Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 84

Chapter 84: You Never Truly Loved Me, Did You?

Ivan Brown, he was looking for his friend Steve Davis but happened to stumble with Natalie who was clearly displeased to see him. He briefly observed her.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over her as if seeing her for the first time in a long while, and briefly observed her.

The double-breasted blazer, with gold buttons adding a touch of sophistication. Underneath, she wore a delicate ivory silk camisole that peeks out subtly, offering a soft contrast to the structured jacket.

High-waisted slim-fit trousers, made from matching fabric, tapering gracefully to just above the ankle, showcasing her black pointed-toe stiletto heels, which elevate the entire look with understated glamour.

Her hair was neatly styled into a low, sleek bun, emphasizing her sharp features and adding a polished, refined touch to her overall appearance. A soft nude lip, a hint of blush for a natural glow, and subtle eyeliner to define her eyes completed her look—minimal yet flawless.

She wore simple, delicate jewelry: pearl earrings and a thin gold bracelet that complemented her refined, modern aesthetic.

Though others might overlook her understated elegance, to Ivan, she suddenly looked strikingly beautiful.

Natalie, ignoring him, was about to change her path when Ivan called out, “What are you doing here?”

“None of your business,” she shot back, her tone icy.

“Just because you’re the CEO of a failing company doesn’t mean you deserve to be here,” he retorted, attempting to mask the brief attraction he felt by attacking her with a bitter remark.

He reminded himself—Briena was far more beautiful than Natalie.

Natalie’s eyes narrowed. “Being the CEO of a company that was nearly bankrupt but was saved by my perfume creation gives you no right to mock me either. Also, if I can save one bankrupt company once, I can do it again. But what can you do, rely on your current finance to create a miracle product for you?” Natalie scoffed, “Given how smart she is, I doubt.”

Her sharp response caught Ivan off guard. He stood speechless for a moment. Ever since their disastrous wedding day, Natalie had directed all her anger at Briena, which he had assumed was because Briena had ended up engaged to him. But now, Natalie’s words were directed at him—cutting and direct.

He scoffed, trying to regain control. “You betrayed me with another man, and you still have the nerve to talk back like this?”

“I am glad I chose another man over one who didn’t trust me and got rid of me the first chance he got,” Natalie spat out angrily.

She recalled the same words Justin said and wished to check Ivan’s reaction by using them on him.

Ivan’s expression faltered, her words hitting deeper than he expected. For a moment, he looked confused, as if what she said rang true.

Feeling her own heart ache, Natalie asked, “You never truly loved me, did you?”

Ivan stared at her, struggling for a response, but before he could say anything, Briena appeared by his side. “Ivan, what are you doing here? Grandma’s waiting to meet you.”

He nodded, his gaze lingering on Natalie for a beat longer before walking away with Briena, as he heard Natalie curse, “Jerk.”

Just then, Mia returned with a dish full of desserts. She sat down and commented with a smirk, “I just saw a dog walking away with his bitch.”

Natalie was still thinking about something and mumbled, “Was he truly right when he said Ivan never loved me?”

“I am not sure who you are referring to, but I can tell that Jerk Ivan was more like your business partner than a fiance,” Mia added.

Natalie looked at her, confusion. “Then why did he agree to marry me? If he didn’t love me, why would he go through with it?”

Mia sighed, “That’s the confusing part to which I have no answer either.”

“I thought he loved me… all those messages, the way he comforted me when I was away…” Natalie trailed off, feeling the ache in her chest.

Mia patted her hand gently. “Calm down, Nat. Ivan’s out of your life now, so don’t let him mess with your head. You’ll move past this, trust me.” She pushed the dish toward Natalie with a grin. “Besides, I got all your favorite desserts.”

Natalie glanced at the sweets while Mia picked up a spoon and fed her a bite. “Sometimes I feel like you’re my kid.”

Natalie swallowed the tasty desert along with her pain and smiled at her friend, her eyes still moist, “You are such a good mom.”

Mia scoffed, stuffing a dessert into her own mouth. “Don’t get all mushy on me. Eat with your own hands—I’m starving too!” She chewed, her eyes lighting up. “Oh my god, this is so good, I think my stomach just had a foodgasm.”

Natalie laughed, “Shh! Watch your mouth.”

“Let them hear! Being with you, they already must think I am a nasty young daughter of a rich family as well. Works for me—keeps all the annoying people away.”

“You’re taking advantage of my bad reputation,” Natalie teased.

“Of course! That’s what friends are for,” Mia quipped, grinning.

Just then, an announcement from the emcee filled the room, grabbing both of their attention as the event officially began.

“All the respected and honorable guests of the night, thank you for attending this year’s charity gala…” the emcee continued, his voice echoing through the hall.

Natalie scoffed quietly, “Who here is actually respected and honorable?”

“We definitely aren’t,” Mia quipped. “We’re the poor ones in the corner, and he clearly didn’t mean us. Since we’re being ignored, let’s finish this and grab another round of that delicious food.”

The two friends focused on clearing their dish, ready to get more food, when suddenly, the emcee’s voice caught their attention.

“To the two ladies in the corner, Ms. Natalie and Ms. Mia.”

They both froze, baffled, looking at each other.

“Damn, I was wrong—he knows our names,” Mia said, her eyes wide with confusion. “The poors are being addressed as well.”

“But why is he calling us?” Natalie asked, equally puzzled.