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

Ronald finally understood why Kari was upset.

"I was just worried you'd mind."

Ronald looked straight into Kari's eyes. "Kari, I don't want you to feel even a bit uncomfortable."

He wanted the whole world to know they were together, but feared Kari might not like it, which had kept him from acting on his desire to capture the moment in photos. Kari's heart trembled, and she leaned in closer.

Ronald's breath hitched.

Suddenly, the warmth of her kiss landed on his lips.

"Ronald, next time there's an event like this, let's go together."

Ronald was ecstatic. "Kari, do you realize what you're saying?"

Kari pushed him slightly away. "Yes."

She had thought about it for a long time.

Ronald had put in so much effort; it was time she met him halfway.

Ronald pulled her into a tight embrace, his hands strong around her waist, his voice filled with unspeakable excitement. "Kari, are you really willing to be with me?" Kari felt a bit of pain from his grip but didn't push him away.

"If you're not ready, I can take back what I said."

"No way."

Ronald wouldn't have it. "Kari, you've finally agreed, how can you take it back now?"

Looking into his handsome face, Kari felt her heart flutter even more.

"When we get back to Imperial City, let's tell Mom about us."

Ronald respected all her decisions. "Then I need to prepare in advance. The first visit as your future son-in-law should be taken seriously."

"You've been to my place before."

Kari thought Ronald was making too much of it.

"But it's the first time as your future son-in-law."

Ronald was beyond thrilled. "Kari, I promise to treat you right."

Kari understood him and took his hand. "Okay."

After being affectionate for a long while, Kari sent Ronald off to the bathroom, and she also went to her room.

Both had pierced through the veil of their feelings, each excited about the breakthrough.

After her bath, Kari, lost in thought, pushed open the bedroom door.

Ronald was sitting in the living room, wearing a grey pajama set, holding a cup of tea without drinking, his eyes glued to the screen but his mind elsewhere. "Why are you out here?"

Ronald put down the teacup. "Thirsty? Or something else?"

Kari's cheeks turned pink, she shook her head. "No, just felt a bit stuffy in the room."

She didn't want to be apart from Ronald.

Ronald, always insightful, saw through her.

"Then, how about we chat here in the living room?"

Most of the time, Ronald was all business in his suits, but now, relaxed, he exuded a mature man's charm.

Kari walked over to him.

Ronald poured her a cup of tea, handed it to her, and sat down beside her. "Got plans to go out early tomorrow for a stroll, I've packed everything. You just follow me." Kari leaned on his shoulder. "Okay."

The TV show played on, but neither was really watching, especially Kari, her heart pounding.

Ronald held her hand, which, despite the calluses from her drawing, felt soft in his. He couldn't stop touching it.

Kari squirmed. "Ronald, let go."

He wouldn't budge.

Without a way to make him stop, Kari turned and straddled his lap. "Why do you keep pinching my hand?" Was there something special about her hand?

Why did he like it so much?

Ronald, startled, and fearful she might fall, wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "Don't move." Kari, nestled against his chest, could feel Ronald's heartbeat, strong and clear.

Realizing her boldness, Kari thought to get down.

"Don't move."

Ronald's grasp on her waist made her aware of his body's reaction. "Just give me moment-" Kari's eyes widened, innocent and alarmed.

"You!"

Ronald, shedding his usual composure, blushed. "I...I'm sorry, I'm just a bit uncomfortable."

With such warmth and softness in his arms, who could blame him?