The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

"Kari, it's pretty clear where Ronald stands," Brittany gently hinted, her voice carrying a mix of concern and amusement. "His affection for you has definitely crossed the so-called sibling boundaries."

Kari felt a warmth spreading through her chest, confusion and surprise mingling within her thoughts. "But I've always seen him as a brother. How am I supposed to act around him now?"

And to think they had even shared a meal at one of those cozy diners downtown, the kind that had booths for two and dim, romantic lighting!

Brittany didn't believe Kari was entirely indifferent towards Ronald; rather, she was stuck in her old perceptions. "Look, Kari, if Ronald hasn't made the first move, then maybe you guys can just keep things as they are for now." "He's genuinely a great guy, Kari. Maybe give it a chance."

Kari couldn't help but feel Brittany had been somehow convinced or 'bought over' by someone, her words making Kari's ears burn. "I can't."

Brittany didn't push further, opting for a change in topic. "It's getting late, you should get some rest."

After hanging up, Kari stared at the latest text from Ronald, her mind a whirlpool of thoughts.

Ronald had been a fixture in her life for as long as she could remember.

The thought of him harboring those kinds of feelings towards her was something she had never considered.

Restlessly, she tossed and turned in bed, puzzled over what Ronald saw in her. After all, it had been a decade since their paths diverged...

The next morning, Kari woke up with dark circles under her eyes, a testament to her restless night.

As she opened her door, she was startled to find Ronald in the kitchen.

"Morning."

a beat, and then, impulsively, she slammed

What was happening?

Ronald end

couldn't hide the flicker

with a puzzled

be something urgent," Ronald offered, trying to

setting aside the apple she was slicing, knocked on Kari's door. "Kari, are you

opening the door

kitchen, Kari breathed a sigh of relief, whispering,

last night's revelations, calling Ronald 'brother' felt impossible

"Didn't you say you

loved lobster?

fresh ones over. I'm planning to whip up some spicy lobster for

beamed, oblivious to the

undercurrents. "Ronald's alwel

so

even brought me some lovely herbal teas. He's

Ronald's true feelings made it impossible for Kari to keep treating him like a brother.