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

He sat by the bed, his gaze fixed on Kari's delicate jawline, a trace of concern flickering in his eyes.

Ronald reached out, gently holding Kari's hand, his lips pressed thin.

The doctor said it was an old issue.

It seemed she really hadn't taken good care of herself over the years.

Ronald couldn't help but blame himself. If only he hadn't been so powerless, he wouldn't have been taken away by the Malone family, nor would he have been hamstrung at every turn!

If only he had come back earlier, maybe it wouldn't have come to this!

...

When Kari woke up, Ronald was sprawled on the bed, deep in sleep.

She remembered what had happened and shifted slightly.

But Ronald, a light sleeper, sensed her awakening and quickly sat up. "You're awake. Are you still in pain? Want something to eat?"

Meeting his concerned gaze, Kari licked her lips. "It doesn't hurt anymore."

"I'll have someone send over some plain oatmeal. When you're feeling better, you can have some soup."

Ronald wiped his face and called his assistant, then fetched Kari a couple of sets of clean clothes.

Seeing him so organized, Kari couldn't help but feel touched.

"Take it easy. I've already called in sick for you at the studio."

Kari propped herself up. "Thank you."

She just couldn't bring herself to call him 'brother'.

Ronald knew what she was thinking. "If you don't want to call me brother, you can call me Ronald."

He had been wanting to say that for a while.

Kari noticed the dark circles under Ronald's eyes. "You haven't been sleeping well."

"I was afraid you'd wake up in the middle of the night, so I didn't dare to sleep."

Ronald confessed, not wanting Kari to feel pressured. "I took the opportunity to catch up on some work. Don't overthink it." Kari chuckled softly.

In reality, ten years had changed a lot about them.

Ronald had become even more outstanding, but in some ways, he was just the same as he had been a decade ago.

She suddenly felt an urge to talk. "When did you start liking me?"

Ronald sat down. "Probably around seventeen or eighteen."

"Back then, it might not have been liking, just getting used to you chattering by my side. If I couldn't see you, I felt empty." Ronald's gaze on Kari was tender and profound.

After all these years... A pang of sourness hit Kari's heart. She had never noticed Ronald's feelings, always treating him like a real brother. Learning of his feelings, her first reaction was disbelief

Upon calming down and realizing he had liked her for over a decade, all she felt was a sour tightness in her chest. "Ronald, I'm sorry."

Kari's eyes started to well up.

Ronald shook his head. "It has nothing to do with you. My feelings for you are my own issue."

He wanted to reach out, to touch her head, but he hesitated.

"You previously didn't want to see me. I'll go back first. The assistant will come soon."

Ronald remembered his promise.

Kari stopped him. "I might not be able to accept your feelings right now, but I..."

She paused, feeling as if her heart was caving in. "I won't avoid you anymore."

Ronald hadn't expected her to come around so quickly, joy flashing in his eyes. "Really?"

Kari was surprised that a single sentence could make him so happy. She smiled gently. "Really." Ronald stayed at the hospital.

The assistant brought dinner, and he served Kari a bowl of oatmeal. "You can only have plain oatmeal fornow. Once you're better, I'll make you some soup."

He carefully checked the temperature of the oatmeal, fearing Kari might get burned.

Kari saw his cautious actions and felt a bit helpless. "Ronald, I'm not a child."

Eating oatmeal didn't require such caution.

"No way."

"The doctor said you have a weak stomach. I've consulted with several doctors, and I'll take you to

them We must get you.