CHAPTER EIGHT

NATALIE

As I stepped out of the shower, feet first, I was welcomed by the low ding sound from my phone—a sound I was well familiar with, of course, that was the sound of a text message entering my phone, not just as Natalie, but as Alina too.

Slipping my feet into my flip flops, I secured the bath robe properly around my slender body as I walked towards the table where my phone lay.

One thing I loved most about my Milan apartment is the translucent glass walls that overlooked the city, so that from the comfort of my room, I could watch the city. It was therapeutic, especially in a night like this where the sky had been completely overshadowed by darkness, and only had the lights from tall buildings and street lights illuminate the streets. A car would drive by now and again, and I couldn’t help the thought that crossed my mind—how many more of me were out there, that had been hurt, betrayed and were out for revenge.

My manicured fingers carefully reached for my phone, lifting it off the table.

Wine in one hand, phone in another hand, I strolled carefully to rest myself on the couch at the far corner of my room where I could still watch the city.

A sinister smile crossed my lips as I read through the notification on my phone.

The announcement I had been waiting for all night had finally been made, the first big leap towards achieving all my plans had been actualised.

*******

I was relaxing over a glass of red wine on my terrace the next morning when Raphael’s call came in, just like I expected. When my assistant handed over the phone to me, I instinctively let the phone ring and only answered when he called the second time.

I waited for his panic stricken voice to come from the other side.

“Natalia,” his rich voice called from the other end.

I listened in to hear his haggard breathing from the other end.

“Raphael,” I set my wine glass on the table and straightened myself, like I was in his presence and his gaze was focused on me.

The silence dragged for a while, for a moment that I assumed he was trying to gather his words, trying to figure out exactly how to ask for help from me. I was enjoying every bit of this.

“You’ve probably seen the announcement.” 

I tightened my jaw.

“You can fix this, can’t you?”

I straightened up.

“Of course, I…” I took a pause and cleared my throat. “Just like I told you before, I have some connections with the Barcelona city commission. I will make some calls, I assure you that I have this under control.”

The deep sigh of renewed hope that resounded through the phone at my reassurance ignited a certain fire in my insides—a fire strengthened and kept alive by rage, the urge for revenge.

“Natalie,” I heard his deep voice call just before I hit the red button to end the call.

“Yes?” 

“Thank you.” 

I chuckled softly.

“There is no need to thank me, it’s a transaction.” I told him, my words holding more meaning than the surface gave off.

“I will see you in your office once I’ve fixed it.” I added.

The line clicked at once.

While gulping down the leftover wine in my glass, I reached for my phone again and typed a text message.

Get ready for the next phase.

My crimson red nails matched the colour of my purse, the colour of fresh blood gushing out straight from a wounded heart.

I stood patiently in the elevator, trying to keep a steady face as I heard the ding.

There was something about stepping into Rafael’s office space that painfully brought back old memories, like old wounds brutally ripped open by memories. I should come here often, maybe this would help facilitate my urge for revenge.

Isabella’s face was the first thing I noticed, positioned in front of my face as I stepped out of the elevator. As if she had been aware of my coming and had stationed there to wait for me.

I fought to release my clenched jaw as I approached her.

“Isabella,” I stretched out my hand for a handshake.

Suspicion, distrust danced in her eyes as she lowered them to look at my outstretched hand.

“Natalie,” 

No matter how hard she fought, I could sense the contempt in her voice as my name flowed out of her lips. 

She pressed her lips, coated with dark red lipstick together as she forced a smile.

“May I ask the reason for your presence here today?” She asked, looking me over.

I clutched my purse tightly in my hand.

“I have a meeting with Rafael.” I said, returning her false smile.

“Meeting?” Her head tilted. “He didn’t mention it…”

It was at that moment that Rafael’s door opened and he appeared in front of the door.

“Come on in, Natalie.” He called out, while subtly throwing a warning look towards Isabella’s direction.

I don’t think I would ever get used to this feeling I get around Rafael, the chills that would shoot up my spine with the slightest contact I made with him, the way blood would rush through my veins whenever his eyes met mine.

I felt the electricity travel through my veins as I offered him a handshake.

“I’m still marvelled at how you can solve this within just a few hours.” Rafael said as he settled in his seat behind his desk.

I let out a soft chuckle as I set my purse on his table. “Well, I told you.” 

I relished in the fact that he could no longer hide how impressed he was at my ability to deal with these issues, how the look in his eyes gave away the fact that he now saw me as an asset.

That was the plan, to position myself in his life in such a way that I would be impossible to remove.

“I will have my assistant bring over a copy of my formal proposal later in the day, and if you are okay with the conditions, we can sign.” 

I made sure to keep the smile on my face straight.

“Of course,” he said eagerly.

“If you would excuse me, I have a few meetings to attend, call me as you receive the proposal.” 

“Sure,” he stood to walk me to the door.

And just like I already guessed, Isabella was standing outside the door, almost at the same spot where I had left her.

The scowl on her face gave me satisfaction.

“I will see you soon, Rafael.” I mouthed the words to him as I entered the elevator.