The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart novel (Brittany and Isaac)

"Back already? Why you've been hiding away?"

Nathan pushed the door open wider, inviting Jacob in, "Just been feeling a bit off lately, needed some time away to rest."

Jacob stepped inside.

"Dad mentioned he'd like you back home."

Nathan shook his head as he closed the door, "No thanks, I'm really not interested in the family business."

Jacob wasn't fond of Mila, but Nathan was the brother he'd watched grow up. He bore no ill will, quite the opposite, he actually wished Nathan would reconsider.

The Jarvis family always put a high value on blood ties, and his place within it was secure.

Nathan couldn't be swayed.

Besides, Nathan was talented.

The two brothers working together could definitely take the Jarvis family to new heights.

"If you ever change your mind, I could set you up in a prime department," Jacob said seriously. "But, just like I had to, you'd start from the bottom."

"No, thanks." Nathan poured him a cup of tea. "Bro, I really don't want to come back."

"I'm doing well in Imperial City, just wanted to come home and rest for a bit."

Nathan looked drained, and Jacob could tell something was off: "Trouble with love? Or is it work?"

The brothers sat down, and Nathan, not usually one to share, opened up.

"Kari got married."

Jacob knew about him and Kari, also knew they were never meant to last.

Jacob set his tea down, exhaling deeply, "Nan, you and Ms. Malone were never meant to be. She's found her happiness, you should be happy for her." Nathan couldn't find it in himself to offer those well wishes, "Bro, I still love her."

Their years together were the happiest of his life.

It just ended too suddenly.

Jacob understood that all too well "Nan, life's full of disappointments, love especially. Since Ms. Malone has started a new chapter, you should too."

Nathan knew he was right, but it didn't ease the weight on his chest.

After chatting for a bit longer, Jacob stood to leave, "Since you're here on a break, don't coop yourself up at home. Get out, clear your head." Who knows, you might just find your true love.

Nathan promised, "Alright."

Probably worried about Nathan's somber mood, Jacob canceled some work commitments to keep Nathan company around H city. After a couple of days, Nathan seemed noticeably lighter.

While cutting into his steak at dinner, Nathan spoke up, "Bro, I feel a lot better. You don't need to stick around tomorrow, go back to work." Jacob remained silent.

"I'm serious, I'm okay." Nathan was reluctant to show weakness, "I've accepted it, her getting married is a good thing."

Seeing through him, Jacob's dark eyes lingered on Nathan.

After a moment, Nathan conceded, "Alright, maybe I'm not totally over it, but I won't do anything stupid. So, go back to work." Knowing him well, Jacob didn't push, "Alright, I'll head back then. Take your time to heal, there's no rush to get back to work."

During the meal, Jacob took a

couple of calls from his wife. Their marriage was arranged, but they'd grown genuinely fond of each other, deeply in love now, with a set of twins that were the envy of many.

Nathan watched his usually reserved brother soften considerably, feeling a pang of envy.

If only he and Kari had worked out, they might have had kids by now.

After lunch, Jacob returned to work.

Nathan ended up spending the afternoon in an arcade, losing track of time until late into the night, before slowly making his way home.

...

By the time Kari returned to her studio, it was almost closing time.