The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

"No way."

Eltham's reply was firm. "I've told you countless times, I really like you, Brittany. Seriously. Whether you're on board or not, you're the only one I want as my wife."

Brittany couldn't fathom what Eltham saw in her. "What do you like about me, exactly?"

She changed? Could she really?

Eltham, misunderstanding her, thought she wanted a heart-to-heart.

He chuckled softly, "The first time I saw you, you were like a fairy, reigniting my long-lost sense of freedom. Then, as I got to know you better, you surpassed my expectations-more talented, more exceptional. You're worth all my affection." Brittany was choked up.

Truth be told, she'd always doubted her worth.

She felt she couldn't compare to many, like Loraine Field, or the princess before... yet, in Eltham's eyes, she was exceptional.

Being recognized felt joyous.

Unfortunately, this confession came under such circumstances.

"Eltham, I was wrong to hide the truth from you, and I'm sorry."

Brittany owed him an apology. "From the start, I've never had feelings for you. My agreement to the engagement was only because the royal family targeted the Lynette family." "By then, I was already with Isaac."

Guilt was evident in Brittany's voice. "Eltham, I thought about telling you the truth before our pre-marital checkup, but I didn't anticipate you'd find out so soon."

Hearing Brittany's apology didn't bring Eltham any joy; instead, he knew her apology was a tactic to soften his heart.

"I know."

"But I always feel you should give me a chance. How else will you know you won't fall for me in your lifetime?"

Eltham was confident. "Looks, background, I'm in no way inferior to Isaac. I'm confident that given enough time, you'd fall for me."

Brittany gave up on trying to reason with him. He wouldn't let her go.

Eltham, noticing her intent, simply smiled.

Back at the villa, Brittany retreated to her room.

Eltham, shedding his coat, asked the butler, "What does Ms. Lynette fancy eating?"

"Lately, she's fond of mint pork ribs, sweet and sour fish, and some soup."

The butler was puzzled. "Why do you ask?"

Eltham had never inquired about such matters before.

Rolling up his sleeves, Eltham declared, "Prepare the ingredients. I'll cook tonight."

According to his research, Isaac cooked personally; he could do the same.

The butler, shocked, still relayed the message to the head chef.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

To Eltham, who had been pampered from birth, even the location of the kitchen was a mystery, let alone cooking.

With ingredients ready, the head chef watched Eltham's clumsy efforts, nervously suggesting, "Your Highness, perhaps I should take over?" Eltham's stern glance silenced him.

He was determined to prove to Brittany that what Isaac could do, he could do too.

Mint pork ribs weren't hard to make. Deep-frying the ribs until crispy on the outside and tender inside, then adding fresh mint leaves until they were crisp, imbued the ribs with a refreshing mint flavor, delicious and novel.

Eltham's first attempt at cooking was far from smooth.

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Getting splattered with hot oil multiple times, his hands were blistered, but he was too focused on the dishes to care.

Brittany, attracted by the scent of mint, came downstairs.

"Mint pork ribs for dinner again?"

The butler nodded. "His Highness is cooking himself."

Brittany was stunned. Eltham could cook?

As she followed the butler into the

dining room and saw Eltham's silhouette through the glass door, a pang of discomfort hit her. She truly didn't like Eltham.

Eltham's efforts to please her felt in vain. She couldn't force her feelings, only feeling guilt and discomfort.

Knowing Brittany's feelings towards

him were cold, the butler sighed, "Ms. Lynette, I know you don't fancy His Highness, but he's sincere. If you could reciprocate even a fraction of his feelings, it would make him happier, and he'd treat you even better."

Brittany massaged her temples. "Feelings can't be built on gratitude alone."