Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 49: Drama Queen Natalie

"Did you two have a fight, or is something else going on?" Albert’s expression turned grave, his tone serious.

"Mr. Ford..."

"Grandpa, why are you up so early?" Natalie called out as she quickly emerged from her room, her heart racing.

She had heard the familiar sound of her grandfather’s cane tapping against the floor and was alerted even in her sleep.

The old man turned to look at her, "Why is Aiden sleeping outside?"

Natalie gulped nervously, "G-Grandpa, we happened to fight last night."

Frowned lines appeared on his forehand. "What kind of fight would be so serious that you’d make him sleep out here on that tiny sofa? You two should be acting like any newlyweds—loving each other and forgiving mistakes easily,"

"That... Grandpa... I..."

"Go sit there," Albert instructed, pointing to the spot on the sofa where Justin was sitting.

Natalie obediently sat in the other corner of the sofa, instead of sitting close to Justin. She sat on the edge, her legs tightly clamped together, her hands clasped nervously in her lap, clearly anxious.

Justin noticed it, but didn’t intervene. If it was before he would have done something but after last night how defensive she acted against his presence, he didn’t even want to be close to her. ’She totally deserves that scum Ivan Brown.’

Albert’s frown deepened as he observed how far Natalie had sat from Justin, as if he were a stranger. Her nervous behaviour only added to his concern. He settled into a chair opposite them, his expression serious. "Let’s have a serious talk."

About what, Grandpa?" Natalie asked, her voice shaky, fearing that her lie might be uncovered.

While Justin sat relaxed, his back straight, one leg crossed over the other, ready to see how she would handle the situation.

"Natalie, answer me honestly," Albert said, his gaze piercing.

"Yes, Grandpa?"

into this marriage for my sake, even though it was a

truth now? Would he be able to handle it? As she hesitated, she saw the distress

it’s the truth. If it is, then you don’t have to force yourself. Marriage is not a game for

ready to spill out, but seeing the pain in his eyes, she

Ivan, don’t you?" Albert

till now, his eyes flickered at it. ’She definitely loves him,’ he thought bitterly. ’She said last night how much she misses that bastard and could not wait to have him in her bed again.’ Unknown to him, his hand resting

firm. "Why would you think that? I have nothing to

’Liar,’

Justin cursed inwardly.

"I don’t believe you."

words left her speechless. Her grandpa believed her lies but denied the only truth she told just

But don’t worry, your grandfather is here. I still have enough power to

"Grandpa, no..."

interrupted her, his

gaze, his expression

you talked less because that’s just your personality. But now I realized it’s becasue you’re pretending to be with Natalie for my sake, aren’t you? You’re a good man, and you don’t want to hurt this

man like you, but it seems you both think otherwise. I won’t

his eyes turned moist, his hand over his chest tightening. "I will

rushed to Albert’s side, gently taking his hand in hers to calm him. "Grandpa, please calm down. It’s not what you think. I truly love Aiden. But last night, we ended up fighting over something silly, and it’s all

him, clearly not expecting her to turn the tables

you tell me, is it right

on the business trip, and now she was making it sound like it was

want to be with him more?" Natalie pressed on, fully leaning into her role. "How are we going to get closer if he stays away from me? This home, all of this—what is it

an actor?’ Justin

truth?" Albert asked

pitifully sad