The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Ronald's gaze was firm, a clear indication of his deep understanding of Kari's physical condition.

"Don't worry, I've got a stash of sweet preserves for you, you won't taste a bit of bitterness," he reassured her. Knowing Kari's aversion to anything remotely bitter, Ronald had prepared well in advance.

Kari was taken aback by his meticulous care, her words of protest dying on her lips. "Okay," she managed.

Her stomach issues were longstanding, and her primary doctor had always been extremely cautious.

When Willa heard her daughter had fainted and was in the hospital, she rushed over without a second thought.

Seeing Ronald's tender care for Kari made her realize something was off.

Since when did brothers tend to their sisters with such devotion, even to the point of wanting to take their place in suffering?

While Ronald stepped out to talk to the doctor, Willa seized the moment to confront Kari, sitting by her bedside with a serious look. "Kari, tell me the truth. Is there something going on between you and Ronald that you're hiding from me?" Kari's face turned beet red instantly. "Mom, I'm not "

"Kari."

Willa's tone was stern. "You know your ears twitch like crazy when you lie."

Caught red-handed, Kari felt a wave of embarrassment. "Mom."

"Does Ronald have feelings for you?" Willa whispered, leaning in closer.

Wanting to deny it but knowing she couldn't deceive Willa, Kari braced herself and admitted, "Yes."

Expecting a furious outburst since Willa had always treated Ronald like her own son, Kari was surprised by her calm, even somewhat excited, reaction.

"So, how do you feel about him?" Willa asked eagerly.

"Mom, I've always seen him as a brother-" Kari was baffled by Willa's strange enthusiasm. Wasn't she supposed to be angry and scolding Ronald?

It seemed like Willa was actually thrilled by the news.

"Ronald has been there for you since you were kids," Willa began, her mind racing. She had considered many potential partners for Kari, yet Ronald had never crossed her mind. But thinking about it, Ronald knew Kari inside out, and she trusted his character implicitly. Ronald's unwavering care for Kari convinced Willa that if they could end up together, she could face her late husband with peace of mind, even in the afterlife.

Mulling it over, Willa became increasingly convinced that Ronald and Kari were meant for each other. She clapped her hands together. "Ronald is a good man. If you two could make it work, I'd rest easy."

Kari's mouth twitched. "Mom, what are you talking about? We're not like that."

Willa knew Kari was still healing from a past heartbreak. "Kari, I'm not forcing you to be with Ronald, nor am I trying to dictate your love life. I just want you to be happy and fulfilled."

"You and Ronald aren't blood siblings. If you two could be together, I'd bless you. But if it's not meant to be, you'll always have each other as family."

Willa's condition was stable, but she was still a patient.

And patients could take a turn for the worse.

Holding Kari's hand, she said, "No matter the nature of your relationship with Ronald, having him look after you gives me peace of mind."

Kari couldn't bear such talk. "Mom, don't worry yourself with such thoughts. You're recovering well. You're going to get better."

Outside, Ronald overheard the mother-daughter exchange, his eyes cast downward.

Good.

Willa wasn't opposed to the idea.

This was a promising start!

While Willa looked after Kari in the hospital, Ronald received a call from the Malone family, necessitating his early departure. "Ronald, let me walk you out," Willa said, eager to have a word with him.

"Mom-"

Kari knew what her mother wanted to discuss but still tried to hold Willa back.