The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 384

As they drove away, Brantley took Brianna’s hand. Her fingers were like ice in his, and she looked utterly heartbroken.

“Is it over with him?”

Brianna nodded, finally letting the tears fall. Jotham’s influence on her ran too deep. Even though she knew there was no going back, her heart couldn’t accept it.

“He isn’t worth your tears,” Brantley said with a sigh, gently dabbing her cheeks with a tissue. “Seeing him for who he truly is… it’s for the best.”

Brianna didn’t answer, simply resting her head on his shoulder.

Brantley was her only source of comfort now, her only chance at a new beginning. She couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

She quickly suppressed the ache in her heart. After a moment, she wrapped her arms around his neck, tilted her head back, and closed her eyes.

Brantley felt the shift in the air, the unmistakable invitation. He looked at her tear-streaked face, so fragile and vulnerable, and felt a pull he could barely resist. But just as his lips were about to meet hers, reason took hold.

“Brianna,” he murmured, pulling back slightly. “I’m not trying to take advantage of you. I want you to heal first, to truly put the past behind you. I have patience. I can wait until you're ready to embrace something new.”

He gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead, his touch incredibly tender.

Brianna opened her eyes and saw the gentle concern in his. How could a man who clearly desired her also possess such restraint? She couldn’t decipher the complex emotions in his gaze, but looking at him, she felt a sense of security that she had never known before.

She nodded slowly. A satisfied smile touched Brantley’s lips as he settled back in his seat.

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