22. He thinks he can fool me with his flattery

'How was your meeting?" Braun asked her as soon as she entered the VIP Room on the fifth floor. 'Do you really have to bring me here?" she also asked him. She couldn't shake the thought that someone might see them or find out they were together in that room. 'You don't need to worry about that; I know the owner of this restaurant. No one will know that we're together," he replied, handing her a menu. 'Are you hungry?" She could do nothing but nod. She should have gone up earlier, but Chelsey wouldn't leave her alone and had many questions for her. In the end, she managed to shoo her away, and Chelsey left first. He turned to Luigi and signaled; his Assistant left, and they were alone. 'Please tell me what happened?" he said. 'I got the contract," she answered. 'I know you'll get it, but why aren't you happy? Did something bad happen at your Agency again?" he asked, furrowing his brows. She gasped and sighed. 'I'm sorry, President Braun, but as I've told you, this is my problem, and I can handle it." He stared at her for a long time before nodding and sipping his glass filled with liquor. 'I-I'm sorry," she said, lowering her head, feeling like slapping herself for her insensitivity. She knew he was just concerned, but as they had discussed before, she didn't want him to be part of her revenge and her gradual recovery from her lost career. 'Don't feel sorry, wife," he said. 'Just promise me that you don't let yourself get hurt. I don't want to see any bruises on you when you come home to me because if I see even a small scratch on your body, I can't promise to stay quiet and do nothing," he said seriously. She smiled at him and nodded. 'I promise." He smiled back, and she felt that sensation again like her breath was taken away, and she was floating on air. Her heart felt lighter when she saw him smile, and all her fatigue and worries disappeared. She couldn't help but think of surrendering herself to him and becoming his slave, but she knew that for the third time, he would reject her because she hadn't exacted her revenge yet. 'My photoshoots will start; we'll be taping in Baguio, and I might not be able to come home for a week or two," she informed him. He nodded without asking further. There was a moment of silence between them, and she didn't know what else to say. The atmosphere became awkward; she just busied herself by folding her fingers. 'What are you planning to do after your photoshoots? Will you tell your ex-fiancé about his deception?" he asked, surprising her. She looked into his eyes, trying to read his thoughts, but failed. She sighed and looked away. 'Not yet. I want to bring him down and his company. I want to see them kneeling in front of me with defeat painted on their faces." Braun silently observed his wife, feeling pain for her. If only Briella would let him help, he could easily destroy her despicable ex-fiancé and that low-class model. He had many people who could move at the snap of his fingers, but Briella didn't want his help. She wanted to prove herself to him through her efforts. And that's why he liked her; other women, given the chance to rise and be recognized, would do anything, even if it meant losing their dignity. His Assistant arrived, pushing a large cart of food. He saw Briella's surprise at seeing Luigi carrying the food, but she said nothing and thanked Luigi. They began to eat, and he knew his Assistant was watching him because he rarely served Briella, but he didn't care and continued eating. 'Uhm..." Briella spoke, making him look at her. 'What is it?" he asked. 'Shouldn't we let Luigi join us for the meal? There's plenty of food, and we won't be able to finish it all," she said with a smile. 'M-Madam, I'm fine, thank you," Luigi replied politely. He looked at Luigi, who stood up straight. 'Come and sit with us," he said. He knew his Assistant was surprised at his words, but he didn't repeat himself. Luigi quietly obeyed, shyly sitting next to both him and Briella. 'T-Thank you, President Braun," Luigi said, starting to eat. 'I have a question," Briella said in the middle of the meal. 'Go on, wife, what is it?" he said. 'Did you know I was coming here today?" she asked. Luigi choked beside him, and he shot Luigi a sharp look, almost causing him to collapse under his gaze. 'Are you okay, Luigi?" Briella asked. 'I-I'm sorry, Madam, and Mr. P-President," Luigi said, bowing his head. He suddenly broke into a cold sweat at Madam Briella's question, certain that President Braun wanted to kill him at that moment. 'Yes," President Braun answered with a sigh, sounding like he was admitting defeat. He was surprised and didn't expect the President to confess. It was the first time he had heard him sound so defeated. 'And how did you know I was here?" Madam Briella asked, her eyebrows raised at President Braun. 'I did research about Janice Ortega, and I found out that this place was her favorite restaurant, and I just guessed that she'd invite you here," President Braun answered. He continued to eat, not interrupting the conversation between the couple. He would stand up and excuse himself if it wasn't rude. 