Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Hurt Ankle

Justin gently placed Natalie on the sofa and knelt before her on one knee, reaching out to check her ankles. However, she quickly retracted her foot.

"I can do it," she said, her tone firm.

Respecting her wishes, Justin pulled his hands back and stood up, giving her some space. He looked at Noah, who left the suite, leaving the pair of step-siblings alone.

From a short distance away, Justin observed her, noticing how differently she was dressed today. Unlike her usual professional and plain attire, she wore a white, long-sleeved lace top paired with an olive green knee-length skirt. Her hair was left loose, and she wore heels, giving her a more lively and vibrant appearance than usual.

He guessed it might have been an attempt to present herself as a happily married woman in front of her grandfather.

As she sat with her head slightly lowered, she gently brushed away loose strands of hair from her forehead, revealing a smooth, glowing complexion that radiated both strength and beauty. Even in her simple clothes, she exuded an elegance that momentarily left Justin speechless.

When she removed her sandals, Justin noticed the reddish swelling around her left ankle. He watched as she ran her finger around it, wincing in pain which she tried to suppress. _{ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com}

It was clear she didn’t like to show vulnerability, just as her grandfather had described.

Justin left the room briefly and returned with a first aid kit, only to find her putting her sandals back on and attempting to stand. She was clearly intent on leaving. She carefully tested her injured leg, if she could walk, only to make it worse.

"Aah!" With a painful groan, she fell back on the sofa, frustration clear over her face. "Damn it!"

Justin walked towards her and knelt in front of her once more, only to hear her reject his help again, "I am alright."

"I can see that," his deep sarcastic voice reached her ears. He lifted his gaze up to look at her, "If you want to feel better quickly and leave this place, you’d better let me help you."

His gaze as if commanding her to obey him, she quietly shut her mouth which had just opened to reject his help again.

"Are we good to go?" Justin asked, and she could only nod in response.

Justin’s hands moved to her foot, carefully removing her sandals with deliberate care. He inspected her ankle, holding her small, bare foot in his large hands, his expression focused and serious.

The moment his fingers touched the delicate skin of her ankle, Natalie sucked in a sharp breath and froze. To an observer, it might have seemed like the reaction was due to the pain, but she knew the real reason was different.

Despite having dated before, this was the first time a man knelt before her, treating her with such care and gentleness. The touch of his fingers felt like a warm burn against her cold skin, leaving traces of warmth wherever they lingered. She instinctively wanted to pull her foot away but remembered his earlier words and kept still.

Justin’s eyes narrowed as he examined her foot. Her skin was so delicate, with veins visible beneath the fair surface, the bones appearing fragile. He gulped at the sight of it. He never thought that a woman’s feet he should pity for being so delicate, he would find them attractive.

Natalie looked at his lowered head, giving an impression as if a powerful man was now being submitted in front of her, all focussed and careful. It was an unusual sight, and she found it difficult to look away.

But, seeing him observing her ankle, more than necessary, Natalie felt unsettled and called, "Mr Harper?" She could not wait for him to let go of her foot from his hold.

The warmth she felt for a moment to think that someone finally cared for her, disappeared in a moment. It was not the care towards her but his selfish motive. She frowned at herself for having expectations from a stranger? Was she so starved for someone’s affection that even a stranger’s words felt comforting?

"You don’t have to worry about my safety. I can take care of myself," she replied plainly, thinking, ’If I were that weak, I would have died in Xyros City long ago and wouldn’t be sitting in front of you now.’