Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Grandpa-Justin Talk

“G-Grandpa, it’s because I’m joining Mia’s company and have important things to discuss with her, so staying with her was ideal. Also, it’s only been two days since Aiden and I met again so…”

Albert’s voice rose with frustration. “You’ve already been apart for a year and a half despite being married, and even now, I see no affection between you two.”

“Grandpa, these things might take a little time since we were separated for so long,” she tried to reassure him.

But Albert wasn’t convinced. “Is it because your marriage a year and a half ago was a mistake, and now you’re forcing yourselves to accept it?” he asked pointedly. “If that’s the case, you two can divorce. There’s no need to force yourselves.” With that, he picked up his phone. “My friend’s son is a lawyer. Let me contact him.”

Natalie’s eyes widened in fear. If this went any further, her lie would be exposed, and her grandfather might suffer another shock. “Grandpa,” she said urgently, gently taking the phone from his hand and setting it aside.

“Grandpa, you’re misunderstanding us. We don’t want a divorce. Trust me, we like each other. It’s just that we’re not used to behaving affectionately in front of others.” She turned to look at Justin. “My husband isn’t the romantic type at all. Look at him—he’s like a block of ice. He can’t even manage a single sweet expression on his face.”

Justin raised an eyebrow at her, his expression clearly asking, ‘How dare you?’

But Natalie blatantly ignored his reaction and continued to sell him to cover her mistake. “I’ll have to work a little to teach him how to be romantic instead of being a block of ice.”

Albert glanced at the calm and composed Justin, then back at Natalie as she continued, “I’m sure, sooner or later, he’ll come around. The next time you see us, you won’t have any more complaints, Grandpa.”

“Does that also mean I’ll get to see my great-grandkids soon?” the old man asked hopefully, a smile spreading across his face.

“Of course, Grandpa,” Natalie answered, maintaining her sweet smile. “Once we two get to know each other better.”

Justin’s hands clenched into fists as he thought about the nonsense she was spouting. Acting as his step-sister’s husband was already uncomfortable enough, but now the conversation had moved to the even more absurd topic.

“For that to happen, you two should start living together,” Albert continued. “If there are any issues with getting a new home, I can buy one for you.”

“No, Grandpa. We can manage on our own. We’re working on it and soon will have our own home,” Natalie assured him quickly before turning to Justin with a forced smile. “Isn’t that right, darling?”

Justin almost glared at her but managed to control himself, nodding in agreement.

“Alright. Take your time setting up your new home. Once I feel better, I’ll personally visit you,” Albert said, his tone determined.

“Huh?” Natalie blinked, momentarily stunned by the statement.

Albert noticed her puzzled expression and his voice took on a slightly hurt tone. “Do you want your grandpa to stay in the hospital forever until he dies?”

“N-No, Grandpa! I didn’t mean…,” she stammered.

“You don’t want me to come to your home and stay with you?” he asked, his voice soft with disappointment.

“No, Grandpa,” she quickly reassured him. “I was just worried about you leaving the hospital in your weak condition.” Natalie tried to cover up her initial shock. She had almost panicked, thinking about Albert visiting her when she had no real husband to show, and her lie was exposed.

“Before, I didn’t have much will to live,” Albert confessed. “But now, just to see you having your own family, I believe I can hold on a few years longer.”

“I hope you have a long life, Grandpa. I don’t want to lose you,” Natalie said, her expression turning emotional. She felt the weight of lying to the most important man in her life, but at this moment, it seemed like the right thing to do.

‘Once Grandpa’s health is stable and out of any danger, I’ll explain everything and apologize to him.’

“Why don’t you get something for the two of you to drink?” Albert suggested, his tone calm but firm. “In the meantime, I’ll have a word with my grandson-in-law.”

Natalie immediately understood that Albert wanted to speak with Justin alone, but she couldn’t risk leaving them alone.

she tried to come up with an excuse.”Grandpa, Aiden has an important meeting to attend…”

“Are you worried that in your absence, I’ll act like an annoying elder and trouble your husband?” Albert asked, raising an eyebrow.

She smiled awkwardly. “Of course not, Grandpa.”

“Then get something for him,” Albert insisted.

Though reluctant, Natalie stood up and turned to face Justin, her gaze clearly warning him not to mess anything up.

Justin, however, ignored her warning look, as if silently telling her to mind her own business.

Once she left, Albert gestured to the chair. “Have a seat.”

Justin took the seat where Natalie had been sitting, waiting patiently to hear what the old man had to say.

“I don’t know how much you know about Natalie, but know that since she was young, she has suffered a lot,” Albert began, his voice tinged with sadness. “She is a good child but always caught up in wrong situations and I feel bad I could do nothing to help her. Even when she’s hurting, she won’t show it. But don’t be deceived by her tough, unyielding front. The more she’s hurt, the tougher she acts. This is how life had turned my Natalie into. Sometimes I worry that she would stop feeling hurt anymore and turn into a person without any emotions.”

Justin found Albert’s words to be true based on his own observations of Natalie. Where others might show vulnerability, she put on a strong front, refusing to accept defeat—even if it meant playing the role of the villain. He took this conversation as a chance to understand her more.

Albert continued, “Be by her side, even if she says she’s alright. If you put your trust in her, I give you my word she would never wrong you. What I hope is that she’s finally found her happiness in you, and that her life from now on will be peaceful, filled with the love and care she deserves.”

Justin didn’t know what to say to it, and simply offered a light nod to rid the sick old man of his worry.

“I don’t know exactly what you two are planning or how things really are between you,” Albert said again, his voice calm but serious. “But if you intend to stay with Natalie, then I ask you to take care of her as a good husband should. Will you?”

After a short silence, Justin responded, “I will,” though in his mind, he kept the “as a husband” part aside. He was determined to take Natalie back to her real family, and that meant taking care of her—even if it was as her brother.

A relieved smile appeared on Albert’s face. He could feel he could trust this young man, confident that he won’t let Natalie down, unaware what was going on in Justin’s mind.