68. It’s her birth month.

After their heartfelt conversation, Braun emerged from the kitchen, still wearing an apron, and approached them with a smile. She had some resentment towards her mother, but it couldn't overshadow her profound longing for her, so after their serious talk, she welcomed her back. She was happy because her family was slowly coming together. Her pregnancy felt like a blessing, showering her with good fortune. She also received a call from Cecile confirming that the contract she signed with Lé Louch was still in effect. She had photo shoots lined up and might return to Paris, France, next week for her second shoot for a new product launch. Janice was also excited about the next magazine issue and the announcement of new clothing designs for the June Bride issue. Due to her current condition, Braun insisted she not take on too much work, and HEIL Fashion Empire was the last to be considered. Owned by Lenneth Morales Villanueva, a half-Filipino and half-Greek woman recently married to business tycoon Kenneth Villanueva, CEO of UNI Trends, their story was inspiring. Lenneth had been open about the challenges she faced over the years, and she couldn't wait to meet her personally. 'How's married life? I haven't noticed any helpers around?" her mother asked as they sat down to eat. 'Braun prefers to take care of me rather than having helpers around. We do have someone who cleans here, but they only come in the morning and leave right after," she replied. Her mother nodded, observing Braun serving her, which made her feel a bit embarrassed. 'Thank you for taking care of my daughter. I hope you never change," her mother said to Braun. 'She deserves everything, Ma'am—I will give her everything," Braun replied, sitting next to her. 'Call me, Mom," her mother said. 'I'm lucky that someone like you found my daughter. I've heard a lot about you on social media and television, and I'm shocked to see you like this." Braun looked at her before speaking. 'I don't need to please everyone, especially those who don't know their place. All that matters to me is the safety of Briella and our unborn child. If anyone gets in my way, I would love to send them to hell," he said thoughtfully. She took a deep breath and smiled at her husband, then looked at her mother, whose eyes were filled with admiration for Braun's words. 'Let's eat," she said, and they began their meal. They talked about many things, and since both her mother and Braun had business-minded brains, they quickly found common ground. Her mother also mentioned the Andrada family wealth that she and her first child with Braun would inherit. Braun didn't object to her mother's decision, and it was evident from his demeanor and speech that he had great respect for her mother, for which she was profoundly grateful. 'Where will you stay now?" she asked her mother. 'I guess I'll stay at a hotel for now. I have a lot to sort out to reclaim my own house," her mother replied. She and Braun exchanged glances, and he seemed to read her mind, quickly nodding in agreement. 'You can stay here if you want. Our house is spacious, and you're welcome anytime," Braun offered with a smile. 'Huh? Wouldn't that be inconvenient for you? It might be awkward having someone else around," her mother asked, somewhat embarrassed. 'You're not a stranger to us. Besides, it would give me peace of mind knowing you're here with Briella when I'm at work. I'm sure my wife feels the same," Braun said, putting his arm around her. Her mother looked at her, and she smiled and nodded in agreement. 'T-Thank you," her mother said, tears welling up in her eyes. After some more conversation on the balcony, they decided to rest. Briella escorted her mother to one of the guest rooms while Braun carried her luggage. They left them alone to have some time before going to bed. Once it was just the two of them, she helped her mother unpack in the closet. They decided her mother would stay for a few days while she sorted everything out for her return. 'I'm sorry I didn't visit you. Ever since I saw you losing your mind, I was scared and hurt," she apologized, looking down. She knew she hadn't been a good daughter, not being there when her mother needed her the most, but she couldn't bear seeing her in that state. It hurt her too much, and she feared she might do something rash to her father and his mistress. 'You're not to blame," her mother said, stroking her hair. 'You were young back then, and I know it was hard for you too. I am so proud of you for managing to live on your own and survive without asking for help from others," her mother added. Briella raised her face and smiled at her. 'It's undeniable that I inherited that trait from you, not depending on others to live." She smiled back and hugged her tightly. 'I missed you so much, Princess." 