Chapter 3 Three. Time to wake up!

Chapter 3: Time To Wake Up

Briella's POV

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I tried to sort through the mountain of new clothes Luigi had brought, but no matter how many boxes I opened, I couldn't find a decent outfit. With a sigh, I sank to the floor.

Not even one casual dress-out of twenty boxes?

Everything was either sleepwear or nightgowns, and judging by the price tags, even the pajamas were outrageously expensive. I couldn't afford a single set, let alone three.

As frustration started to bubble inside me, Braun entered the room. His sharp eyes immediately caught the disappointment on my face.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I need to go home," I muttered. "But what am I supposed to wear? I can't exactly walk outside in pajamas or a nightgown."

He stepped closer, gently placing his hands on my shoulders to help me stand. I stiffened a little. His touch sent a shiver down my spine-warm and electric, unsettling but strangely comforting at the same time.

"Your clothes are on the way," he said calmly. "I told Luigi to pick them up and bring them here. He'll be back in about ten minutes."

He guided me toward the bed and motioned for me to sit. "Wait here. I need to get ready. I have an important meeting today, so I won't be able to accompany you wherever you're going."

"You don't have to," I replied earnestly, looking him straight in the eyes. "I told you, don't get involved in my affairs. I can take care of myself."

He held my gaze for a moment, then sighed quietly.

"Alright. But from now on, this is your new home." His voice softened. "After my meeting, I'll pick you up and help you pack your things."

Before turning away, he smiled gently and cupped my cheek briefly. Then he walked toward the walk-in closet to change.

"President Braun?" I called out, my voice uncertain, stopping him in his tracks.

He turned slightly, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm your husband now," he said with a hint of amusement. "Do you really need to call me that?"

I bit my lower lip and looked down, flustered. For some reason, my heart raced every time our eyes met.

"I... I don't know what to call you," I admitted quietly.

"Think about it," he replied with a faint smirk, disappearing into the closet.

I let out a long breath, my eyes following him as he disappeared behind the door. A question stirred quietly in my mind. Why me? Of all the women in the world, why would a man like Braun, powerful, untouchable, yet choose someone like me?

A knock came from the door before I could think about it further. One of the maids informed me that Luigi had arrived with my clothes.

I quickly thanked her and brought the ten branded paper bags into the room. One by one, I checked each outfit and couldn't help but admire how beautiful and expensive they all looked.

Eventually, I settled on a red high-low dress with a hemline slightly shorter in the front and longer at the back. I paired it with beige espadrille wedges. My long, wavy, coffee-brown hair flowed effortlessly over one shoulder.

Inside the bathroom, I stood in front of the large mirror and blinked. The woman staring back at me looked refined, elegant, and confident.

I didn't need much makeup. My lips already had a natural rosy tint, and my hazelnut eyes stood out beneath thick lashes and bold brows. My cheeks had a subtle pink flush that softened my look even more.

For the first time in a long time, I didn't just look beautiful. I looked unbreakable.

There was a reason I'd chosen that particular outfit. My legs, long, smooth, and fair, had always drawn attention naturally. As a model, they were my most significant asset. Not every woman was blessed with such length and grace, and I knew how to use them to my advantage.

Satisfied with how I looked, I stepped out of the bathroom, only to find Braun still in the room, seated on the single sofa, speaking quietly on the phone.

I paused for a moment, watching him.

He was wearing a dark blue single-breasted suit that hugged his frame perfectly. His tousled hair gave him a casually regal look, like royalty who didn't even need to try.

"Oh, you haven't left yet?" I asked, surprised.

"I was waiting for you," he said, his gaze trailing from my face downward, lingering on my legs. "You have beautiful legs. Make sure you take care of them."

Then he stood and offered his hand. "Let's go."

I blinked but nodded, slipping my hand into his.

Inside the car, my phone suddenly rang. I glanced at Braun beside me before answering.

"Hello, Brie, where are you? I've been trying to reach you. Are you okay?" came the voice of my deceitful fiancé, Xander.

I kept my tone flat and formal. "I'm on my way to meet an old friend. I won't be coming to the office today."

Beside me, Braun gently took my hand, grounding me.

"Who is this friend? Why didn't you wait for me? You know you shouldn't go out alone, someone might take advantage of you," Xander said, his voice laced with fake concern.

I narrowed my eyes. "Xander, I'm fine. I'm not naïve and would never let anyone deceive me."

There was a beat of silence on the line.

Then I heard an unmistakable muffled groan followed by a woman's voice. Before I could react, the call abruptly ended.

My jaw clenched, and I tightened my grip on the phone.

Shameless! Shameless sons of btches!

"Do you want me to come with you?" Braun asked quietly. "I can cancel my appointment."

