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?"

love Aiden? Are you forcing yourself into this marriage for my sake,

words. Should she admit the truth now? Would he be able to handle it? As she hesitated, she saw the distress in Albert’s face, his hand moving to

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

almost ready to spill out, but seeing the pain in his eyes, she hesitated. "No, Grandpa, it’s not

still love Ivan, don’t you?" Albert asked

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

voice firm. "Why would you think that? I have nothing to do with Ivan anymore,

’Liar,’

Justin cursed inwardly.

"I don’t believe you."

her lies but denied the only truth she told just

you loved Ivan for many years. It’s difficult to forget someone easily. But don’t worry, your grandfather is here. I still have enough power to make that boy kneel in front of

"Grandpa, no..."

her, his gaze shifting

gaze, his

to think 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 old

but his eyes were sad. "I was glad that Natalie could be with a man like you, but it seems you both think otherwise. I won’t be the reason you two are forced together anymore.

his hand over his

"Grandpa, please calm down. It’s

at him, clearly not

he’s planning to go on a business trip for half a month. Now, you tell me, is it right for him

was speechless. She was the one who had insisted he go on the

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 for? For me to live alone?" She turned into a typical, unhappy wife,

actor?’ Justin sighed

you telling the truth?"

looked pitifully sad that