Natalie’s POV "Oh God!" I exclaimed in a low voice and tugged him by the hand. "Come on! You have to hide," I urged, ushering him towards the bathroom. “I’m coming!” I responded to Tobi, attempting to stall for more time. We stood before the bathroom door, and I pushed him inside. "Stay here until she leaves. Stay quiet," I instructed softly. He was only in his boxers and seemed half asleep. I wasn't sure if he even heard me clearly. Returning to the room, I noticed Rafael's clothes scattered on the floor. Quickly, I bent down and slid them under the bed to keep them out of Tobi's sight. “Natalie? Are you okay? I'm starting to worry!” she mumbled in an anxious tone. "Just a moment, aunty!" I replied, quickly straightening my pajamas and hair before opening the door. Once I opened the door, she looked at me with a concerned expression. "Are you alright, dear? You seem panting!" I slipped my hands into my pajama pockets to conceal the sweat on my palms. Toby was well aware tha

Daniel's POVThe confusion overwhelmed me and filled my heart when Natalie called to inform me that the Merrin Group might be facing bankruptcy. From a technical perspective, that scenario seemed implausible. The Merrin Group had deep roots in the industrial world, with countless industries and companies relying on them. Their shareholders included some of the most renowned brands globally, and they even owned original brands that had been established for over a century. If the group were to face bankruptcy, it would have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to the downfall of thousands of businesses.Even though I wasn't a fan of Rafael, I felt compelled to step in and address this issue for Natalie's sake. I knew that it would affect her in some way. But first, I needed to delve into the root of the problem and understand it fully.Over a year ago, when I received that late-night call from Merrin's family lawyer and learned about her marriage, I assumed she would end up wi

Natalie’s POVAfter Rafael left my room, I stood before the mirror, staring into my own eyes with confusion. I sighed, knowing I had to decide quickly. It wasn't easy to make a decision, but I had to think clearly. Should I accept Rafael's offer or stick to my plan and leave after the marriage period ended? It was a tough choice, but I needed to make it.I need the money from my stepfather's will to fulfill my lifelong dream of opening a fashion house. I've been obsessed with fashion design since high school, completely devoted to it, and have even won many competitions.But Mom didn't agree with that dream back then, telling me it was childish and impractical. She insisted I consider working at the Merrin Group as a member of the family. However, what I never told her was that I never felt I belonged at Merrin, even though my stepfather Matt was a great father to me. Grandma and Aunt Tobi were the best family anyone could have, but the rest of the family didn't like me. I remember how

Natalie’s POVEvery time Rafael touched me, I felt weak, even though I felt like I was holding the world in my hands, touching the stars, and experiencing happiness itself.How can someone be both my weakness and my source of strength? That's exactly what I felt for him.I felt like I was drowning in him, melting under his touches and kisses as his tongue traced a map on my body. Despite being on the conference table, I completely forgot that someone might barge in at any moment.All I could think about was that it wasn't enough. I craved more, more of him. I wanted him to dive into me, to feel him completely. My hands instinctively began to undo his belt, disregarding his whispers about why we couldn't do that at that moment.As I reached for his belt, he froze, gripping my hands tightly above my head and kissing me forcefully. I enjoyed his possessive kisses and dominant touch. I loved how he controlled and guided me during our intimacy.Without warning, he stopped kissing me, locki

Natalie’s POVAfter driving for an hour without a determined destination, thinking about what I had read in the contract that Rafael showed me, I found myself standing before the door of the place I liked the most - the gathering of amateur painters. Even though I wasn’t a professional painter yet, I felt relaxed whenever I started painting.I stood before the blank drawing board, and all I could see was Rafael's face. An amusing thought suddenly popped into my head. I smiled a small smile and started drawing lines on the board. Every line I drew was a release of frustration and anger towards Rafael. His thick eyebrows were knit together, his sharp gaze was gleamed with evil, and his tightened lips curved into a playful smirk. That was how I imagined his facial features at that moment. Then I painted him holding a whip, poised like an executioner.Finally, after almost three hours, I finished my initial draft and stared at the board with satisfaction. He deserves it. A hasty idea came