. Well, don't just stand
there. Come on in. I hand her a small brown bag.
A tray of chocolate chip cookies and a bottle
of red wine. She peeks inside and smiles. You
remembered. Always. Well, thank you for this
gift. Where's your mom and dad? Oh, they went
out for a walk. They should be back soon. Oh.
I rubbed the back of my neck. Speaking of walking,
I was thinking we could go for a stroll ourselves
in the park. Oh, yeah, sure. Let me just put
these away and get into something a bit more
park friendly, okay? Ten minutes later, we're
at the park. Walking, catching up. And by catching
up, I mean everything. University, her plans,
what she wants next, how she really feels about
what happened this past month. She seems hopeful.
I don't want to ask about her job interview,
but it's like she read my mind. Well, I passed
the interviews. Both of them. She says casually.
I see. And I think I'll take the job. She pauses.
Well, I'm not sure yet. I'm still figuring out
things. You know, I'm still in limbo about getting
an apartment here. You spoke with them already?
Concerning your thoughts? Yeah. With everything
that happened, I asked for a month to think about
it. And they agreed. I'm really shocked by that.
She adds. I didn't expect them to wait, but if
they're willing to wait, maybe it's a sign it's
a good place to work. Don't you think? Yeah.
Yeah, I do. Actually, up until a few minutes
ago, I was unsure. But now that we've talked,
I think I've made up my mind. She has no idea
how much that means to me. She's not letting
Henry dictate her future. And damn it. I'm proud
of her. So, I'm gonna have to look for an apartment
back in the city. Good. I reply a little too
quickly. I can help you look for one. She smiles.
Well, I've got about two and a half weeks to
figure it out. Then I guess we better get to
work. She chuckles. Then, after a beat. How's
Henry? Henry's hanging in. You know how withdrawals
can be in rehab. Yeah, I know. Let's just hope
he gets the help he needs. We stop at a food
truck. The scent of grilled things and sugar
in the air. You want anything? Ice cream? Cotton
candy would be fine. I smile. You haven't changed
much, have you? I just love cotton candy. Fine.
We spend the rest of the evening walking through
the park, taking in the quiet, the fading sun,
the stillness between us. It's perfect. No Henry,
no tension. No one to pull her away, just us.
And the park. As we make our way back to the
car, she glances over. So, how long are you here
for? Two weeks. Oh, that's long. She grins. So...
How exactly are you going to find me an apartment
in the two weeks you're here? I have my ways
and besides I Haven't taken a real vacation in
a while I'm going to enjoy every bit of it She
nudges me gently Maybe I should enjoy it with
you, too When we arrived back at her house, I
greet her parents with big hugs. It's been a
while since I've seen them, but they look exactly
the same They haven't aged a day They beg me
to stay for dinner, of course they do. And I
would have stayed if I didn't get an emergency
call from a previous client. There's a major
issue with one of the games I worked on. Something
I'm directly responsible for, I can't ignore
it. I know it's my vacation, but when something
is mine to fix, I fix it. Juliana looks disappointed,
sad even. But I tell her I'll make it up to her.
And I mean it. Unfortunately, the problem with
the game was bigger than I thought. I had to
pull out all my equipment and stay up all night.
Actually, two nights. I don't finish until two
days later, around 4pm. Exhausted? Yeah. But
relieved that I finally have time to make it
up to Jules. I kept in touch throughout, sending
her updates, letting her know I haven't disappeared.
And when I finally message her to say I'm done,
she calls me almost immediately. I want to cook
something for you, she says. I blink, surprised.
She wants to cook for me? I feel like it should
be the other way around. After everything, I
should be doing something for her. But Juliana
insists. And somehow, I can't tell that woman
no. Later that evening, I show up at Juliana's
doorstep, this time with two bags of cotton candy
from the food truck. She opens the door with
a grin the second she sees me holding them. You're
unserious. She says, laughing as I hand one over.
You said you loved it. I aim to please. As I
step inside, I glance around. No parents? She
shakes her head. It's my mom's birthday tomorrow.
My dad rented a boat to take her on a tour. Left
yesterday. They'll be back in about three or
four days. Nice. That sounds like something your
dad would do. She smiles. He's always had a thing
for charming surprises So I guess it's just the
two of us Yep, it is Wait, is that a bad thing?
