The Billionaire's Bet

Chapter 3 : The Bet

One little bet is all it takes

Devon and Danzel Marscinos are two Italian brothers living in Los Angeles, currently running a multi-billionaire company, MARNE-X.

Devon was a cold, introverted person with no emotions, while his brother was the complete opposite—charismatic, outgoing, and charming. Devon hadn’t always been this way. There was a time when he laughed freely, loved deeply, and opened himself to the world. But that version of him had disappeared years ago when his girlfriend shattered his heart into pieces. Since then, Devon had shut himself off from love, swearing it was a pointless, agonizing waste of time.

It was as if he had given up on love entirely.

“Shut up, Danzel! Non sai niente!” Devon barked, his tone sharp enough to cut glass. He glared at his older brother, clearly fed up with the incessant reminders of his past.

Danzel leaned against the edge of Devon’s sleek glass desk, a teasing smirk dancing on his lips. “Alright, calm down. But don’t you think it’s time you started dating again?” he asked, folding his arms across his chest.

Devon scoffed, his blue eyes icy and unyielding. “No. I don’t need to be in a relationship again. It’s a waste of time.” His tone was cold, final.

Danzel sighed heavily, shaking his head in mock disbelief. “Fine, then. Let’s make a bet,” he said, his smirk deepening. “The first girl you set your eyes on will be your target. You’re not backing out of this.”

Devon frowned, his jaw clenching. “I’m not playing your stupid games, Danzel.”

“This isn’t a game. This is about you and your unhealthy obsession with her. You have to move on, Devon.”

Devon’s fists curled at his sides. “Leave her out of this!” he snarled, his voice dangerously low.

The room fell into a tense silence. Devon’s breathing was harsh, his shoulders taut with restrained anger. Despite his irritation, something about Danzel’s challenge intrigued him. His brother always had a knack for pushing him just enough to get a reaction.

With a sigh, Devon relented. “Fine. What’s the bet?” he asked, his lips curving into a faint smirk.

Danzel’s grin widened. “$50,000. And if you manage to make her fall in love with you and date you within a year, I’ll make it $800,000.”

Devon raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “You’re that confident I’ll fail?”

“I’m confident you’ll sabotage yourself, piccolo fratello.”

A sly grin crept across Devon’s face. “Deal.”

Danzel extended his hand, and Devon shook it firmly, sealing their pact. Danzel left the office with a grin on his face. He knew his little brother couldn't possibly survive but he still wanted to see his determination.

_____

Devon leaned back in his leather chair, the skyline of Los Angeles glowing in the distance beyond the glass walls of his office. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the dark mahogany desk as his thoughts spiraled—uncontrollably and unapologetically—back to her. That woman.