Chapter 15
Chapter 15:
Brinley’s gaze drifted to his forearm, where his sleeve was rolled up. There, faint but unmistakable, was an old scar winding across the skin just above his wrist bone.
It contrasted sharply with his current calm.
Brinley remembered the rumors about his ruthless nature, and her fingers tightened around her fork.
The meal continued in a strange, heavy silence.
Despite its appearance, the food tasted far better than it looked.
Brinley ate slowly, taking small bites and stealing glances at Austin from time to time. He ate with quiet composure, looking elegant even as he worked his way through his own burnt beef.
Because it was late, the household staff had already retired for the evening. After dinner, Austin carried the plates into the kitchen himself and began washing up.
Brinley stared at his retreating figure in disbelief.
Austin, the man who…
𝗤𝗎аl𝗶𝗍у 𝘁𝗋аnѕl𝗮ti𝘰𝗻𝘴 о𝗇 𝘨𝗮lոove𝗹ѕ.𝖼o𝘮
…dominated the business world of Bleron, personally cooking—and even doing the dishes?
Leaning back in her chair, Brinley watched him move beneath the warm kitchen light.
It seemed the Austin everyone spoke of—heartless and untouchable—was not the same man standing before her now.
She pressed her warm cheeks with her palms, silently warning herself, Brinley, pull yourself together. Don’t let appearances deceive you. No matter what, this is just a marriage of convenience. Don’t let it become more.
When Austin finally emerged, drying his hands, his sleeves still casually rolled up his forearms, his expression had shifted. The playfulness was gone. Now he looked serious—like the man he would be in a boardroom.
“Now that I’ve returned, there are formalities to address,” he said, leaning lightly against the kitchen doorframe as he watched her. “Next week, we should visit your father. The wedding also needs to be properly arranged p>
Brinley’s hand tightened around her glass of water, her fingertips trembling slightly. She set it down with deliberate care, then met his gaze. “The purpose of this alliance has already been fulfilled. Informing our families is enough. There’s no need for a wedding ceremony, is there p>
“What do you mean by ‘no need’?” Austin frowned and approached her slowly.
The faint scent of cedar clung to him, mingling with the lingering traces of cooking smoke. “Even if it’s only a marriage of convenience, we will not skip our wedding,” he said firmly.
Brinley pushed her chair back, putting space between them. “My father is currently tied up with a major project. It’s really not a good time p>
“Don’t worry,” Austin cut in, his voice steady and decisive. “I’ll have my assistant coordinate with your father’s secretary p>
He said it as if the matter were already settled.
Compared to that certainty, Brinley’s reluctance suddenly felt suspicious.
She searched his face for any hint of calculation or mockery.
But he looked dead serious—almost earnest—as though this was simply the way things were meant to be done.
At last, she said, “I’ll call my father first to see when he’s available p>