No, it's not What nothing Juliana opens one of
the cotton candy and stuffs it in her mouth You're
gonna get me fat you fat never And even if you
did gain some, you would still be perfect. She
scoffs. She walks toward the kitchen, barefoot
and comfortable, and I follow. So, what's for
dinner? Chicken Alfredo. She says over her shoulder,
already moving like she's in her element. Well,
you certainly didn't wait. I didn't want you
to help. She teases. This is my thing tonight.
The only thing you're going to help me with is
tasting. Tasting, huh? Yeah. She grabs a wooden
spoon and dips it into the creamy sauce. She
gives it a small taste, then offers it to me.
I take a taste. Mmm. That's actually really good.
You're such a bad liar. No, really, Master Chef.
Or maybe it's just better because you tasted
it first. She squints, eyes narrowing playfully.
Wait a minute. What does that mean? I shrug,
setting the spoon down. Nothing. Elliot. What?
She shakes her head. I thought so. She smiles.
Juliana reaches up into the cupboard, and I step
in to help her take out two plates. You know,
you've always been a cryptic person. Really?
Yeah. I remember from the very first time we
met. You were always like this. Like how? You
say or do things. And then you just dismiss them.
Like they don't matter. Like they shouldn't happen
or shouldn't be said or... I don't know. I shake
my head, smiling. I have no idea what you're
talking about, Jule. She gives me a look. Like
that day we first met. After the boat trip, just
before we all went our separate ways, you picked
a flower. It was small, yellow, with white at
the tips. You stuck it in my hair and said it
matched my essence, and that I should always
wear it. Her voice softens. And then you just
walked off, like it meant nothing. I stay quiet
for a moment too long, because I remember that
flower. I remember everything about that day.
What she doesn't know is, I think I fell in love
with her that day, but I was the older one. And
she was Henry's age. And Henry? He had liked
her too. He'd said it out loud, claimed it first.
They started talking more during the boat ride,
and I let it happen. I didn't want Henry thinking
I had feelings for her, especially after he made
his interest known. So I stepped back. But when
I saw that flower, small, soft, yellow with white
tips, it reminded me of her. Sweet, yet simple.
A rare, quiet sunshine. So I gave it to her.
And that was that. Because in my mind, she already
belonged to him. I shrug, unsure how to answer.
But she keeps going. And that time, when you
were leaving for college... I glance at her.
I was at your house. You were packing. You passed
me in the hallway and said, if only our timelines
were different. Her voice dips. I wasn't sure
if you meant me. And when I asked what that meant,
you ignored me completely. She lets out a soft
breath. I didn't know if you were talking to
me or just thinking out loud, but it sounded
like You were trying to tell me something. Juliana.
She moves before I can finish. Forget about it.
She then gathers the plates, shares out the food,
and walks toward the dining table. I just feel
like... She adds, setting the plates down. You've
been hiding in the shadows because of Henry.
She sits, but her eyes are steady on mine. And
I hate it. I hate how you had to walk on egg
shells because of his insecurities. I liked you,
Elliot. I liked you from the first day we met.
And I've never stopped liking you. My chest tightens.
It was only because Henry had the balls to say
something. And you didn't have the mind to tell
me how you felt that I went with him. And now...
She looks away, swallowing hard. Now I'm paying
for it. I'm alone. And I've got the mental scars
and regret. Because I chose someone else just
to spite you I stand slowly Juliana Don't blame
yourself because of what Henry did You chose
what felt right at the time But you're not alone
I'm here. I'm right here with you She stares
at me eyes glinting with something sharper than
hurt You're here, but I feel like I'm with a
ghost because you can never be real with me What
do you want me to say? She slams her fist against
the table. Hard. Damn it, Elliot. Be real. Be
fucking real with me. Henry and I are over, so
what's the real reason you're here? And don't
tell me to check in. Tell me the truth. Her voice
echoes in the silence between us. So does the
truth. I stare at her, jaw clenched, heart pounding.
The real reason I'm here. is because I love you.
Her eyes widen slightly, but I don't stop. I've
loved you since that first day on the dock. When
you smiled without trying. When you laughed like
a kid dancing in endless bubbles. I move around
the table, closing the space between us. I buried
it. I buried everything I felt, because Henry
wanted you. And I thought stepping back was the
right thing to do. I thought I was protecting
him. I thought I was doing the mature thing But
the truth is Every moment I've spent pretending
I didn't feel anything for you It's been hell
She doesn't say anything Her breathing is shallow
Her fingers are trembling I came here thinking
I could just check on you Be a friend Do the
right thing again But the second I saw you open
that door I take one more step forward. I'm still
in love with you, Juliana. I never stopped. Juliana
shoots up from her seat and crosses the space
between us in two swift steps. She grabs my face,
firm, desperate, and kisses me. It's not soft.
