Chapter 1008

Chapter 1017:
Bettina struggled to find the right words, pausing before saying, “It’s just that I’ve been living with you, and my brother has already become aware of it. If we continue living together, I’m afraid my family might urge us to get married. I don’t want to make things difficult for you.” Bettina smiled and added, “Thank you for looking after me these days. But I can’t be too selfish. I can’t keep you by my side forever.”
Raul offered a tentative smile. “You haven’t asked my feelings on it. What makes you assume I’d find it difficult? If your family wants us to tie the knot, actually, I’m more than delighted to marry you whenever you like.”
His response threw Bettina off.
Raul approached Bettina suddenly, prompting her to sit on the dining chair, her back resting against the soft leather cushion. With his arms resting on the backrest, Raul gently held her in his warm embrace.
Bettina found herself taken aback by Raul’s unexpected display of affection. He had always been a courteous and reliable presence in her life, and his sudden actions felt out of character.
She thought of how she could have accepted his advances under different circumstances, had she not been nursing the emotional wounds inflicted by Bart.
They shared complementary personalities, similar interests, and a common family background. He was one of the few who could tolerate her occasional fits of temper.
She raised her head, attempting to articulate her thoughts, but words eluded her.
Raul lowered his head, drawing himself closer to her, merely a foot away.
“Does your brother have an issue with me?” he asked.
Bettina shook her head. “No, my brother holds you in high regard.”
More 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝓲𝓷 gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧽ⅽ𝗈𝗺
Raul wore a knowing smile. “I knew it. Hank and I had shared a close friendship from our school days. Were you not aware?”
Bettina bit her lip. Her brothers had always been protective of her, often worrying about her venturing into the unknown. Since they had learned about her budding relationship with Raul, they had refrained from interfering in her life. It was becoming clear why.
“Has your family been urging you into getting married?” Raul pressed.
Bettina offered a nuanced response. “My mother did inquire about it.”
Raul, in a sudden, decisive move, gently tilted her chin upward. “And how did you respond to that?”
Bettina replied, “I told her I am still young, and our relationship is relatively new. It’s premature to discuss marriage.”
After answering, Bettina realized a subtle shift in the atmosphere between them. She had initially been discussing her moving out with Raul, but now Raul was taking the lead in their conversation, and she obediently answered his queries. What on earth! She was skilled at conversing.
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