The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride (Ethan and Janet)
Chapter 1293 Her Reluctance

Upon discovering that Laney's departure had taken a toll on Garrett, leaving him tormented by insomnia and reliant on sleeping pills, Janet couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt in her chest.

She pondered, had she not aided Laney in her departure, could Garrett and Laney have reconciled sooner? Perhaps, then, Garrett wouldn't be steeped in such misery.

Witnessing his friend's anguish, Brandon's heart ached, but his sharp tongue remained. With an icy countenance, he retorted, "He brought this upon himself. He deserves it. Now he's filled with regret. But what did he do when Laney was hurt before?"

Janet elbowed Brandon subtly, urging him to refrain from berating Garrett in his current state.

Reluctantly, Brandon fell silent. After assisting the servant with settling Garrett, he returned to the villa with Janet.

As Janet prepared to relax on the sofa, she found herself swept up in Brandon's arms, enveloped in a tight embrace.

"What are you doing?" she protested, pushing against his chest to maintain distance. "I'm exhausted from everything that happened today."

Brandon gently held her hand, his voice low and sultry. "What transpired in the reception room earlier remains unfinished, and I long to continue..."

A flush crept across Janet's cheeks, and she averted her gaze from Brandon's intense stare. "I don't know what you're talking about. I need to shower." Brandon grasped her chin, compelling her to meet

his eyes, desire palpable in his voice. "You truly don't recall? Allow me to jog your memory."

Despite his advances, Janet's hands persisted in fending him off.

Recognizing her genuine resistance, rather than flirtatious evasion, Brandon ceased his pursuit.

Puzzled, he inquired, "What's wrong? Don't you want this?"

With downcast eyes and quivering lashes, Janet's voice was tinged with sorrow. "We haven't been using protection for some time, yet I still haven't conceived." Though empathetic toward Garrett's predicament tonight, the sight of his charming nursery reminded her of her own childlessness, weighing heavily on her spirits. Sitting up, Brandon offered reassurance. "Let's have a check-up together soon, to put your mind at ease."

Janet nodded, but her countenance remained somber.

Embracing her tenderly, Brandon consoled her, "Don't fret. Having a child is a matter of fate. If it hasn't happened yet, the time simply isn't right."

"I hope so," Janet murmured, her tone still tinged with melancholy.

Teasingly, Brandon pinched her nose, jesting, "Even if there's an issue, it's likely mine. Would you abandon me if I were unable to father a child?" Janet's laughter bubbled forth, her spirits lifted by his comforting presence.

Seeing her mood brighten, Brandon felt a sense of relief. He reached out once more, eager to rekindle their earlier passion.

However, Janet firmly held his hand, fixing him with a disapproving gaze.

"Are we not continuing?" Brandon queried, his tone tinged with disappointment, akin to a lovelorn lady.

A mischievous grin danced upon Janet's lips. "As I mentioned, I'm off to bathe. You'll have to gratify yourself," she teased.

"Very well," Brandon conceded, rolling over to rise.

Despite his enthusiasm, he respected Janet's desires. Recognizing her genuine reluctance, he ceased his advances and dutifully retreated to his study to attend to work matters. As Brandon poured over a document, a knock on the door interrupted his focus.

Brandon directed his gaze toward the door.

In an instant, his eyes widened, disbelief etched upon his face.