It's not shy. It's every unsaid word, every missed
moment, every buried feeling, crashing into me
all at once. Her lips are warm, urgent. tasting
like frustration and longing. I freeze for a
second, startled by the force of it, and then
I melt into her. My hands find her waist, pulling
her closer. I feel her fingers slip into my hair,
her breath stuttering against my mouth. We kiss
like time owes us, like we're owed every second
we lost pretending. When we finally pull back,
we're both breathless. Her forehead rests against
mine. I've waited so long to do that. She whispers.
I close my eyes. So have I. We both glance at
the food sitting on the table, and then burst
into laughter. Because honestly, that's the last
thing on our minds right now. I don't want to
rush things, but yet I actually do. Still, somewhere
deep down, I fear that holding back, again, might
cost me more than I'm willing to lose. So I lean
in and press another kiss to her lips. Slower
this time. Intentional. She lets out a soft moan
against my mouth and it sends a wave of heat
straight through me. Maybe. I whisper. We should
finish eating first. She smiles, breathless.
Then I'll eat fast. I laugh, shaking my head.
She sighs with defeat. And for the first time
in forever, I feel at peace. Eventually we start
kissing again. Slowly at first. Then with more
urgency. Juliana kisses me like I might disappear.
Like I might change my mind. So I pull back just
enough to look her in the eyes. I'm not going
anywhere. She blinks searching my face. I want
this. Whatever this is between us. I want it
to be real. I want a relationship with you, Juliana.
I want to be with you. As long as you'll have
me. She exhales a sharp breath. I want you too,
Elliot. But then her brows knit. How are we going
to explain this? They know. Her eyes widen. What?
My mom's known for a long time. And your parents
too. I don't think they ever really wanted Henry
for you. It was just... easier that way. Simpler.
Juliana sits up a little straighter, the weight
of those words sinking in. I'm going to do right
by you, Julie. I say softly. I'm not going to
be another Henry. I know you're not Henry. You've
never been like him. She pauses. It's just...
I wish you'd spoken up when you had the chance.
I reach up and gently brush away the tear sliding
down her cheek. Then I kiss her, slow and sweetly.
I love you. I whisper. And I'm here now. I love
you too. Juliana stands slowly, her eyes never
leaving mine, and slides her cotton pants down
her legs. She steps out of them, then moves toward
me. Unbuckling my belt with long, tender fingers.
I want to feel you inside me. I take a deep breath
trying to stay in control, but the moment is
already claiming me. I run my palm down her waist,
along her warm, soft skin, and stop at her thighs.
I lift my hips as she slips the rest of my pants
off, and exhale. Juliana climbs into my lap,
straddling me, her thighs firm against my sides.
She moans softly as she tugs her panties to the
side and sinks down onto me slow and tantalizing
deep Her breath catching in my ear as her body
wraps around mine She buries her face into my
neck gasping and I can feel the heat of her breath
the tension in her spine as she moves grinding
into me like she knows exactly how to undo me
I Reach for her top and pull it over her head
in one fluid motion bearing her completely One
of her bra straps slips down her arm and I undo
the rest She's all curves and shadows and want
She leans back just enough to watch me watching
her The way she moves its art. It's pure emotion
Everything melts away the room the past the pain
there's only her and me and this She presses
her hips down harder and I groaned beneath her
tugging on her ponytail Fuck. Ah. Fuck. smoothing
it back from her face as I press a soft kiss
to her temple. We don't speak, just skin on skin,
heartbeats and the warmth of two people who finally
stop pretending. Juliana sighs with contentment.
I close my eyes, breathing her in. And for the
first time since all this began, I feel at home.
My Brother's Girlfriend, Part 3. This is the
final installment. So stay tuned for a new episode.
Don't forget that Kamiya's Closet is on TikTok
and YouTube. You can search Kamiya Sloan on both
apps. Your follow would mean a lot to me and
help grow my community. Thanks for being awesome.
See you in the next episode. Bye.