The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart (Brittany and Isaac)

Things were escalating, and Kari was already used to the roller coaster that was her life. In fact, she was enjoying every bit of it.

"I could really go for some apple pie right now," Kari announced with a playful tone.

Ronald chuckled softly, "Sure thing."

He ordered from a five-star restaurant, making his way into another suite before returning in a casual gray robe.

After her bath, Kari slipped into her pajamas and found Ronald lounging on the couch, his robe slightly open, revealing a hint of his toned chest. He seemed preoccupied with his tablet, brows furrowed in concentration. "What are you up to?" she asked, still calling him by the affectionate nickname she'd gotten used to.

Ronald didn't mind it. He glanced up from his tablet, "Come here."

Kari walked over, yawning as Ronald pulled her into his embrace. "You're working on some documents?"

"Yeah, just some minor things." Ronald, now the heir to the Malone dynasty, had his hands full with family affairs, though he rarely burdened Kari with these matters.

He switched off the tablet, wrapping his arms around her. "We're heading back to Imperial City in three days. Maybe you should say goodbye to Ms. Lynette?"

"Brittany?" Kari had been so caught up in their vacation bubble that she was oblivious to the turmoil back in Craneville.

"Seems like Brittany's been quite busy. I'll check with her."

"She's getting engaged," Ronald mentioned casually, as if it was just another event.

"Engaged? To whom, and when did this happen?"

Brittany had mentioned having someone special, but engagement seemed rather sudden.

"To a member of the royal family. Prince Eltham."

Kari was stunned. "When did all this happen?"

"Just recently. You might've missed the news since we're here."

Kari moved to grab her phone, intending to call Brittany immediately.

"Hold on," Ronald said, taking the phone from her. "It's already decided. There's nothing we can do as outsiders."

"But Brittany has someone she likes..." And it definitely wasn't Prince Eltham.

Before Ronald could respond, there was a knock at the door. Dinner had arrived.

"Let's eat first," he suggested, leading her to the dining table where he served her a bowl of chicken soup instead of the millet porridge, pushing it towards her. "Eat up. You need to take care of yourself." Kari struggled to eat, her mind on Brittany. "So, she agreed to it?"

"The Lynette family, despite their wealth and power, can't afford to offend the monarchy. It's just how things are in Craneville."

Kari couldn't believe the turn of events, feeling helpless for Brittany.

Ronald carried her back to the bedroom, tucking her into bed. "You can meet with her before we leave. Talk things through."

That was all they could do.

"Good night," Kari whispered.

"Good night," Ronald replied, leaving her to her thoughts. She lay awake, pondering Brittany's situation, until dawn finally brought a hint of sleep.

Upon waking, Kari's first action was to reach out to Brittany.

"Brittany, let's talk."

Brittany knew what the conversation would entail and declined, "Kari, if it's about the arranged marriage, there's no need for us to meet."