'I missed you too, Mommy," she said, no longer holding back the tears that she had been fighting. 'Welcome back." **** An hour passed, but Briella had not yet come to their bedroom. He folded the papers he was reading, placed them on the table beside him, and got out of bed. He knew the mother and daughter had a lot of catching up to do, but he was not willing to let Briella sleep away from him. He had grown accustomed to her presence beside him at night, feeling her warmth. The door to the room where Briella's mother was staying was slightly ajar. He gently opened it and, as expected, found them both asleep, Briella hugging her mother, who was awake and lovingly watching her daughter. Noticing his entrance, she signaled that she wanted to talk to him. He nodded and quietly left the room. They met on the terrace not far from Briella's mother's room, and she soon joined him. 'Is there something you wanted to say?" he asked politely. He noticed the surprise on her face, and he couldn't hide his confusion. He didn't understand why she seemed so shocked. 'Did I say something wrong?" he asked again. 'No, no." She shook her head. 'It's just that I didn't expect you to act like that," she said with a smile. 'Act like what?" he asked, eyebrows raised. She just smiled and shook her head. 'Nevermind. It doesn't matter, anyway. I want to discuss something about Briella and our company." He straightened up and helped her to a seat before sitting across from her. 'What's your plan?" he asked. She took a deep breath before continuing. 'I want Briella to handle it. I want to take it back from her worthless father and make him pay for his betrayal of his mistress. And I won't let Megan's abuse of my daughter go unpunished. They will all pay!" she said, her face alight with the eagerness for revenge. 'You want Briella to take over your company?" he repeated her statement. 'Yes. It belongs to her, so it's only right that she manages it," she said. 'Is there a problem with that?" 'Excuse me for being rude, but shouldn't you be the one managing it? Then, you can pass the position of President of Lé Fragrance to Briella later. No, I won't allow it," he said, shaking his head repeatedly. He was already worried about convincing his wife to take a break from modeling and stay at home, and now her mother planned to give her such a huge responsibility. She's pregnant, for goddamn's sake! 'Braun, that's why I'm talking to you right now. Let me explain and help you understand my situation. I was locked up in that institution for almost a decade, afraid to come out for fear I might hurt someone if my condition attacked me," she said. His eyebrows knitted together. 'I thought you're okay now." She took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. 'I am, but when my emotions are triggered, my condition attacks me unexpectedly. I still suffer from nervous breakdowns. I didn't tell Briella because I didn't want her to worry about me. After I settle everything, I need a long rest and to be far away. I want to start a new life while healing completely," she explained to him. He fell into deep thought, his heart still heavy and reluctant to accept her reasons, but what could he do? Like her, he didn't want his wife to worry too much, especially now that they had just been reunited. He closed his eyes and massaged his temples. It seemed he had no choice but to agree to her request. He couldn't bear to see her suffer in front of Briella. Besides, what she had said was fine. 'Okay, I agree," he said with a sigh. 'But let me talk to her first." His mother-in-law smiled warmly and nodded. 'Thank you, Braun." 'If I see that the company is only causing her stress, I won't hesitate to intervene. If necessary, I'll force her to turn over the entire company to me just so she won't have to shoulder all the stress and problems of your company," he stated firmly. She nodded with a smile and did not object, which eased his mind. He wouldn't allow anyone to hurt or cause headaches for Briella. Just like the promise he made to his wife, he would do everything to keep her happy. 'By the way, if my guess is correct, you've been married for less than two months. Am I right?" she asked. He nodded. 'Yes, why?" he couldn't help but ask curiously, noticing the suppressed smile on her lips. 'I wonder when you are going to plan on marrying her again in front of me and to the world? As Briella's mother, I wouldn't agree to her not having the chance to wear a wedding gown," she said. He paused for a moment but then smiled meaningfully. 'I already planned everything. All I wait for is the proper timing to propose to her... again." He smiled at the elder. 'I'm not trying to rush you, but I hope by the end of June, you're married. It's her birth month," she said. He nodded with a smile. How could he forget that when he had been planning everything since they got married?