I looked at him and gave a slight shake of my head. "I'm fine. Just drop me off outside the subdivision. I'll catch a taxi to the hotel. My car's still there."

"I'll take you to the hotel," he said firmly. It wasn't a suggestion, it was a decision.

I didn't argue. My mind was too tangled in fury to care.

Did he even remember? Today was supposed to be our wedding rehearsal. Xander was supposed to pick me up from my house to meet our wedding planner and best friend. And now... this.

I closed my eyes. There was a time I had dreamed of confronting them, Xander and the woman hiding behind the veil of lies. But now I knew how that would play out. They'd twist the narrative and paint me as the bitter ex.

No. That wasn't going to happen.

From this moment forward, I would reclaim everything they had stolen from me, piece by piece.

I flinched slightly when Braun gently squeezed my hand.

"You're trembling," he said softly. "What can I do to make you feel better?"

I turned to him and got lost in the depths of his marbled gray eyes for a fleeting moment. There was no pity in them, only something deeper I couldn't quite name.

I offered a faint smile and shook my head. "Nothing, Mr. President. Please... don't do anything."

Just then, we entered the basement parking lot of the hotel, the same venue where the party had been held.

A quiet, bitter laugh slipped past my lips, but it didn't last.

"Thank you for the ride," I said, biting my lower lip. "Take care."

Braun didn't reply at first. He simply nodded and leaned closer. I froze as the scent of his cologne enveloped me, clean, masculine, and unmistakably expensive. It clung to my senses like a whisper I didn't want to chase but couldn't ignore.

Then, the car door on my side clicked open.

"I'll call you after my meeting. Take care, Briella. And don't forget, you still owe me an endearment," he said teasingly before kissing my forehead gently.

I nodded quickly and stepped out of the car. I couldn't risk staying another second. One impulsive kiss was already more than enough. I wouldn't let it happen again.

I expected Braun's car to drive off the moment I left. But instead, my phone rang. It was him. Braun El Cueva.

"Where's your car? Why are you still standing there? Did you forget something?" his voice came through the line, warm and concerned.

My eyes shifted sheepishly to my car parked right in front of me. I turned away instinctively, trying to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks.

"It's here," I replied, fumbling with my keys. "I was just about to get in. I... I wanted to wait until you left before getting into my car."

"We'll leave once you do. I want to make sure you're safe," he said gently. "By the way, where are you headed?"

Finally sliding into the driver's seat, I felt like I could breathe again.

"I'm going to Star Agency. I need to talk to my manager and settle a few things. After that, I'll head to my apartment to pack."

"Alright. Leave your car at the agency. I'll pick you up there and come with you to the apartment. I don't want you to go alone. Buckle up and drive safely, alright?"

His words stunned me into silence for a moment. Where was the cold, ruthless businessman everyone gossiped about? This man, my husband, even if only on paper, was far from the monster they painted him to be.

"Okay. You, too," I said softly, fastening my seatbelt and starting the engine.

Braun's car followed me as I exited the basement, but we parted ways at a junction. Moments later, a message popped up from him. I couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at my lips.

"10-15, huh?" I muttered to myself, amused, staring at his name flashing on my screen.

But my smile vanished the moment another name appeared-Xander.

Taking a deep breath, I composed myself and answered the call.

"Hello?" I said in a formal tone.

"Hey, honey! Sorry about earlier. My phone died-battery ran out," Xander said, his voice smooth and practiced.

"No worries," I replied, focusing on the road. "Is there anything you need? I'm driving, so I might have to hang up soon."

"Oh, it's just quick. Will you be out long? I was hoping you could do something for me at the office. It's urgent, and I can't leave where I am. Can you help me out?"

I clenched the steering wheel tighter.

"I'll try, but I can't promise anything. I told you-I have an important meeting."

"Briella, please-"

"I said I'll try," I cut in sharply, my voice colder than intended.

There was a pause. I could still hear him breathing on the other end of the line.

"Alright... I just hope you'll find time. It's for the company, and I rely on you for these things," he added, his tone almost pleading.

"I have to go. I'll call you when I'm done. Bye."

I ended the call before he could say another word.

My fingers curled tighter around the steering wheel as memories from last night flooded back-raw, vivid, and agonizing. The betrayal still felt unreal. The two people I had trusted the most... hiding their affair behind my back like it was nothing.

I pressed harder on the gas pedal. I refused to cry. Not again.

Only one person knew the full truth-Edna. And today, I was going to find her. I needed answers. I needed proof. Once I had it, I would make damn sure both Xander and that snake of a friend paid dearly for what they did to me.

Time to wake up, Briella! I scolded myself. You've been asleep for too long. Open your eyes and burn them with the truth.