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
Nathalia’s POVAfter eating, I decided to watch TV for a while. Cole sat on the single sofa beside me and watched as well. Despite that, I couldn’t help but think about Stephen’s condition and his wound, wanting to know how he was doing and help him heal.But I restrained myself. I shouldn’t care about him. If he wants to end his life, it’s his own business. It might even be better for me if that happens.“How long have you been working for Stephen?” I asked Cole while my eyes were fixed on the TV.To be honest, I couldn’t understand what I was watching because my thoughts were wandering all over the place.I saw him smile from my peripheral view.“The truth is, I was just a child when I ended up under Anderson’s care. They found me wandering on the streets back then. I escaped from the orphanage I grew up in because I didn’t get along with the other kids there.”I heard him take a deep breath.“They took me in, cared for me, dressed me, educated me, and gave me a home. So, I owe them
I crossed my arms and gave him a bored look, trying not to show that I had forgotten about that detail.“You might be forgetting that we’re only married on paper. Now, I’ll take the bed, and you will take the sofa!” I pointed to the sofa on the side. “I don’t want to sleep next to you!”Just the thought of lying beside the man who made my life miserable was unbearable. Who knows? He might even try to do something worse to me!The thought sent shivers down my spine. If he dares, he’ll get a kick where it hurts.An evil grin formed on his lips.“You might also be forgetting who you’re talking to. Watch your words, woman.” His tone was threatening.I was slightly taken aback. He could still harm my family and friends.I swallowed hard and stared back at him.“I’m just stating the truth. We’re only married on paper. It’s not as if we’re in love or something. In the first place, why did you even offer to marry me? For the safety of your secret? But wouldn’t it be safer if you had just kill
Nathalia’s POVI’ve been locked inside the mansion for two weeks now. If it’s not the servants, I’m often talking to plants. I feel like I’m going to die or go crazy from extreme boredom.And to add to that, there’s Cole, who is always tailing me, and I rarely have a decent conversation with him. He never runs out of lame and corny jokes, which I find unusual for a bodyguard. I always associate that kind of behavior with someone serious and intimidating.But with Cole, everything is just cool. He somehow lightens up my mood.Mads and the others have visited me here several times, but because there are guards around, especially Cole, I’m not comfortable talking to them properly. It seems like they’re used to having so many guards all over the mansion.I tried to seize the opportunity to escape this hell for a while. I asked if we could go out because I miss bonding with them and to get away from this hellish place, even if only temporarily.But Stephen, being evil himself, managed to c