my strange hero

Chapter Four

Natasha

It had been a week, A whole week of doing nothing but thinking… and yet, I was still stuck in the same place.

Marriage

The only condition standing between me and the company. I let out a quiet sigh as I stared out the window, my fingers resting lightly against the glass, I hated it. I hated how everything in my life seemed to revolve around a man… even now.

“Natasha.” My mother’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see her standing by the door, already dressed as if she had somewhere important to be.

“You’re getting ready this evening,” she said. I frowned slightly. “For what?”

“A business celebration,” she replied. “One of our long-time partners is hosting it.”

I wasn’t in the mood. I rolled my eyes in distaste

“I don’t think I—”

“You’re going,” my father’s voice cut in as he stepped into the room.

I glanced at him. “Important people will be there,” he added, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Of course. Important people. I looked away, exhaling slowly before nodding.

“Fine.” I responded reluctantly. My mom flashed smile and signal I dressed as she send in the maid to bring in the dinner gown she had specially picked out for me.

The venue was nothing short of extravagant, crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting soft golden light across the room. The floor gleamed beneath expensive heels, and the air was filled with the quiet hum of polite conversations and occasional laughter.

Everyone looked… perfect. Too perfect. I  stepped inside beside my parents, my gaze sweeping across the crowd.

Businessmen. Investors. Influential families. People who held power without even trying.

“This is where you should be,” my mother whispered beside me.

I didn’t respond. Instead, I reached for a glass of champagne from a passing tray, taking a small sip as I tried to steady my thoughts.

This world… it used to feel distant. Now, it felt like a battlefield.

“Mr. Berlin!” A middle-aged man approached us with a wide smile, extending his hand toward my father.

“It’s good to see you,” he said warmly.

“You as well,” my father replied.

Their conversation continued, filled with business talk and polite exchanges. I quietly excused myself, leaving them to their space as I went in search of mine. My eyes wandered around the grand hall, observing the flow of the event.

And then I saw them.........Duncan, And, of course… Sarah. My lips pressed into a thin line. She noticed me first, leaning close to whisper something to him. Duncan’s head snapped toward me immediately.

I scoffed softly and tried to slip away. But in my hurry, I bumped into someone, The glass slipped from my hand, champagne spilling across the front of his suit.

My breath hitched and I froze in space. He was Tall, Composed and Imposing. His black suit was slightly stained but that did nothing to diminish the weight of his presence. He looked at me calmly, almost amused. Sharp eyes scanned my face, unreadable. My heart skipped… just once, Before I could react, Duncan appeared behind me.

“I didn’t know you were coming to the party,” he said smugly. I turned, folding my arms. “Does it bother you?”

“Not like I care.” Duncan replied

“Good. Then stay away from me,” I said coldly.

“Why should he?” Sarah’s voice dripped with sarcasm,  “Are you acting this way because you have something to hide?" She said eyes sliding towards the mam standing beside me.

I clenched my jaw. “Keep him out of this. And for your information, Duncan and I are no longer together.”

“Are you sure?” Sarah tilted her head. “If I remember correctly, it’s only your signature on the papers.”

Her words hit hard. Duncan hadn’t signed the divorce papers yet, and that fact alone made no sense. In my past life, he had always been eager to end things. So why now… was he hesitating?

“Stay out of this, Sarah,” I warned. “This isn’t your business.”

“And when did I start taking orders from you?” she shot back.

Silence. Tension thickened the air.

Then a calm, deep voice cut through it.

“If they’re still married… then why is he here with you… and not her?”

All eyes turned toward him, the man I had spilled champagne on.

He stood there, composed, exuding authority and calm, as if nothing in the room mattered.

Duncan frowned. “And who are you?”

The man’s lips curved slightly. “Does it matter?”

Duncan’s nostrils flared. “is this  one of your tricks, Natasha? Bringing another man here just to get my attention?”

“What are you even—” I started.

“Why can’t she?” he interrupted smoothly. “You seem… quite occupied already.”

Then, without warning, his hand rested lightly on my waist, pulling me just slightly closer. My breath caught. The sudden closeness sent a strange wave through me, body stiffening instinctively.

“What are you doing—” I began, but my voice dropped lower than intended.

“And who are you to interfere in my marriage?” Duncan demanded.

“I believe you lost that right the moment you replaced her so easily,” the stranger replied evenly. The air seemed to thicken around us, dangerous and electric.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Duncan asked

"I am.sure you don't wanna know" He replied, authority oozing in his tone

Duncan stepped closer, jaw tightening. “Be glad this is a party. Otherwise, I’d make you regret it.”

“Perhaps we should meet again,” the man said smoothly. “I’d like to see what you’re capable of.”

The tension spiked. I could feel it ripple across the room. Duncan’s eyes darkened, his jaw set, before he finally scoffed, hands dipping into his pockets. “This isn’t over,” he muttered, glancing at me one last time before storming off. Sarah followed, shooting daggers in my direction.

I exhaled slowly, realizing how tense my body had become. My fingers moved to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

Then I felt it—movement at my waist. His hand. Still there. Slowly, it slipped away, returning to his pocket as if nothing had happened.

“I… I’m sorry about that,” I said softly, unsure how to meet his gaze.

“It’s okay,” he replied calmly. Then, after a brief pause, he added, “Sebastian" His hand stretched forward.

“Natasha,” I said, placing my hand in his.

His grip was firm… steady.

For a brief second, neither of us pulled away.

Then..... “If you’re sorry…” his voice dropped slightly, “Then make it up to me,

Dinner?.”

My head lifted instantly and just like that… everything shifted, Then he reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek card, He held it out to me. “If you’re still interested,” he said simply. I hesitated for a second before taking it from him, my fingers brushing lightly against his.

“Call me.” That was all he said.

No pressure. No explanation. Just confidence.

Before I could respond, a man approached him hurriedly. “Mr. Sebastian, they’re waiting.” He gave a slight nod, his gaze lingering on me for just a moment longer… then he turned and walked away.

And just like that—

He was gone, I looked down at the card in my hand, my heart beating a little faster than it should, Something told me this wasn’t just a coincidence.

It was the beginning of something I wasn’t prepared for.