Semua Bab It's Just Business : Bab 21 - Bab 30

Brandon's POV The photos were released just before noon. I didn’t need to double-check. I had already approved the final edits, signed off on the statement, and ensured the release time was precise, down to the second. My team knew what to do. Public perception was their problem, not mine. I knew people would be talking, as they always did about others’ business. Still, as I sat behind my desk that morning, I felt the weight of it. Not regret. Just... the awareness that something irreversible had occurred. Yes, we already announced my engagement, but for most, it had been just a rumor. Those pictures solidified everything, along with my statement. The headlines would craft their own narratives: "Billionaire Brandon Wilson Stuns with Surprise Engagement." "From Private to Public: Meet the Woman Who Stole His Heart." There would be articles dissecting every gesture from the shoot—her hand on my chest, the so-called adoring gaze in our eyes, the way her fingers curled around mine as

Lexi's POV It was 1:08 a.m. when I finally gave up on sleep. The silence was too heavy, not the soft kind that wraps around you and lulls you into rest, but the cold kind. The kind that reminds you that you’re in someone else’s home, someone else’s world. It had been four days, and you would think I’d be used to it by now, but I didn’t think I ever would be. There were no crying babies, no arguing couples, no radio playing, no dogs barking. Who would have known it was possible? And being this high up, I couldn't even hear the cars that I was sure were still on the road. Aria was curled up beside me, asleep with the comforter wrapped around her like a cocoon. Her chest rose and fell steadily, and I watched her for a long moment. She’d been sneaking into my bed, and at this point, I should just tell her to sleep here from the start. She looked peaceful, thank God. But I knew the fear simmered beneath the surface for both of us. Careful not to wake her, I slid out of bed, grabbed one

Lexi's POV The dress clung to me as if it had been waiting its whole life for this night. I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room, staring at a version of myself that I barely recognized. I had let the stylists and makeup artists do their work and told them they could leave, my sister could help me with the zipper and whatever is left, and when they finished, they left. The sleek black fabric shimmered under the soft lighting, and the slit rose dangerously high up my left thigh. The bodice was strapless, hugging my curves like a secret, and the back featured delicate sheer patterns that looked hand-drawn across my skin. This wasn't Brandon’s choice, the silver gown he had approved still hung untouched in the closet,but this…this was mine. Because if I was going to lie to the world tonight, I needed at least one truth. This dress was mine. The heels made me taller; I wasn't short in fact, at 5 '7", I was on the tall side, but the heels elevated me to at least 5' 9".

Lexi's POV I didn't think; I just acted. The second I saw the shadow out of the corner of my eye, the kiss just happened. My brain hadn't caught up yet, but now it had, and it was screaming that of all people to almost catch us mid-fight, it had to be him. I just hoped he hadn't heard too much. Silence. I didn’t move, but I was spiraling inside. Neither did Brandon. Bernard Wilson stood just outside the terrace door, flanked by shadows and judgment, his steel-blue eyes fixed on us like a hawk watching its prey. The air shifted the moment he spoke. The warmth of the kiss vanished, and even the chill of the night air seemed to retreat. “Father,” Brandon said, his tone as flat as polished stone. It was as if he had become even icier; I didn't think that was possible. “Enjoying the night air, I see,” Bernard replied, stepping closer. The door clicked shut behind him. I stepped back instinctively but not far. My pulse was steady. Barely. Bernard’s eyes flicked to me, slowly. He

Lexi's POV The hospital walls were too white,sterile, cold, and unforgiving, just like the day itself. I hated the way the fluorescent lights hummed overhead, how the waiting room chairs were just a bit too stiff, designed to remind you that you didn’t truly belong here, at least not for long. I was used to hospitals by now, but that didn’t mean I liked them. I don’t think anyone does. Except for the workers, of course.Aria sat next to me, swinging her legs, trying to look casual as if this was just another one of our regular check-ups. But I could tell she was nervous. Her hands kept folding and unfolding in her lap, and her bottom lip was caught between her teeth. Today, she wasn't wearing any makeup. She looked pale and small.“Stop chewing your lip,” I murmured.She glanced at me and rolled her eyes but did it again anyway. Typical.We were here for the full preoperative appointment, scheduled to last most of the morning: bloodwork, vital signs, infection screening, medication r