“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
“Are you sure you’re really okay? I can carry the bags for you. Stephen won’t find out if that’s what’s bothering you.”I looked back at Cole, who was almost out of breath from carrying so many paper bags. I had been so engrossed in shopping earlier that I didn’t realize I had bought so much.“I’m okay, Madame,” he replied with a smile.I nodded before continuing to walk. I didn’t mind the curious looks from people around us.Is it their first time seeing someone with a bodyguard?I felt exhausted from the whole day of wandering and shopping. It was the first time I’d gone on a shopping spree like this because I’m not really extravagant. I usually avoid letting my Mom spend too much on me.But since the money I was spending belonged to Stephen, I might as well make the most of it. Who knows when my last day in this world will be? I might as well buy and eat all I want.We had just finished eating at a restaurant, and I decided it was time to go home. It’s not good to stay out beyond t
Nathalia’s POV“Just let me see her! You dumbass!”“She’s still resting! So, will you just shut your fucking mouth? You might wake her up!”“I don’t care! Besides, you still have a lot of explaining to do! What the hell happened? You promised us that you wouldn’t endanger her!”I woke up due to the loud shouting I heard from somewhere. I was about to ignore it when I suddenly realized that the two voices arguing were familiar to me.“Things happened. You know that no matter how careful I am, they’re always lurking around, waiting for the right moment to attack.”“I know, and I warned you before about that. But you didn’t listen. That’s why I’ll take her back!”“No! I won’t let you!”Because I was so annoyed by the noise, I finally opened my eyes. I blinked a few times to clear my vision. Slowly, the surroundings became clear and familiar.I sat up slowly, holding my head. I tried to recall what happened and how I ended up in our room.From what I remember, I went to the mall with Cole