27. The King’s Affection

After the chaos that unfolded at the press conference organized by Mr. Cruz for Briella's contract signing, her name once again became the talk of the town. This time, however, it wasn't met with ridicule and anger from netizens. Instead, many admired her bravery and praised her for exposing corrupt and abusive companies. Three days had passed since then, and tomorrow, Briella was set to travel to Baguio for her photo shoot with Sun Glow Fashion. During these three days, she had stayed away from Xander's office, not out of fear of facing them or Xander, but because Braun had insisted she rest and avoid stress to be fresh for her first day of the shoot. Xander had been calling her incessantly, wondering why she hadn't shown up at work, which confused her. She had made it clear that she would be away for a few days for a supposed vacation, like on that morning. While lying in bed with Braun, still asleep, her phone kept ringing. Braun, who woke up first, reached for her phone. Briella kept her eyes closed, ignoring what he was doing, knowing he wouldn't answer it. However, she was startled and opened her eyes when she realized she was wrong. 'Hello?" Braun answered playfully, with a teasing smile on his lips. 'You scared the hell out of me!" Briella scolded him, hitting him on the chest. Braun lay back down and hugged her. 'I'm sorry, can't help it. You'll be going on a trip tomorrow, and I'll miss you," he said tenderly. She snuggled against his broad chest, inhaling the natural scent that she adored. Ever since their relationship became intimate, Braun had become even more affectionate and caring. He would leave for work but made sure to leave two helpers at home to take care of all the chores. He strictly forbade her from cooking, and when she once insisted, Braun got upset with the helpers, prompting her not to repeat it despite explaining to Braun that it was her fault. Briell couldn't call her friend Chelsey either, as Chelsey was still unaware of her actual situation. 'As soon as we're done, I'll come back home so you won't miss me too much," she teased Braun. 'Don't you know, every time I go to work, I miss you like hell?" he replied. She smiled and laughed at his cheesy demeanor. They both cherished these moments of affection, even if it felt corny at times. Their day isn't complete without Braun's cheesy lines. 'I'm getting nervous about the things you say, President Braun. Haven't you noticed even your assistant finds you weird?" she said, trying to hold back a smile. Braun effortlessly lifted her onto him. Their eyes met, and she saw a special sparkle in his. She couldn't help but smile widely. 'The hell I care about what they think about me. All I care about is you and only you," he declared with a wink. Briella's smile broadened. How could she not love this man who spoke nothing but love for her? They didn't explicitly express their love, but their actions spoke volumes. Both Briella and Braun were not vocal about their feelings, preferring to show their love through actions. This unspoken understanding was perhaps why she had fallen for him so quickly. He had come to know her so well in the short time they had been together. She sat atop him and kissed him, and Braun immediately responded. Their kiss deepened, and she felt his hands caressing her waist. She smiled mid-kiss, loving the warmth and passion in his touch. 'You're smiling," he whispered, smiling back. 'I can't help it. Your hands give me warmth," she replied. 'I wonder, how would you react if I did this," he teased, slipping a hand under her nightie and caressing her. She opened her mouth, speechless, and kept her gaze locked with his, seeing the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. She shook her head, smiling. 'Stop teasing me, President Braun," she said. Braun playfully stopped what he was doing and reached for Briella's neck to draw her face close to his. He then kissed the tip of her nose, followed by her lips. 'Would you like to eat breakfast with me, or would you prefer to be my breakfast, wife?" he said in a seductively husky voice. Briella's face heated up, feeling an immediate response in her body. She even felt the wetness of her panty hearing his words. But of course, they couldn't. 'I'll choose the safest choice," she replied with a wry smile. 'Not that I don't like the second though." Braun laughed, and Briella squealed when he suddenly sprang up from the bed, taking her with him as he sat up. 'Then shall we take a shower together?" he asked with a grin. Before she could respond, he effortlessly picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. She didn't protest and let him lead the way. 'Aren't you going to work today?" she asked as he gently placed her in the bathtub. He shook his head. 'You're leaving tomorrow, right? So, I want to spend my whole day with you today. That way, you'll miss me and let me accompany you," he answered with a smile. Briella sighed. He had been insisting on this since yesterday, wanting to accompany her because he couldn't bear the thought of not seeing her for two weeks. They both felt the same way, but they still couldn't do that. She wasn't ready yet to reveal their relationship. She was starting to achieve her dreams until she fulfilled her mission to bring down those who wronged her with her own hands. She knew she could quickly reveal their relationship with Braun's help. A simple agreement from her would lead Braun to announce their relationship, solving everything effortlessly. But that wasn't what she wanted. She wanted to exact her revenge with her own hands. She couldn't drag Braun into her problems, even if he was her husband, and claimed her as his own. 'I'm sorry if I can't do that," she said, looking down. 'I just really can't use you for my personal problems." Braun held her chin, making their eyes meet. He smiled at her understandingly. 'I respect every decision you'll make. I'll agree with everything you say, and most of all, even if everyone tells you you might be wrong, in my eyes, everything you do is right. I'll support you, and I'm always here for you," he said earnestly. Tears welled up in Briella's eyes. Sometimes, she wondered if she deserved to be by Braun's side. He was too perfect and surreal, a King, while she felt like an unworthy Damsel. She didn't believe in fairy tale romances, but moments like these made her feel like one of the lucky women who found a man, proving that dreams can come true and that the impossible can happen. Everything happens for a reason. She was deeply hurt when she discovered the betrayal of the man she trusted and loved. The friend she thought she had was the one who broke her heart. She realized she had been manipulated and played by them from the start. The love and respect she had for them turned into hatred and anger. She vowed to herself not to stop until she proved she could bring them down with her hands. She would rise! And when that day comes, she would do everything in her power to make them bow to her. That's why she always questioned whether she deserved the King's affection. 'Don't cry, wife. You already have me. I won't let anyone harm you. I promise," he said, kissing her lips, which she warmly reciprocated. Oh, God, please don't take this man away from me! I love him, and I'll do everything to keep him... forever!