Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 167: All You Have To Do Is To Fall ForNatalie stared at him, torn between fear and hope. Before she could stop herself, she whispered, "What if I never...?" "You will," Justin interrupted, his tone certain and steady. "I believe in us. So stop overthinking, and let things between us unfold naturally." A small, hesitant nod escaped Natalie. She wanted to believe him-to trust his words.

Justin straightened, stepped back, tucking his hands coolly into his pockets, watching her with a steady, unreadable gaze.

"I am giving you time, that doesn't mean I would stay away from you," He began turning to his domineering self, from how gentle he was a moment before. "If we stay away, how would you realize what you feel for me? So, do not expectto be a gentleman, which I am not. I would be close to you, kiss you when both of us are in a situation. I won't hold back." Natalie swallowed hard. This man-he was like a chameleon. One moment, he seemed like the most patient, understanding man in the world. The next, he was unapologetically bold, making it clear that he wasn't going to play by the rules of restraint.

'One moment gentleman, but the next moment a rouge.' "But don't worry," Justin added, his tone calm but unwavering. "The more intimate things—like what we did last night, or sex-those will only happen when you consent to it." Natalie's breath hitched, her throat tightening at his blunt words. Her palms grew clammy, and she couldn't help but wonder, Why is this man so direct? "And another thing," Justin continued, his gaze steady on her. "If you have anything on your mind-complaints, doubts, or feelings-telldirectly. Don't jump to conclusions or create misunderstandings in your head and then cry over them like someone weak." His words, though firm, weren't harsh-they were matter-of-fact, reflecting his desire for clarity.

"I hate misunderstandings," he went on, "and I prefer open communication, even if the truth might sting. You're a strong woman, Natalie. Be that way withtoo. If something feels wrong, tellto my face. Got it?" Natalie swallowed hard and awkwardly cleared her throat. "I am married." "Doesn't matter. When I said you are mine, that Aiden Handrix had already lost you," he said with a determination. "Got it?" "Understood," she muttered, nodding quickly.

Justin gave a small, satisfied nod. "Good. Now let's get ssleep." Without further comment, he walked over to his side of the bed, leaving Natalie with a swirl of thoughts and emotions she wasn't quite ready to unpack.

He confessed, even stated the important conditions for the relationship, and he was still so clam, composed and so cool, while Natalie was a confused mess.

Justin got the bed and Natalie realised she had yet to thank him for all the help he was offering her silently. "Thank you for helpingwithoutasking you to," she said gently.

"You don't need to, as you are my woman," he said offering her to get on her side of the bed as he lifted the blanket to cover then both. "But, as far as I remember, you clearly askedto help you." Natalies face turned red as she remembered the way she begged him and what happened after that. Justin smirked playful but then got serious as he sat in the bed and she did as well, ready to say more. "Feeling gratitude for the help you receive is fine. But I don't want that gratitude to becthe reason you fall for me. It can be part of likingas a person, but it shouldn't be the foundation for love." Natalie blinked, confused, trying to grasp the meaning behind his words.

"In life," Justin explained, "many people will help us, and we'll feel grateful to them. But that doesn't mean we fall in love with every person who lends a hand. Help should be seen for what it is—just help. It shouldn't beca debt you carry or a mission to repay at all costs." The clarity of his words began to sink in, and Natalie listened intently, realizing he was leading her somewhere deeper.

"When gratitude turns into a sense of obligation, you start to feel like you owe that person. That feeling of debt drives you to please them, to make them happy-and before you know it, you mistake that for love." Justin's words hit Natalie hard, like a truth she had been avoiding. His insight pierced through her thoughts, bringing up memories of her past with Ivan.

She had spent years doing everything she could for Ivan, believing it was out of love-but was it just gratitude? Had I never really loved him? Justin noticed the confusion flickering across her face and leaned in gently with his words. "You're smart enough to understand the difference, Natalie. It's tto let go of what's no longer worth holding onto." Natalie nodded slowly, lost in thought. She realized that she didn't need to feel indebted to Ivan for supporting her all those years. She had already repaid him-by saving his company and standing by him when he needed her.

Letting out a small breath, she felt lighter, as if a burden she hadn't even known she carried was finally being lifted.

Natalie felt that Justin understood her better than she understood herself.

He gestured for her to lie down, and she obeyed. He slid into bed beside her, pulling the covers over them both.

After the previous night, sleeping next to him felt different-more intimate, more complicated. Slowly, she turned her back to him, not quite ready to face him directly. Justin didn't mind. As promised, he would wait for her. He knew she needed time, and this was part of it- allowing her to move at her own pace.

But just as he'd also said, staying away from her wasn't an option He shifted closer, his warmth wrapping around her as his arm draped gently over her. Natalie didn't flinch. She had grown accustomed to his touch and had even expected it the moment she turned away.

"All you have to do is fall for me," he whispered softly against the nape of her neck. "I'll take care of the rest." A soft hum escaped her lips. "Good night," she murmured.

"Good night, Natalie," he replied, his voice low and soothing.

It didn't escape her notice-how he always said her nwhen wishing her goodnight. It was a small, tender habit, but one she found herself loving. With the clear talk they had tonight, Natalie felt happy and thought- Maybe she could consider what he said.