Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

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.

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."

it aside, and guided her to the kitchen sink to wash her hands.

could make her do whatever he wanted. Though he wished to ask what’s wrong with

she asked, "Will

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

Better than staying home and dealing with

and turned toward the kitchen exit

the tension had

a pair of casual slippers

"Let me grab the

need," he

smirked and added, "Let them see me for what

realization hit. "Are we

sensation in every news outlet. What do you think?"

locked the door behind them and followed him. "What if they

of my perfect back profile. Most people don’t even get to see my

for the elevator.

"Highly self-aware, I’d say."

could only nod. This man

they reached the ground floor,

staying close by. No need to follow us," Justin instructed. "Just hand me a cap from the

brought over a black cap, which Justin slipped

was to provide a cover to his face, though she wondered

just something about him that made him stand out, no matter what he wore. She was convinced that

Justin said, catching her in her daze, "I might think what happened in the kitchen wasn’t

snapped her gaze away, her cheeks instantly warming.