'And how are you sure Janice would bring us here?" she asked. 'This place was made for celebrities; the security here is very tight, and reporters or anyone else can't just get in. This whole building is where all celebrities and higher-ups unwind," President Braun explained. 'Luigi." He sat up properly and looked at the President. 'Yes, Mr. President." 'Are you not done eating?" he asked. He cleared his throat, realizing that his plate was empty. He politely thanked him for the food and stood up. 'Pay the bills and meet us in the basement," he ordered. He quickly obeyed and left the room. *** Upon arriving at Briella's house, he went to their room to change. He needed to talk to Chelsey and ask what her text message meant. On the other hand, Braun went to his office, telling her he had to finish reading some new contracts for his company's talents. He went to the terrace and called Chelsey. 'Hello?" he said. 'Briella! You won't believe what I'm about to tell you!" she exclaimed. 'What is it? You've been keeping me in suspense; you could have just texted me," he told her. 'No-uh! It would be best if you heard it so I know how you'll react," she said. 'I sent someone to the hospital where Matilda was, and he accidentally saw the witch's Assistant there! Coming from an OB-Gyne!" she reported. He raised an eyebrow but didn't want to expect or hope yet, even though something was playing on his mind. 'Do you know what that means, Briella? She's pregnant!" she continued. 'Chelsey, until we have concrete proof, we can't rely on that information," she said, though deep down, she knew it was true. Matilda was pregnant, and Xander was the father. That was probably why that despicable man didn't marry her, choosing instead to take responsibility for her snake-like friend. Should she forgive them and forget everything? No! She couldn't forgive them! Her anger ran deep at their deception, and if Matilda were pregnant, she would ask for forgiveness now, for she would never stop until she brought them down. 'Leave it to me; I can easily gather the necessary information. That shameless woman! That's why she clung to Xander because she got pregnant!" Chelsey said angrily. She sighed heavily, looking at his dark surroundings. He didn't want to involve an innocent angel in their problems, but he knew he couldn't avoid involving one who had nothing to do with what was happening. 'Okay, I know I can trust you," she said. 'Are you home yet?" she asked. 'Yup, I'm already home," she replied. 'What time did you get home? I waited for you outside the restaurant for a few minutes before going home. I was going to come back for you, but the security guard wouldn't let me in," she said. 'I went to the bathroom; I think something we ate upset my stomach," she lied. 'Is there anything else you need to tell me?" 'No, I'll see you tomorrow at the Agency," she said, finally saying goodbye. After hanging up, he went into his room and lay down, staring at the ceiling. She couldn't help but think about facing the camera again; she was nervous, to be honest. Not because she was afraid of making a mistake or failing but because of sheer excitement. Her cell phone rang again, and she frowned when she saw Xander's name. She debated whether to answer or pretend to be asleep, but then, she picked it up. It was too early to sleep; she knew Xander would suspect her because he knew her sleeping schedule. 'Hello?" 'Where have you been, Brie? You didn't come back to the Agency after leaving this afternoon." 'Didn't I tell you that Chelsey and I were going out to eat?" she replied, raising an eyebrow. She sat up and leaned back against the headboard of the bed. 'How long did it take to eat that you didn't return? I told you you have to sign a contract for—" 'I will not sign it," he interrupted. 'What?!" Xander exclaimed. 'You heard me so that I won't repeat myself. And you can't force me because my contract says I decide what jobs I take," she replied firmly. 'What are you bragging about, Briella? What you're doing to me isn't good! I am your fiancé, and you'll be my wife in the future! Shouldn't you be following what I say?" Xander yelled. She sighed heavily. 'You don't own me, Xander. Why are you marrying me, anyway?" she asked seriously. 'W-What? W-What kind of question is that? Of course, I'll marry you because I love you," Xander answered. She laughed. 'Really?" she asked, smiling bitterly. 'Don't change the subject, Briella! Tomorrow, you will come here early and sign the contract! Don't embarrass me," Xander said. 'Okay, I'll be there," he said, a playful smile on her lips. She heard Xander breathe. 'Good, always remember that I love you. I'm doing this for our future together. I won't stop you if you want to be a model, but I ask that you follow what I want. Do you understand?" She made a yawning sound. 'I'm going to sleep. Good night." She hung up after hearing Xander say goodbye. How dare he! If he thinks he can still fool me with his flattery, I'll throw his flattery back at him! Let's see who has the last laugh!