Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 167: All You Have To Do Is To Fall For Me

Natalie stared at him, torn between fear and hope. Before she could stop herself, she whispered, "What if I never...?"

"You will," Justin interrupted, his tone certain and steady. "I believe in us. So stop overthinking, and let things between us unfold naturally."

A small, hesitant nod escaped Natalie. She wanted to believe him—to trust his words.

Justin straightened, stepped back, tucking his hands coolly into his pockets, watching her with a steady, unreadable gaze.

"I am giving you time, that doesn’t mean I would stay away from you," He began turning to his domineering self, from how gentle he was a moment before. "If we stay away, how would you realize what you feel for me? So, do not expect me to be a gentleman, which I am not. I would be close to you, kiss you when both of us are in a situation. I won’t hold back."

Natalie swallowed hard. This man—he was like a chameleon. One moment, he seemed like the most patient, understanding man in the world. The next, he was unapologetically bold, making it clear that he wasn’t going to play by the rules of restraint.

’One moment gentleman, but the next moment a rouge.’

"But don’t worry," Justin added, his tone calm but unwavering. "The more intimate things—like what we did last night, or sex—those will only happen when you consent to it."

Natalie’s breath hitched, her throat tightening at his blunt words. Her palms grew clammy, and she couldn’t help but wonder, Why is this man so direct?

"And another thing," Justin continued, his gaze steady on her. "If you have anything on your mind—complaints, doubts, or feelings—tell me directly. Don’t jump to conclusions or create misunderstandings in your head and then cry over them like someone weak."

His words, though firm, weren’t harsh—they were matter-of-fact, reflecting his desire for clarity.

"I hate misunderstandings," he went on, "and I prefer open communication, even if the truth might sting. You’re a strong woman, Natalie. Be that way with me too. If something feels wrong, tell me to my face. Got it?"

awkwardly cleared her throat.

are mine, that Aiden Handrix had already lost you,"

she muttered, nodding

small, satisfied nod. "Good. Now let’s

side of the bed, leaving Natalie with a swirl of thoughts and emotions she wasn’t quite

conditions for the relationship, and he was still

bed and Natalie realised she had yet to thank him for all the help he was

me without me asking you to," she

said offering her to get on her side of the bed as he lifted the blanket to cover then both. "But, as far as I remember, you clearly asked

remembered the way she begged

he sat in the bed and she did as well,

want that gratitude to become the reason you fall for me. It can be part of liking me as a person, but it

confused, trying to grasp the meaning behind his

will help us, and we’ll feel grateful to them. But that doesn’t mean we fall in love with every person who lends a hand. Help should be seen for what it is—just help. It shouldn’t become a debt you carry or a

words began to sink in, and Natalie listened intently, realizing he

to feel like you owe that person. That feeling of debt drives you to please them, to make them happy—and before you know it, you mistake that

a truth she had been avoiding. His insight pierced through her thoughts, bringing up

had spent years doing everything she could for Ivan, believing it was out of love—but was it just

I never really

the confusion flickering across her face and leaned in gently with his words. "You’re smart enough to understand

nodded slowly, lost in thought. She realized that she didn’t need to feel indebted to Ivan for supporting her all those years. She had already repaid him—by saving his company and standing by him when he needed