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

"Sure."

Ronald was over the moon.

Kari noticed his mood, a spark of excitement in her eyes.

Was this, perhaps, their first trip together?

Kari had suggested going to Spring Retreat, and Ronald immediately booked the most upscale Spring Retreat located in the suburbs of Craneville.

"Kari, we're heading to Spring Retreat tomorrow morning. There are a few attractions around, I've planned everything for us. Let's get some early rest tonight." Ronald was a man of action, having meticulously planned the next few days.

"Got it."

Kari turned on the TV but her mind wasn't really on it. She kept thinking about what Brittany had said, pondering how to break the ice between them.

After sorting out some work in the afternoon, Ronald took Kari to a fancy restaurant. Full and satisfied, they were about to leave when...

"Today is our 10th anniversary, and for couples, we're offering a photo shoot with a 50% discount," said the waiter, eyeing the attractive young couple before him. A photo would be a great addition to their wall, attracting new customers. Kari instinctively looked at Ronald, her eyes shimmering.

A couple's photo?

She was tempted to try.

But Ronald misunderstood.

"No, thanks."

Worried about offending Kari, he pulled out his credit card and handed it to the waiter.

The waiter felt a bit disappointed but knew the patrons of their restaurant were wealthy, most of whom wouldn't care much for a small discount.

After processing the payment, he respectfully handed the card back to Ronald: "Have a good evening."

Kari couldn't believe Ronald missed such a moment, her head throbbing with frustration.

She stormed off.

"Kari-"

Ronald followed, clueless about what he'd done wrong.

"What's wrong?"

Kari stopped in her tracks: "Ronald, a 50% discount! That's a few hundred dollars saved!"

Extravagant!

Wasteful!

Ronald was puzzled: "So, you're upset about the money?"

Kari was speechless.

"Let's just go back to the hotel."

Ronald, watching her walk away, couldn't understand why Kari was upset.

Of course, he wanted to take the photo, but he was afraid of offending Kari.

And yet, Kari was still not happy.

Back at the hotel, Kari vented to Hannah:

"Can you believe him? He can't even appreciate a 50% discount?"

Hannah replied: "He's an heir to the Malone family. A discount really doesn't mean much to him... Are you upset because he didn't want to take a photo with you, or because of the discount?" Kari choked up: "..."

Hannah: "I think the answer is pretty clear."

When Ronald returned to the hotel and saw Kari's sullen face, he knew she was still mad. He ordered her favorite milkshake and bought some fresh fruits, washing them and placing them on a tray before bringing them to her. He knelt down: "Kari, I'm sorry. I was wrong."

Kari stared at him: "What did you do wrong?"

"I didn't know about the restaurant's offer. I'm sorry-" Ronald confessed, "From now on, I'll avoid such places since you haven't fully accepted me yet. Let's go to fewer of these restaurants."

Kari was surprised by his lack of tact at the crucial moment, flicking him on the forehead: "Ronald."

"Yeah?"

His forehead turned red instantly.

But he couldn't feel the pain.

"Do you like me?"

Ronald nodded: "Of course."

Kari got the answer she wanted, a smile flickering in her eyes. She moved closer to him, her gaze filled with Ronald.

"Then why wouldn't you take a couple's photo with me?"