Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Drama Queen Natalie

"Did you two have a fight, or is something else going on?" Albert’s expression turned grave, his tone serious.

"Mr. Ford..."

"Grandpa, why are you up so early?" Natalie called out as she quickly emerged from her room, her heart racing.

She had heard the familiar sound of her grandfather’s cane tapping against the floor and was alerted even in her sleep.

The old man turned to look at her, "Why is Aiden sleeping outside?"

Natalie gulped nervously, "G-Grandpa, we happened to fight last night."

Frowned lines appeared on his forehand. "What kind of fight would be so serious that you’d make him sleep out here on that tiny sofa? You two should be acting like any newlyweds—loving each other and forgiving mistakes easily,"

"That... Grandpa... I..."

"Go sit there," Albert instructed, pointing to the spot on the sofa where Justin was sitting.

Natalie obediently sat in the other corner of the sofa, instead of sitting close to Justin. She sat on the edge, her legs tightly clamped together, her hands clasped nervously in her lap, clearly anxious.

Justin noticed it, but didn’t intervene. If it was before he would have done something but after last night how defensive she acted against his presence, he didn’t even want to be close to her. ’She totally deserves that scum Ivan Brown.’

Albert’s frown deepened as he observed how far Natalie had sat from Justin, as if he were a stranger. Her nervous behaviour only added to his concern. He settled into a chair opposite them, his expression serious. "Let’s have a serious talk."

About what, Grandpa?" Natalie asked, her voice shaky, fearing that her lie might be uncovered.

While Justin sat relaxed, his back straight, one leg crossed over the other, ready to see how she would handle the situation.

"Natalie, answer me honestly," Albert said, his gaze piercing.

"Yes, Grandpa?"

"Do you truly not love Aiden? Are you forcing yourself into this marriage for my sake, even though it was a mistake?"

Natalie was stunned by her grandfather’s words. Should she admit the truth now? Would he be able to handle it? As she hesitated, she saw the distress in Albert’s face, his hand moving to his heart as he inhaled deeply.

"Tell me if it’s the truth. If it is, then you don’t have to force yourself. Marriage is not a game for you to play."

The words of truth were almost ready to spill out, but seeing the pain in his eyes, she hesitated. "No, Grandpa, it’s not that..."

"You still love Ivan, don’t you?" Albert asked bluntly.

Justin who was quiet till now, his eyes flickered at it. ’She definitely loves him,’ he thought bitterly. ’She said last night how much she misses that bastard and could not wait to have him in her bed again.’ Unknown to him, his hand resting over the handrest of the sofa, gripped it tightly.

"No, Grandpa," Natalie’s voice firm. "Why would you think that? I have nothing to do with Ivan anymore, and I don’t feel anything for him at all."

’Liar,’ Justin cursed inwardly.

"I don’t believe you."

Albert’s words left her speechless. Her grandpa believed her lies but denied the only truth she told just now.

Albert continued, "I know you loved Ivan for many years. It’s difficult to forget someone easily. But don’t worry, your grandfather is here. I still have enough power to make that boy kneel in front of you and beg for your return."

"Grandpa, no..."