Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 164

Chapter 164: Not Ready For Another Heartbreak

Natalie stayed frozen, unsure how to reciprocate the passion he was showing. The kiss was fine, but beyond that...

Her mind wandered, overwhelmed by questions. I am a married woman, yet here I am, being intimate with another man. What connection do I even have with him to justify this? What am I doing with Justin Harper—the powerful Justin Harper—who is only here for his own purpose? Once his lookalike is found, he will leave. I can’t let myself get too attached. Just like Ivan... he’ll leave too.

The thought of being abandoned again was unbearable.

Justin sensed the subtle shift in her expression, catching that fleeting moment, realising she was not on the same page as him at this moment.

He pulled back slightly and asked, "What are you thinking about?" His eyes searched hers. _{ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com}

Before Natalie could respond, the soup on the stove boiled over, the sound abruptly breaking their connection.

She started to move, but Justin was quicker. He turned off the gas before she could react.

I have to stop here. I am not ready for another heart break.

She hopped down from the kitchen counter, grabbed a cleaning cloth, and said, "I’ll clean this up and finish cooking. You can wait in the drawing room."

Justin watched her as she began wiping up the spilled soup, fully aware of the shift in her mood. He gently took hold of her hand to stop her.

"Let it be," he said softly.

She looked at him, regaining some composure. "Don’t you want dinner?"

"Let’s eat out," he suggested, releasing her hand.

"It’s already late, and we’d have to drive to a restaurant," she replied, her reluctance clear. "I don’t want to leave now that I’m finally home."

He gently took the cleaning cloth from her hand, set it aside, and guided her to the kitchen sink to wash her hands. "We’re going somewhere close for some simple, tasty food," he said.

His movements smooth as if he could make her do whatever he wanted. Though he wished to ask what’s wrong with her, seeing acting normal, he decided to leave it for later.

As Natalie washed her hands, she asked, "Will an ordinary place suit Mr. CEO?"

Justin joined her at the sink, rinsing his hands. "When the company’s just right, every place suits me."

Sweet talker, Natalie thought, feeling a bit lighter. Better than staying home and dealing with the awkwardness.

He dried his hands and turned toward the kitchen exit "Let’s go."

Relieved that the tension had lifted, Natalie followed him.

Justin slipped into a pair of casual slippers and opened the apartment door.

She did the same, pausing. "Let me grab the car keys."

"No need," he said casually.

Surprised, Natalie gave him a curious look. Justin smirked and added, "Let them see me for what I am—just your poor gigolo husband."

She blinked, stunned, as the realization hit. "Are we being watched?"

Natalie snapped her gaze away, her cheeks instantly warming. It’s not my fault you’re so handsome.

She glanced at their hands, but before she could speak, he lifted them slightly into view and said, "This will give you a good image—being seen hand-in-hand with your husband, all romantic."

Natalie allowed him to hold her hand as they stepped through the main security gate. Justin was already aware of the spies tailing them, and it didn’t take long for Natalie to notice them too.

They made their way to a small, unassuming restaurant nearby. It wasn’t crowded, which promised them some peaceful moments together.

"Are you okay eating here?" Natalie asked, just to be sure.

"I don’t see any issue," Justin replied smoothly, guiding her inside.

The restaurant owner, delighted by their presence, eagerly offered them the best seat in the house.

Meanwhile, inside a deserted-looking residence...

"Briena, you have to help me," Lily sobbed, her voice trembling. "That bitch ruined my life!"

"I know, Lily," Briena said softly, her tone calm but distant. "But you should have been more careful."

Tears streamed down Lily’s face as she continued, "You don’t understand what they did to me. They... they—"

"Enough with the crying already!" Clara snapped, her voice sharp with irritation. "We all saw what you were up to. The entire elite circle saw it."

Lily flinched, knowing full well that the trap she had set for Natalie had backfired—horribly.

"It’s all her fault!" Lily cried out, anguish in her voice. "I can’t even show my face in this city anymore! I swear I will ruin her life entirely."