The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Kari couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort as she bridged the decade-long gap between now and the image of Ronald as a youthful figure from ten years ago.

"You should smoke less," she blurted out, immediately feeling she had no right to say it. But the last thing she wanted was for Ronald to fall ill, especially from something as harmful as smoking. "Okay," Ronald agreed instantly, as if quitting smoking was akin to climbing Everest.

Kari knew all too well the struggle of kicking the habit. After a moment's thought, she offered, "I've picked up some snacks recently. I can get you some. If you're ever feeling edgy, they might help take the edge off." Ronald caught the care in her voice, his lips curling up in a slight smile. "Sure."

"I'll walk you up."

Ronald, still concerned, asked, "How will you get back down?"

As they stepped into the elevator, Kari yawned, "A nurse's rounds woke me up."

"I saw a car I recognized downstairs when I got up."

Ronald, smiling, shared, "I left the Malone family gathering late. Didn't want to disturb you, nor did I feel like going back, so I thought I'd just hang around downstairs."

To Kari, his words felt like an unspoken confession.

She kept her expression neutral, "Got it."

After escorting Kari back to her room, Ronald settled on the sofa as she climbed into bed. It had been ten years since they last shared a room. Though physically exhausted, Ronald's mind was buzzing. Watching Kari sleep soundly, he swallowed hard before finally allowing himself to close his eyes.

Kari seemed to have forgotten her earlier reticence, no longer avoiding Ronald. And Ronald, on his part, didn't bring up pursuing her further.

Instead, he accompanied her to see a naturopath, who prescribed a variety of remedies to help with her stomach issues. Whenever he had free time, Ronald would personally prepare and bring her healthy broths, making it common knowledge within the studio that he was courting Kari.

Who was Ronald?

He was the heir to the Malone family, notoriously out of reach for most.

His presence by Kari's side didn't go unnoticed-

Many in the studio nudged Kari to give Ronald a chance, considering him to be quite the catch. Influenced by their encouragement, Kari found her resolve wavering.

However, without Ronald broaching the subject, she felt it wasn't her place to make the first move, leading them into an unprecedented period of ambiguity.

As winter deepened, Kari was preparing for the Christmas season when she received news of Brittany's accident. Learning of her friend's plight, Kari immediately canceled all her engagements and booked a flight to Craneville. Before departing, Ronald rushed to see her. "Where are you off to?"Text © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

His appearance was weary from travel; he had just returned from a business trip and hadn't yet had the chance to meet Kari before hearing about her international travel plans. He was visibly anxious as he caught up with her at the airport. "You're going abroad? How long will you be away?"

Seeing the sweat on his forehead, Kari felt a tightness in her chest, "Don't worry, Brittany had an accident in H city. I just want to check on her."

Relief washed over Ronald upon hearing she wasn't leaving because of him. "That's good."

After a pause, he inquired, "What happened?"

"It's complicated," Kari admitted, not fully understanding the situation herself.

"Are you going alone?"

Kari nodded, "Hannah Chester is pregnant and can't travel-"

"I'll come with you." Ronald couldn't bear the thought of Kari traveling alone, concerned for her safety.

Kari hesitated, but Ronald had already booked his ticket, ensuring Kari was upgraded in the process.

Watching his determined figure, Kari felt an inexplicable sense of comfort.

Once onboard, Kari and Ronald found their seats. As Ronald relaxed into his chair and drifted off to sleep, Kari spent the journey watching over him, a silent guardian in the dim cabin light.