The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)

Brandon noted Janet's silence and his heart rate quickened.

Had Janet discovered something amiss? Was she probing him now?

Brandon's mind was whirling with conjectures. Even though he was the CEO of Larson Group in the professional sphere, at home he was simply a man in love with his wife. Consequently, harboring a secret made it near impossible not to panic in the face of his wife's abrupt quietude.

"Do you recall which hospital it is? I'll ask Sean to clear some time in the afternoon and schedule a check-up for tomorrow," Brandon tentatively proposed.

He caressed Janet's face, offering soft reassurances, "Don't fret. I'll comply with the treatment protocol and recover as soon as possible."

Hearing these words, Janet could no longer contain the flood of emotions within her, and she rushed into his arms.

She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face tightly against his chest. The sound of his heartbeat and his familiar scent brought her immeasurable relief and joy. The corners of Janet's mouth lifted into a contented smile, yet she felt on the verge of tears.

Having such a devoted husband, she felt no regrets, even if she were to remain childless for life.

Caught off guard for a few seconds, Brandon cautiously encircled her in his arms, gently patting

her back.

Observing Janet's reaction, he had a hunch. It appeared the scenario he dreaded the most had indeed unfolded.

After a moment, Brandon asked softly, "Did your mom take you for a check-up today?"

Janet responded with a muted affirmation, nuzzling his chest.

She was too overcome to articulate her feelings, fearful that speaking would unleash her tears.

Hearing Janet's confirmation, despite his earlier hunch, Brandon's heart ached as if pierced by a sharp blade, and he found it difficult to breathe.

He could not fathom the level of despair Janet must have felt upon receiving the news, nor how she managed to spend the subsequent lonely hours alone at home. No wonder... No wonder she appeared so downcast.

Janet must have been crying all afternoon before he arrived home.

The guilt was all his. He had failed to shield her, leaving her to confront this dreadful revelation alone.

For a moment, self-reproach surged like a tide, threatening to engulf the man who had always remained composed.

Brandon gently cupped her beautiful face, softly brushed away the tears trickling down her cheeks with his lips, and whispered, "I'm sorry,4 should not have kept this from you. I just didn't want to see you upset."

Janet sobbed, her eyes brimming with fresh tears. Her long eyelashes were adorned with droplets, making her look quite pitiful.

Brandon, who had always been tender towards Janet, felt his heart wrench. Seeing her cry so desolately, he wished he could shoulder her sorrow.

"Please don't cry... This is my fault."

Holding Janet's hand, Brandon guided it to his face, effectively slapping himself. "You can hit me or scold me as you please. Just stop crying, okay?"

Her eyes full of tears and concern, Janet hastily withdrew her hand and asked, "Did that hurt?"

Brandon kissed her palm, gazed at her fondly, and murmured in a soft voice, "As long as you're not upset, I won't feel a thing, even if you were to hit me hard."

Faced with his tender gaze, Janet felt a warmth in her heart even as fresh tears trickled down her cheeks.

"Why are you so foolish?" she asked,

gently patting his chest. Her voice choked with emotion, she continued, "Why did you shoulder this all by yourself? I'm your wife; I have every right to bear these burdens with you."

Brandon enveloped her in a tight embrace, offering soothing words and apologies until she gradually regained her composure and adjusted her mood.

"It won't happen again," Brandon pledged, planting a kiss on her cheek.

"I'll hold you to that," Janet responded, playfully poking his nose. Suddenly recalling something, she clapped her hands and announced, "By the way, I have something to tell you."

She still had news?

Upon hearing this, Brandon couldn't help but feel a surge of anxiety.

Amused by his earnest expression, Janet chuckled and relayed to Brandon the details of her medical check-up and the customized medication.