Nathalia’s POVI was just staring into space until the van we were riding in came to a stop. I slowly started feeling exhausted due to my continuous crying earlier. My eyes were swollen, and my voice became hoarse from begging, but it was all in vain. They seemed deaf to my pleas and blind to the fear enveloping me.I remained silent as Stephen’s righthand man, I presume, pulled me out. He held my arm tightly, as if I could still escape from this place.I am sure this man is not just a simple henchman of Stephen’s; I overheard one of his colleagues calling him the boss earlier.However, I held my breath as I saw men in black suits guarding the surroundings, their holstered guns ready to fire at any wrongdoing.When I looked up, a mansion loomed before me. It was tall, seemingly reaching up to the fifth floor. Each window had what seemed to be attached and poised guns, ready to fire at the slightest misstep.I involuntarily gasped at what I saw. This mansion looked like hell to me.“Go
I woke up because of the noise of different voices around me. I furrowed my brow in confusion.“What did you do?” I heard a familiar voice ask.“I explained everything to him, but he won’t listen. He almost barged in! Thank God, we managed to stop him!” another familiar voice replied.“You can’t blame him, though. You made a move without them knowing first,” a female voice interjected.Wait, where am I? Who are these people talking to, and what are they discussing?I slowly opened my eyes and fully awakened when I saw Stephen sitting on a chair beside the bed, holding a gun.That made me get up and remember everything that happened. I then realized that Ace and Shantel must be the ones with the familiar voices I heard earlier.“We’ll just go outside,” Ace said. Shantel followed him, looking grumpy.As they finally left and closed the door, my attention turned back to Stephen when I heard the click of the gun.He stood up and slowly approached me. I began to back away until I leaned ag
Nathalia’s POVI tried to open the window here in my room, but to no avail. I let out a deep sigh when I noticed that it was locked from the outside. Though I can just break it, it will surely gain attention, which I’m trying to avoid as much as possible.I looked outside the window again and saw the guards standing unwaveringly with their guns. I scanned the surroundings and realized that the mansion was surrounded by high walls.When I took a shower earlier, I noticed there wasn’t even a small window in the bathroom. Perhaps it was intentionally designed that way to keep the people they abduct here.I shrugged my shoulders, lowered the curtain, and started pacing around the room. The room is huge, and elegance permeates every part of it. A small chandelier hangs from the ceiling, while plush area rugs cover the floor to add comfort when you walk.Then there’s the king-size bed with a white mattress and black pillows, along with the cream four-door closet that has full-length mirrors
Chapter 7: SecretsNathalia’s POVSurprise was evident on his face as a result of the question I threw at him. There was a passing look of concern in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared. I also noticed Ace and Shantel lowering their guns.“What do you mean?” he asked.He slowly let go of me before returning to the chair he had occupied earlier, as if nothing had happened.I gave him a doubtful look. “Who are you really? Do you have anything to do with my past?”He looked at me in disbelief. “What? I don’t know what you are talking about. Have you seen me before?” he countered.I was taken aback. Honestly, I didn’t know why I suddenly thought of and asked him that question. I wanted to slap myself for the embarrassment.“Not yet.”He shrugged. “That answers your question.” He glanced at his phone, which was now lying on the table. “Oh, I forgot something. I’m not done talking to—”Suddenly, I remembered our previous conversation.“Fine!” I shouted loudly, interrupting him as he was ab
Nathalia’s POV“Wow! I never thought you could look even more beautiful.” Shantel clapped her hands while standing behind me, staring at me intensely through the mirror in front of us.Meanwhile, I remained expressionless, examining my appearance from my hair down to the gown I was wearing. Shantel made me turn around so that I could also see the back of the gown I had on. She seemed genuinely impressed.Well, who wouldn’t be? It was a princess-like ivory bridal gown adorned with exquisite beaded lace embroidery on the plunging neckline over the illusion bodice. The beaded lace cap sleeves flowed into a magnificent illusion back with lace accents and a button closure. The gown was paired with four-inch, white embellished satin block heel sandals.My ash gray, wavy hair was styled in a loose updo, with a few strands framing my face to give the look a softer touch. I had light makeup on and wore a pair of diamond earrings.All in all, I looked perfect. But I just didn’t feel like it.De
“I can’t believe that you just got married, man! The gang went frantic when they learned about the news!”I chuckled at the story being shared by Stephen’s best friend and best man, Ashter, as he patted his shoulder.I only just saw him now because he had just returned from America to attend our wedding.“Don’t worry. My reaction will be the same once you all get settled as well,” Stephen said lifelessly while sipping wine from his glass.They continued talking, and I tried to pull my hand away, held firmly in his other hand. But his grip only tightened.My lips thinned in irritation as I scanned the room, searching for my family and friends. I’ve been itching to talk to them, but after the wedding, I haven’t seen them again.I noticed the concern on Ashter’s face. It seems like he doesn’t approve of the idea at all.“Not me, man. I still love my life,” Ashter said.Stephen shook his head. “Anyway, how’s the shipment going?”My heart skipped a beat. Stephen seemed to sense it as he gl
Nathalia’s POV“How dare you say that to them? We both know the truth!” I shouted weakly at him, trying to restrain myself from losing control.Doesn’t he have any other decent excuse in mind? Really?“It’s okay, Thalia. You have nothing to be ashamed of in front of us. You’re already married, and you’re like a sister to us.” Harold grinned like an idiot.I suddenly felt a headache coming on. My supposedly smart friends were fooled! Do I look like I’m secretly dating and just going along with whoever?Stephen raised an eyebrow and stared challengingly at me. “Then, what do you want me to tell them? The truth? Are you ready for the consequences, if ever?” he whispered teasingly.That made me shut my mouth. So he was just telling the truth to my family. Perhaps he had already gotten closer to Mads, so he didn’t want to involve them any further.He sighed and almost made me scream when he suddenly grabbed my waist.“Just save your rants for yourself, sweetie. Because it will no longer ma
I woke up with a rumbling feeling in my stomach. I didn’t want to get up just yet because I still wanted to lie down, but my hunger was getting unbearable.I rubbed my eyes before slowly opening them. As I looked outside, I noticed that it was already dark.I yawned and sat up, glancing at the small clock resting on the bedside table. My drowsiness disappeared instantly as I realized it was already eight in the evening.“No wonder I’m so hungry,” I said to myself.I stood up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Afterward, I quickly tidied myself up before heading out. However, I nearly jumped in surprise when I noticed a man standing beside the door, keeping watch.He was wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and a black coat. He also had black slacks and black shoes. There was a gun holstered on his waist, and his hands were clasped behind his back.“Good evening, Madame!” he greeted cheerfully, displaying deep dimples as he smiled.I was used to seeing guards scattered around inside a