THE BILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR

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worlds away from the life I had left behind, but I was hoping for a fresh start. At least, that was my intention. The business I was

d through the thin walls, causing my heart to sink. It couldn't be.

up when she spoke of her aspirations, the tears she shed the day I

el coincidence. But when I stepped onto my balcony, I saw her. She

my past, and it was looking back at me with indifference. I couldn't hel

y my next-door neighbor? The realization hit me hard, and I regretted my

g reality. Phoebe, my ex-wife, was not only residing in the same esta

ishing desperately that this was just a bad dream. But it

as still strewn across the floor. A soft giggle floated over fro

but it was too late. Phoebe was already leaning agai

meone asked, barely h

h. "Yeah, I'm good. Just... uh..

ow. "Getting used to it?

heepish. "I guess I'm just

down my spine. "Uncoordinated? You? I'm Tris,

t glancing at Phoebe's balcony, but she was nowhere to be se

ed and said, "Well, Barrett, it's great to meet you. You

, Tris. I appreciate your help. And your friend...?" I le

ok. "Oh, you mean Phoebe? She's fant

posure. "Yeah, I... uh... I rec

ere, huh? I'm sure you two will

of unease washed over me. What was Phoebe doing he

ety. I needed to concentrate on making a positive i

my apartment, I heard Tris ca

to face h

me to the neighborhood. I thin

ion lingered. What did Tris know that I was unawa

apartment, I couldn't shake the feeli

rs on my very first day. I growled, tossing the bags ont

bubbling just beneath the surface. I couldn't believ

startled me. My heart raced at the thought that it

pting to sound nonchalant des

y opened. However, it wasn't Phoebe who stood t

ece of paper toward me. "I found this on the floo

a grocery store receipt, but I h

, feeling a bit sheepish.

o worries, Barrett. Just le

lk away, I called ou

curiosity on her

think... um... Phoebe would be open to chatting with

I'll mention it to her, Barrett. But I can't

r of hope. "Alright, thank

nt, I couldn't help but wonder what she w