Chapter 200
Chapter 200:
Brinley opened her mouth to respond, but Austin slid a piece of food onto her plate, his voice soft. “Try this. It’s the house specialty p>
As she chewed, Brinley murmured, “You know, Mr. Gomez isn’t so bad, just p>
Before she could finish, Austin placed a rib in front of her. “Let’s enjoy the meal p>
Brinley laughed and nudged him playfully. “Keep feeding me like this, and I’ll gain weight p>
Austin’s gaze was earnest. “A little more weight looks good on you. Feels nicer to hold p>
His cheeky remark, far from offending her, brought a flush to her cheeks. She shot him a mock glare. “You’re such a tease p>
Their conversation flowed effortlessly, drifting from work to weekend plans, sprinkled with lighthearted teasing. The atmosphere was relaxed and warm. Austin had a knack for keeping things lively, always catching even the smallest detail in Brinley’s words.
As dinner drew to a close, Austin discreetly signaled the waiter.
Curious, Brinley lifted a brow. “What was that about p>
𝘓at𝖾𝘴𝗍 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝗉𝘵𝖾𝗿ѕ 𝗼n
“I had them pack your favorite dishes,” Austin said. “For a late-night snack, in case you get hungry p>
Brinley smiled, making no attempt to refuse. “You’re spoiling me rotten p>
“Good,” Austin replied, reaching across the table to take her hand, his fingers tracing her skin gently. “Once you get used to my pampering, you’ll be stuck with me p>
His words, both bold and tender, sent a warm ripple through her.
After dinner, they stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against their faces and clearing the faint haze of wine. Austin slipped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Brinley pulled it closer, her voice soft and reflective. “I used to think love had to be intense, all-consuming—like I needed to change myself or bend over backward to make it work p>
Her thoughts drifted back to her two years with Colin, trapped in a cycle of anxiety and uncertainty. A single half-hearted promise from him used to lift her spirits for days, while the smallest disagreement could leave her restless through the night.
Back then, she had been naïve, clinging desperately to a relationship that was unraveling beyond repair. Now, looking back, she understood it wasn’t love at all—she had been trapped in something toxic.
“Then I met you,” Brinley said, turning to Austin. Her eyes caught the glow of a streetlamp, flickering like distant stars. “You showed me what a real relationship feels like. I don’t need to bend over backward or walk on eggshells. With you, I can just be myself—open, honest, and completely comfortable p>
Austin paused, his gaze earnest, then drew her into a warm, enveloping hug, steady and grounding.
“This is how it will always be,” he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “No more doubts or pain. Not on my watch p>
Brinley rested against him, his steady heartbeat anchoring her, filling her with a deep sense of safety. A true relationship, she realized, allowed her to lower her walls and live freely in someone’s care.
Austin opened the car door for her, and as she settled inside, she noticed neatly packed food boxes on the seat—the snacks he had thoughtfully prepared.
She opened one to reveal her favorite cake, still warm. “Austin, did you already know I’d get hungry?” she asked with a smile.
Starting the engine, he glanced at her, amusement in his eyes. “Of course. I know what my wife needs p>
City lights blurred past the windows, the car filled with the faint aroma of food and a cozy warmth. Gazing at Austin, who cherished her so deeply, Brinley felt that her past heartaches had merely been stepping stones to this quiet joy. She had finally found a love that was pure and true.
In the days that followed, both Brinley and Austin were consumed by work. The Westgate Project was nearing completion, with Brinley overseeing on-site operations, often eating from a packed meal in a temporary office. Austin, meanwhile, was deep in a critical phase of a multinational acquisition, tied up in endless video calls. Some nights, they managed only a brief “good night” text, their shared understanding a quiet testament to their bond.
Amid her packed schedule, Brinley began preparing for a trip to visit her family. Her last visit with Austin had been rushed, so this time she planned to stay longer.
The Shaw household was overwhelmingly male. Aside from Brinley, there were only her father and her two brothers.
Brennen Shaw, a military man, was rarely home, his calls usually limited to brief reminders like “stay safe” or “don’t skip meals.” Felix, immersed in his racing career overseas, was always at some track, and Brinley could hardly remember the last time they had seen each other.
She sighed, thinking of her family. As the only woman, she had always been endlessly pampered by both her father and her brothers. When she had once cut them off for Colin, they had been furious at her decision.
Looking back now, Brinley could see how foolish she had been. How could she have thought of abandoning the family that had loved and protected her all her life for someone so unworthy?
A message from Noa: Lovely readers, this little note will be a bit different. You know I always wish you the best, that I love you, but above all, that God loves you, and I say that with complete sincerity. My life went from being in darkness to a completely different reality the moment I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and for years now I’ve been intentional about reminding you that God loves you, because honestly, it’s the best thing I could ever share with you.
You are so loved, dear ones, and I truly hope you get to know God as a father, with all the love he has for you. Have a beautiful weekend, love you so much!! (ɔO‿=)ɔ ♥