Wife by Day, Boss by Night

That wasn't the answer she wanted from Brian, If he'd said he regretted it and that he also felt the sting of Zephyr's untimely departure as much as she did, she might have forgiven him on the spot.

It was a lie to claim indifference or deny any desire to mend what was broken.

The man she had adored for over a decade filled her heart to the brim, leaving no room for anyone else, which was beyond her control.

“Why refuse to sign if you care so much?” Brian's fingers gently tilted her chin, his question soft but his internal turmoil a raging storm.

Brian had believed that Natalie's heart harbored only resentment for him and their son. His question caught Natalie off guard, and before she could retort with her question, he added, “Once you sign, I'll transfer the Majestic Meadows Manor into your name. It'll take a few days. If you don’t want Madelyn staying there, it's your call to make her leave.”

“And on Friday morning, wait for me outside the courthouse.”

Stunned, Natalie finally grasped his intent. Was he proposing they get married?

Had Brian lost his mind?

What about all those women, the Howard family’s opinion, and Nate's views?

“I'm not asking for your permission.” Brian's brow furrowed as he added, “As for Kellan’s engagement ring, I expect you to return it to him within a month. And I'll invite him to our engagement party.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Brian had made up his mind. Natalie was back, and he wouldn't give her another chance to leave him and marry Kellan.

Natalie realized then that Brian must have seen the ring in her bag and misconstrued that she had accepted Kellan's proposal.

She hesitated for a few seconds, but before she could speak, Brian released her and strode out of the water.

“Brian, I think we need to talk...” she began, frowning in frustration.

Just rest here tonight,” he cut her off, not wanting to hear her refusal, quickly dressing with his back to her and walking out without another word.

Awakening in the middle of the night, Natalie heard Brian's hushed conversation and laughter with others outside.

It wasn't just any gathering, but it appeared to be a reunion of Brian's friends.

12:08

Exhausted, she tried to stay awake to discuss the marriage license with him but soon drifted back to sleep.

In the morning, as Brian emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered and sans clothing. Natalie couldn't help but sneak a glance. His muscles, honed from consistent workouts, were annoyingly perfect.

Quickly, she averted her gaze, her lips pursed.

Noticing she was awake, Brian sat on the edge of the bed. “Since you're up, let's have breakfast together.”

It seemed he was planning to leave soon. And with his friends outside, ones she probably didn’t know, leaving alone could lead to an awkward encounter.

She obediently dressed in the clothes he handed her.

As she was pulling on her shirt, Brian leaned in, planting kisses along her shoulder and up-hehéok; fis Voice JRAbIM to a husky whisper.

« , :Remember, you're going to be Mrs.1 : »

Howard in a few days.”

Natalie momentarily froze before5 rs 5 2

asking, Brian, think twice. Hays you considgted phethegring this marHage license is the right move?

: cin Will everyone accept it?”

Brian let go of her and remained silent.

Natalie finished dressing and turned around to find Brian had entered the dressing room with a cold expression.

Each bedroom in the villa had its nameplate and private courtyaren

3 ny + exuding exglusivty Nel finished fleshening up and stepped out, wandering slowly forward.