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?"

hard and awkwardly cleared her

I said you are mine, that Aiden Handrix had

she muttered,

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

side of the bed, leaving Natalie with a swirl

the important conditions for the relationship, and he was still so clam, composed and

to thank him for all

me without me

don’t need to, as you are my woman," he said offering her to get on her side of the bed as he lifted

the way

as he sat in the bed and she did as well, ready

you receive is fine. But I don’t want that gratitude to become the reason you fall for me. It can be part of liking me as a person,

to grasp the meaning behind

"many people 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

clarity of his words began to sink in, and

turns into a sense of obligation, you start to feel like you owe that person. That feeling of debt drives you to

like a truth she had been avoiding. His insight pierced through

doing everything she could for Ivan, believing it was

I never really

her face and leaned in gently with his words. "You’re smart enough to

indebted to Ivan for supporting her all those years. She had already repaid him—by saving his company and standing