Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Sneezing

As soon as Natalie saw Justin, she quickly stood up from the sofa. "Let’s discuss something quickly before my grandpa arrives."

"What is it?" Justin asked, slipping off his shoes to change into home slippers.

"First, remember this is my home, and I’m the boss. Second, though we’re acting like husband and wife, you need to maintain a distance from me. No getting closer than one foot, and absolutely no touching me—touching is entirely forbidden..."

Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting her from the talk.

"Seems like Grandpa is here. We can discuss the rest later," she said, quickly stepping toward him and grabbing his arm like a doting wife as they walked toward the door.

"You said no touching," Justin reminded her, looking at where she had wrapped her both hands around his arm.

"The rules are for you, not me. Remember, I am the boss," she snapped back, plastering the brightest smile on her face as she opened the door. "Grandpa!" she exclaimed, clinging even more lovingly to Justin’s arm. "We were waiting for you."

The old man’s face lit up with joy at the sight of them together.

Natalie let go of Justin’s arm and moved to embrace her grandpa. "Please come inside," she said warmly, while Justin glanced at his now-empty arm, still feeling the lingering warmth of her touch.

Natalie guided her grandfather, Albert, into the home, as she heard him ask, "Are you alright, Nat? I hope your grandma didn’t bother you after Briena’s interview with reporters."

He was clearly aware that Sephina would force Natalie to take a blame for it, and it worried him.

"She didn’t," Natalie lied and pulled out apologetic expressions. "But I’m sorry for worrying you. I was so caught up in setting up this new home that I completely forgot to check my phone."

"It’s alright. As long as you’re fine," his eyes scanned the drawing room. "This place has a lively feel to it. It really looks like the home of a newlywed couple. I like it."

"Thank you, Grandpa."

Justin followed them into the living room, observing how naturally Natalie played her role, so convincingly that she could probably fool a lie detector.

Natalie helped Albert sit on the sofa, "Grandpa, I will get you water." She turned to fetch him a glass of water, only to see Justin already at the dining table, pouring a glass and bringing it over to her grandfather.

Natalie was momentarily taken aback by how seriously Justin was taking his role, but she didn’t mind it.

Albert accepted the glass with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Aiden. Come, have a seat."

Justin sat down in a chair nearby, his demeanor reserved as usual. Albert, noticing this, added, "I hope I didn’t trouble you in the middle of your work."

"You didn’t," Justin replied curtly.

By now, Albert had gathered that his grandson-in-law wasn’t much of a talker, but he appreciated the man’s maturity and understanding. Justin was someone who preferred action over words, and that reassured the old man.

Worried that her grandfather might ask something that Justin wouldn’t be able to answer, Natalie quickly spoke up as she sat back down next to him. "Grandpa, shouldn’t you be in the hospital? Did they really allow you to leave?"

"Who dares stop me? I’m perfectly fine now, so much so that I could spend a few more days at my granddaughter’s home."

Stay here? Alarm bells rang in Natalie’s head. She glanced at Justin, who sat quietly, clearly leaving this mess for her to handle.

"Grandpa, let me first talk to your doctor. It might not be safe..." she began, trying to think of a way out.

Natalie had anticipated this, and she was relieved that Justin had been smart enough to bring his belongings with him, ensuring her grandpa wouldn’t suspect anything. Having a smart man as your ally is a good thing.’