Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Brandon couldn't believe it, his face filled with a look of hurt.

"Impossible. The way you looked at me yesterday-I could tell what you were thinking. If you don't want to marry me, I won't bring it up again. We'll stay like this, and I won't hope for more..." "I never said I didn't want to get married!"

The air froze.

Brandon grabbed her, holding her in place as he stared deeply into Angela's eyes. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously. "Angela, you... you're agreeing?"

Angela squirmed under the intensity of his gaze, her cheeks flushing red. "I've been thinking about it these past few days. You keep following me around, asking nonstop-how am I supposed to think straight?" "It's my fault, my fault. I was too impatient," Brandon admitted, taking all the blame. He hadn't given her the space to think things through.

Angela's heart softened, but a trace of hesitation lingered in her eyes. She bit her lip. "Brandon, do you really not care about who I am or that I'm... that man's daughter?"

Brandon's heart broke at her words.

His Angela was the purest, kindest person in the world. If he could, he would shield her from ever knowing the truth about her parentage. That man didn't deserve to share a blood tie with her. Looking at his beloved, he spoke with unwavering conviction, each word meant to dispel the insecurities hiding in her heart.

"Angela, you are you. You're the person I will never let go of in this lifetime. Don't let anyone else define you. You're part of the Brookes family, and the Brookes family will always be your home and your support." Angela's lips parted, and she croaked out a single word: "Brandon..."

Brandon's heart ached seeing her like this. He pulled her into his arms, unsure how to comfort her, growing frantic. "Angela, please don't cry. When you cry, I don't know what to do. If it'll help, you can hit me!" Angela burst out laughing. Rising on tiptoe so they were eye to eye, she reached out and gently touched his face. Her tone was soft yet commanding. "Brandon, I'm not crying. I'm happy." Brandon froze.

When had Angela ever been this forward with him?

Seeing his stunned expression, Angela's resolve strengthened. She leaned closer and asked, "Brandon, do you want to kiss me?"

Brandon's mind went blank, his face instantly turning red all the way down to the base of his neck. His mouth went dry, and all he could focus on were Angela's lips, so close to his own. He answered honestly, "I do!"

Angela's face turned red too, and she closed her eyes.

Brandon swallowed hard, holding her tightly in his arms as he leaned in.

But just as their lips were about to touch, Angela pulled back, raising a hand to stop him. "Wait. Let's make something clear first. I'll marry you, but not right now. I... I'm not ready yet." Brandon nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes, take as much time as you need!"

His wife had already agreed-what was time compared to that?

So... could they kiss now?

Angela closed her eyes again, but a second later, she opened them. "By the way, were you just sitting there doing nothing earlier? You didn't look well."

Brandon blinked, confused, and quickly shook his head. "I'm fine. I was just thinking too much. But, Angela, how did you know I was here?"

Angela pointed toward the hall. "Tina said you'd gone crazy, so I came to check on you."

Brandon, "..."

Of course, his lovely niece couldn't resist mocking him, even while helping.

As he was thinking this, Angela suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, her tone carrying a hint of warning. "Brandon, when you kiss me, don't let your mind wander."

At noon, the Brookes family gathered for a family feast. Grandpa Brookes sat at the head of the table, with Alina and Tina on either side of him. Even Isaac, the family's eldest son, had stepped back from his usual place of prominence and now sat with his wife.

Ruud, thanks to his wife's connections, managed to grab a seat near the front, basking in the rare chance to show off. He hadn't stopped smiling all afternoon.

Isaac shook his head at the sight. When he looked up again, he saw his younger brother Brandon grinning like an idiot.

He rolled his eyes and couldn't help but comment, "Brandon, Alina coming home today isn't that big of a deal. If you don't close your mouth soon, your drool might just spill onto the table."

Brandon turned his head with a disdainful snort. "I'm happy. Mind your own business."

Then, in the blink of an eye, his expression softened as he turned to Angela, piling food onto her plate. "Angela, try this. And this. You're too skinny-you need to eat more."

Isaac couldn't be bothered to argue with him.

Emily nudged him with her elbow. "Can't you tell? Brandon's good news is just around the corner. As his big brother, shouldn't you start preparing a proper gift? Don't embarrass yourself when the time comes."

Isaac glanced at Brandon and sneered. "Him? I'd bet the gift will rot in storage before he manages to win Angela over."

Melanie interjected, "Don't underestimate him. Brandon's different now-he's full of confidence!"

Scarlett chimed in with a laugh, "Exactly! After hearing what Brandon said to Angela earlier, even I was moved. Honestly, why not just hold the wedding already?" Brandon, "..."

Didn't these people realize Angela hadn't even officially agreed yet?

Just as he was about to speak up, Ian suddenly asked, "What wedding?"

Alina, seated nearby, seized the opportunity to steer the conversation. "Dad, I think it's time for Brandon and Angela to get married. They're not getting any younger, and there's no point in delaying it further."

Ian nodded in agreement. Both were his children, and he was happy to see them reach this point together.

But there was one thing he needed to be sure of. His gaze sharpened as he looked directly at his son. "Angela hadn't agreed yesterday. When did she say yes? Brandon, did you pressure her?" Brandon, "..."

Did he have no privacy in this house?

Jack couldn't help but laugh. "Dad, you're giving Brandon too much credit. If Angela hadn't agreed, do you think he'd even dare?"

Ian seemed to accept this, his tone softening as he turned to Angela. "Angela, are you sure about him? If you're still hesitant, I can keep an eye out for other options. If there's no one suitable in Ashbury, we can look elsewhere." Brandon panicked, immediately pulling Angela into his arms. "Dad, you can't say that! I've been chasing her for over ten years-you don't feel sorry for me at all? Let me tell you, Angela doesn't want anyone else. She only likes me!" The room erupted in laughter.

Ian's expression turned serious, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Let me tell you something, Brandon. If Angela shows even a shred of doubt, not only will there be no wedding-there will be no you." Brandon felt like crying.

He had no standing in this family anymore. How was he supposed to protect Angela in the future?

The more he thought about it, the sadder he became. Clinging to Angela, he wailed, "Angela, you're all I have now. They all bully me-you have to protect me!"

Angela patted his head and replied softly, "Don't worry. From now on, I'll protect you."noveldrama