11.Heart! Please give way to another guy willing to give us everything!
By five in the afternoon, Briella received a text from Braun and prepared to leave, much to Chelsey's surprise.
'You're leaving?" Chelsey asked.
'Yes, I need to tend to something at my new place," she replied.
'You're moving? Why?" Chelsey asked.
'There are many memories in that house that I need to forget. Once I've moved tonight, you can move in tomorrow. I've paid a year's rent there; it would be a waste if it's not occupied," she explained.
'Where are you staying now?" Chelsey inquired again.
She sighed, indicating she wasn't ready to say where she was moving. She was sure Chelsey would make a fuss once she knew where. She'd tell her everything eventually, but not now. She needed to talk to President Braun first.
'I'll tell you later. Just let me be for now," she responded.
Chelsey nodded understandingly.
'Thank you." As she approached the door, she paused and turned to Chelsey. 'I have a favor to ask. If possible, stay here until all the staff has left. I want you to follow Xander and Matilda. If you can, gather more evidence against them."
Chelsey nodded again. 'Don't worry about that. I'll handle gathering evidence of their betrayal."
She thanked Chelsey again before exiting her dressing room. In the hallway, everyone she encountered stared and whispered about her. She ignored them and kept walking until she was outside.
She walked about two meters before spotting President Braun's black Rolls Royce. She took a deep breath before heading towards it, ensuring no one would see her.
Once inside, she was greeted by President Braun's handsome face. She glanced at his assistant, Luigi, who greeted her.
'How was your day? Did anyone hurt you?" Braun immediately asked, nearly examining her whole body to ensure she wasn't bruised.
'I'm fine, and I can handle myself. I told you I won't let anyone hurt me anymore," she replied.
Braun looked at her for a moment before telling Luigi they should leave. There was a moment of silence in the car, and she wasn't sure how to initiate a conversation with President Braun.
'How's your ex-fiancé? Does he know you're married?" Braun asked.
She shook her head. 'He has no idea what happened to me. And I bet he doesn't even care."
'I can't believe you fell for an idiot like him," Braun commented.
'I was blinded by his ways of talking and showing how important I was to him," she coldly said, grinding her teeth as she looked out the window.
If given the chance to correct her past mistakes, she'd surely take it. But she wouldn't have met President Braun and married him if she did. Now, half of her belonged to the mighty king beside her. It wasn't planned, but fate brought her to him.
She was startled when he took her hand. Their eyes met, revealing his deep concern for her.
'Tell me… What can I do to ease the pain you're feeling right now?" he whispered.
She smiled sadly and shook her head. 'You don't have to do anything, President Braun. Being with me is fine," she said. 'I know it's unfair to you, but once I'm sure my heart is set on revenge and has no feelings for that monster, I promise to give you my whole self."
She saw a sparkle in Braun's eyes and felt she had pleased him. He pinched her nose, kissed her hand, and smiled.
'That's my girl."
Soon, they arrived at her apartment, but she had a problem. How would she invite Braun inside without attracting attention?
But Braun seemed unconcerned. Just as he was about to open the car door, she stopped him.
'What's the matter?" he asked, his forehead creasing. Even Luigi was alerted by her action.
'Are you sure it's safe for you to be seen? What if someone recognizes you and—"
He chuckled, momentarily stunning her and Luigi with its warmth.
'Luigi will handle everything. Besides, who dares to stalk me?" he said.
'Right," she replied. 'Perks of being the King, again."
He exited the car first, followed by Luigi, who opened the door for her.
'Thanks," she said, quickly walking to her apartment with Braun following.
Being away for just one night made her apartment feel unfamiliar.
'Grab only the things you need the most," Braun suggested.
She sighed deeply.
'Okay," she replied, heading to her room when he spoke again.
'What's the matter?"
'This place is full of memories of me and Xander. I feel like I'm not welcome here anymore," she admitted, her gaze dropping.
She recalled the happy memories with Xander or the good times she remembered. He used to visit her thrice a week. She would cook for him, and he would stay for a few hours. Whenever his phone rang, he would immediately leave, saying he had urgent matters. She used to believe him, but now she knew why he left so suddenly.
She was jolted when Braun's soft hand touched her shoulder, lifting her chin and tucking her hair behind her ear.
Their eyes met, his assuring her that everything would be alright from now on.
She felt as if she was doused with cold water and was frozen in place when his lips met hers. Her heart raced, and butterflies erupted in her stomach.
His kiss was gentle. She closed her eyes to savor the moment, but he soon pulled away.
Please don't stop! Kiss me again...
She saw his smile and felt all her sadness and painful memories disappear. All that remained was Braun's smiling face and gray eyes, promising to give her the world.
'Feeling better?" he gently asked.
She nodded with a smile. 'Thank you."
'I'm your husband now, Brie. I'll always be here for you," he whispered.
She took a deep breath and smiled. 'I'll just grab my things. Can you wait here? Help yourself if you want anything."
After he nodded, she went to her room. She left the door open in case he wanted to come in. She took out a large suitcase and packed the essentials. She left behind all the gifts and jewelry from Xander, planning to call Chelsey and offer them to her. She could pawn the jewelry if she wanted.
In less than thirty minutes, she finished packing. As she was closing her suitcase, Braun entered and approached her.
'Is this all you need?" he asked, taking her heavy suitcase.
She hesitated to let him carry it, not wanting to burden his elegant hands. But she knew he wouldn't allow her to carry it herself.
'Yes. I have more stuff here, but I'll give them to Chelsey. She'll move in tomorrow," she answered.
He nodded, and they exited her room together. As they left her apartment, Luigi was patiently waiting for them. Braun handed him the suitcase and helped her into the car.
Once inside the car, she felt a strange excitement. They would now live under one roof, and she felt she needed to learn the duties of a good housewife to make Braun proud.
She glanced at him as he entered the car. She still couldn't believe her current situation, but she felt it was better to accept that she was married.
She was married, and the shocking revelation was that she was married to BRAUN EL CUEVA! If she announced this to the public or the media found out, she'd be branded as a gold digger, opportunistic, or worse.
To prevent this, she decided to prove herself. She vowed to regain her fame in modeling without relying on anyone's help. She'd strive to reach the pinnacle of success again.
'Stop overthinking; it'll give you a headache," Braun interrupted her thoughts, making her turn to him, mouth agape. Had she been so deep in thought that he noticed?
Upon reaching Braun's residence, Luigi left them. Braun carried her things to his room. She noticed there were no servants to greet them. Did this mean he lived alone in such a large house?
'If you're wondering why no one greeted us, they're only here in the morning. After cleaning the house, they return to their headquarters. I prefer being alone. But if you want, I can arrange for—"
'No!" she quickly interjected. 'I'm not used to having others around either. I've been alone for years, so I'm more comfortable when I can move freely," she added.
He nodded but continued to smile, which made her heart race even faster.
Entering his room, he placed her suitcase in front of a door.
'I haven't set up a walk-in closet in this room. Is it okay if I put your things in my closet for now—"
'Can we just share a closet? You don't need to make another one for me. I'm sure there's space for my things. I don't have that many clothes," she interrupted.
He agreed but insisted on building another one for her extra clothes.
She felt a bit embarrassed. Would she have to get used to the luxuries a man like Braun El Cueva could provide?
Heart! Please give way to another guy willing to give us everything… well, I'm not sure if this relationship will work out or end, but for now, you need to heal and stop bleeding for the wrong guy you thought you were in love with.