I Accidentally Saved The Male Lead’s Brother Chapter 135

Charlotte’s voice trembled slightly as she muttered with a mixture of lingering anger and uncertainty.

“You really won’t say something like that again?”

Carcel’s answer was immediate and unwavering.

“I promise I won’t.”

It was only after hearing the certainty in his tone that Charlotte dared to lift her gaze. She found him staring down at her, a mixture of apprehension and relief washing over his features as he let out a long, held breath.

His exhalation brushed against her lips, causing her to instinctively touch them with her fingertips, as though to ward off a lingering tickle.

‘I’m still upset,’ she thought to herself, ‘but I can’t stay angry forever.’

Her feelings for him were undeniable, and holding onto her grudge seemed more painful than letting it go. Resolving herself, Charlotte raised herself onto her tiptoes and pressed a brief kiss to his lips.

Surprise flashed across Carcel’s face, but it quickly melted into a tender expression as he closed his eyes and deepened the kiss, pulling her closer.

Charlotte reciprocated his affection willingly, though she let out a soft gasp as he carefully guided her down onto the sofa.

“Wait, what is this?”

Before she could fully process the situation, Carcel leaned over her, his dark gaze unwavering as he kissed her again.

The air between them grew warm, almost stifling. His firm leg brushed against hers, sending a strange heat coursing through her body. Charlotte fidgeted nervously, her hands clutching at her chest in an attempt to steady herself.

Carcel’s kisses grew bolder, trailing from her lips to her ear. His breath was hot against her sensitive skin, drawing a shiver from her.

“When we go to the capital…” he murmured against her neck.

His low, husky voice made her breath hitch, and she couldn’t help but inhale sharply.

“…will you agree to a formal engagement?”

Charlotte’s heart skipped a beat. She fully understood the weight of his words.

This wasn’t about the contract anymore. This was a genuine proposal, a request to transition from a relationship born of necessity to one built on sincerity.

Her lips parted to respond, but she found herself momentarily lost for words.

Carcel waited patiently, his gaze steady as though bracing himself for her answer. Finally, she nodded slowly.

“Yes.”

Relief softened Carcel’s features, and he lifted her right hand to press a reverent kiss to the engagement ring on her finger.

In the Empire, it was customary for engagement rings to be worn on the right hand, while wedding rings adorned the left. Carcel couldn’t help but glance at her unadorned left hand, imagining the day he could slip a wedding band onto her finger.

He spoke, his voice firm with resolve.

“After the New Year’s Ball, we’ll begin preparations for an official engagement ceremony. If you’d prefer something simple, we can invite just your family and close friends. But if you’re comfortable with it, we can hold a grand celebration to honor our union.”

Charlotte smiled faintly.

“Either option is fine. The reputation of the House of Heinst deserves something grand, so I wouldn’t mind.”

“As you wish,” Carcel said, sealing the promise with another kiss.

His hand moved to her waist, stroking it gently, but before his kisses could wander further, he pulled back, exerting visible restraint. Charlotte’s face was flushed as she covered it with both hands.

Their moment was interrupted by a cheerful voice outside.

“Nunna!”

Theo’s call was followed by the sound of Emma opening the door. The little boy burst into the room, his small hands clutching a pile of chocolates.

“Nunna, eat this!”

Charlotte composed herself quickly, sitting up and patting her cheeks lightly to calm her blush before pulling Theo close.

“Did you bring these for me?”

“Yup! Yummy things have to be shared!” Theo declared proudly.

Charlotte felt a swell of affection for the boy. He had remembered her words about sharing with loved ones and had brought her the treats before indulging in them himself.

She tousled his hair.

“That’s very thoughtful of you. I’ll eat some, so you can have yours too, okay?”

“Okay!” Theo cheered, promptly shoving a piece of chocolate into his mouth.

Charlotte followed suit, unwrapping one of the sweets and placing it into her mouth. She then turned to Carcel, holding another piece of chocolate to his lips.

Though he usually disliked sweet things, Carcel didn’t hesitate. He accepted it from her hand, savoring the moment as much as the chocolate itself.

Theo, now on his third piece, suddenly jumped up from the sofa, energized by the sugar and the playful atmosphere.

“Nunna, dance with Theo!”

Emma, always attentive, switched the music to a lively tune, and Theo began swaying to the rhythm, his small hands tugging Charlotte to join him.

Charlotte laughed, allowing the little boy to lead her in a chaotic, whimsical dance. Carcel watched from the sidelines, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

When Charlotte beckoned him to join, he hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward, as if unable to resist her.

Hand in hand, the three of them danced in a circle, Theo’s high-pitched giggles filling the air.

The peaceful harmony of that winter day settled over them like a warm blanket, a fleeting but precious moment of joy before their inevitable departure to the capital.