The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

"Kari, make sure you get some rest, okay? My assistant will bring you some chicken soup later. Don't forget to have some." After Ronald had made sure Kari was taken care of, he turned to Willa: "Let's go."

The two left the hospital room in silence.

Once they were in the elevator, Willa turned to Ronald, and after a long pause, she asked, "When did you start falling for Kari?" "It's been a while."

Ronald knew he couldn't hide it.

"I'm sorry," he said somberly. "I know you've always treated me like your own son, and I've tried to be a good brother, but Kari... she's different for me--" Seeing Ronald's flustered state, Willa felt a mix of frustration and sympathy: "Why are you panicking? I'm just asking. I'm not against it."

"You and Kari grew up together. I've seen how much you care for her. If you two ended up together, I'd have no regrets."

"You're not upset?"

"Why would I be?" Willa shook her head. "You two aren't blood-related."

"It's just, Ronald, Kari was almost married before. That relationship was hard for her to let go. She might seem okay on the surface, but I know she's hurting." Willa wanted to discuss exactly this with Ronald.

"Kari takes her time warming up to people. Whether you two end up together or not, I hope you'll respect her wishes."

Every mother wants what's best for her child.

Ronald understood this well: "Don't worry. Whether Kari accepts me or not, I'll take care of her. Apart from that, you and Kari are the people I care about the most." Willa nodded, satisfied with his response.

Ronald returned to the Malone estate, where Lilith was also present.

"Grandpa."

Ronald greeted the old man, "You wanted to see me?"

"I've discussed it with Lilith's parents. It's time to settle your engagement with Lilith."

Lilith sat on the couch, looking like she was enjoying the drama unfolding.

Ronald frowned, "Grandpa, I don't recall agreeing to this arranged marriage."

"I know. You've been keeping a woman on the side." The old man clearly had done his homework on Kari: "Just an orphan girl, no real benefit to you. Best to cut her loose." Ronald stood tall, "Grandpa, she's not someone I'm keeping."

"She's not an orphan girl."

Ronald locked eyes with Old Mr. Malone, "She's the person I care about the most. I hope you'll watch your words."

Old Mr. Malone was taken aback by Ronald's defiance, his face turning an ugly shade of red. He took a deep breath, "Follow me!"

"Ronald, I'm sorry. I didn't know it would come to this." Lilith hadn't anticipated the situation escalating like this.

She did like Ronald.

But being the other woman was a position no one envied.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Ronald ignored her and followed Old Mr. Malone into his study.

"How far have you gone with this woman?"

"Grandpa," Ronald stressed again, "She's not someone I'm keeping, nor is she someone you can demean!" Old Mr. Malone slammed his cane against the coffee table, overturning it: "Ronald, are you challenging me?" "Grandpa, aside from this, I can agree to anything else."

Ronald had never thought of trading his marriage for anything, much less marrying someone other than Kari! "You"

Old Mr. Malone then realized that Ronald, always compliant, had grown a backbone, even daring to defy him! "Ronald, don't forget, it's our family that got you where you are today!"

"I know." Ronald was aware of his grandfather's support, but-

"If it weren't for her and her mother, I would've been dead a long time ago."

Ronald's voice was hoarse, "Grandpa, about the arranged marriage, I won't agree to it."