"Seems like they’re fine," Clara commented, feeling pleased with how her daughter knew how to handle the situation. It wouldn’t be long before Briena had Ivan completely under her control.
"Yes," Amelia agreed, watching the couple on the balcony. "They look perfect together."
Clara smiled and nodded, while she thought, ’Why wouldn’t they look better together when just a while ago, the Browns received another project from the Fords? My mother-in-law certainly knows how to keep everything in her control.’
After they finished dinner and were preparing to leave, Amelia turned to her son. "Ivan, why don’t you drop Briena home? I’ve already called another car for myself, and Clara will take her own, so there’s no issue."
Ivan agreed and led Briena to his car. Briena had often watched Natalie sitting in Ivan’s sleek red sports car and always felt jealousy, but now she was over the moon—’it all belonged to me now.’ She had always thought Ivan looked his most handsome when he was behind the wheel of his sports car.
He opened the door like a gentle man and she sat in co-driver seat.
When the car stopped outside the mansion, Ivan was about to step out to open the door for Briena, but she placed her hand over his, stopping him. He turned to her, curious, and she spoke softly.
"I want to thank you for understanding me today," her small, soft hand resting on his larger one. Her expression was genuine, and under the soft glow of the car’s interior light, she looked so beautiful that it could melt any man’s heart.
"You did it for me," he replied, trying to keep his emotions in check.
Briena leaned closer and gently pecked his cheek, her voice sweet and tender as she whispered, "Thank you so much."
His breath hitched as he looked closely at her face, his eyes drawn to her delicate features. A light blush dusted her radiant skin under his intense gaze. Just as she was about to pull back, his hand moved to cup her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek.
"Briena," he murmured, his voice husky, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Hmm?" she responded shyly, her heart racing.
His gaze lingered on her delicate lips, and without waiting any longer, he leaned in and kissed her, capturing her lips in a gentle, exploratory kiss. His hand moved to the back of her head, holding her close as he tasted her like she was the sweetest delicacy. A soft moan escaped her throat as she reciprocated, which only fueled his desire, deepening the kiss with a newfound passion.
When they finally pulled away, the air in the car was thick with the heat of their shared moment. Ivan looked at Briena’s flushed face, her eyes still closed as she tried to catch her breath. She was a delicate and enticing sight, completely enchanting him.
"Are you alright?" his voice tinged with concern.
She nodded slowly, her dewy eyes opening as she stammered, "I never..."
Ivan understood immediately—she had never kissed anyone before. He knew she had never been in a relationship before. The realization made the moment even more significant for him. He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his touch lingering with a mix of tenderness and protectiveness.
"It’s...late...I shall go home..." She looked shy and embarrassed like a woman should be who was experiencing it for the first time.
He was about to step out of the car, but she stopped him, "No...I will go myself...Thank you..."
She opened the door and hurried towards the mansion gate without looking back, leaving him with the impression that she was too shy to face him after their kiss.
A light smile appeared on Ivan’s lips as he watched her retreat. ’So adorable,’ and and felt like he never truly knew Briena.
’I wonder if Natalie could ever be like this?She’s always so arrogant and confident, probably doesn’t even know what it’s like to be shy or embarrassed like a real woman. What can I even expect from a woman who’s a cheater, ready to go with any man she finds?’
Ivan started the car and drove away, the sweet, lingering sensation of their kiss still on his lips, making him smile.
As soon as Ivan’s car disappeared from view, Briena’s delicate expression faded, replaced by a smirk. She wiped the corner of her bottom lip with her thumb, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
’Ivan Brown, you are finally mine. It wasn’t difficult at all to get you under my spell. No wonder even that ugly stepsister of mine could get you. So easy you are to play with. Mother was right- man like him likes a delicate woman, who he would like to protect instead of the one like my sister.’
----
At Natalie’s home, the three of them enjoyed a peaceful dinner. Natalie and Albert carried most of the conversation, while Justin quietly listened, occasionally offering a hum in response.
"The meal was delicious," Albert remarked with satisfaction. "What do you think, Aiden?"
"Indeed," Justin agreed, genuinely appreciating the meal. There was something special about the food—beyond its taste, it carried the warmth and care of someone who had put their heart into preparing it.
"You’re truly fortunate to have married Natalie," Albert continued with a knowing smile. "Mark my words, one day you’ll realize the depth of what I’m saying."
Justin simply hummed again, his eyes meeting Natalie’s across the table. She looked as puzzled as he felt, unsure of how to respond to her grandfather’s comments.
After some more light conversation while sitting in the drawing room, Albert yawned, "Seems like my medicine is making me sleepy."
"Grandpa, it’s late. You should rest now," Natalie stood up to guide her grandfather to his room.
"And it’s late for you two as well," Albert added with a teasing twinkle in his eye. "You newlyweds should be in your room, trying to give me a great-grandchild soon, but here I am, keeping you two occupied."
His words nearly made Natalie’s heart leap out of her chest. She glanced awkwardly at Justin, suddenly realizing the implications—they would have to share the same room tonight.
Justin, unaffected looked at her, making her wonder, ’He seems to be used to sharing room...bed with women. Not a tinge of hesitation on his face. I should be careful from him.’
"I can walk myself," Albert interrupted her wild thoughts, "You two can go to your room," and looked at Justin, "take your wife with you. She had worked hard to prepare a meal for us. Make sure to reward her well," and winked at Justin.
"Grandpa," Natalie exclaimed, understanding the implication of his words.
"What? I can’t even tease you now?" the old man chuckled to see her red face, "I am trying my best to see my great-grandchild before I die. Is it wrong for me to expect that as you are finally married?"
Natalie could only be speechless and looked at Justin who stood up. Both went to Natalie’s room while Albert went his room after saying. "Don’t worry about me."
Once the two entered the room, Natalie felt her senses heightened at the presence of a man in her room, and felt her hands turned sweaty.