Chapter 31 Do You Love Your Fiance?
Natalie’s POV
“Oh God!” I exclaimed in a low voice and tugged him by the hand.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.
“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 that I get sweaty palms when I am nervous.
“No, I’m fine. I was just too lazy to get out of bed,” I replied with a smile. I knew it was an obvious lie, but that was all I could think to say at that moment.
She raised an eyebrow, surveyed the room with curious eyes, then let out a sigh of relief and joked, “For a moment there, I thought you had a man here!”
My blood ran cold in my veins. I forced a chuckle to ease the tension and anxiety.
She chuckled back, waving her hand, and said, “I’m ridiculous! Anyway, I want you to come with me to pick out a new gown. I have a cocktail party the day after tomorrow!”
Tobi was in her forties, yet she exuded youthfulness and stunning beauty. You would never guess her age from her appearance alone. I smiled and agreed, “Okay, but I have to go to work first…” My smile froze as my eyes fell onto Rafael’s tie under the sofa, right beside Tobi’s feet.
I blinked, gulped the saliva that informed in my throat. My heart was pounding in my chest and I slowly stepped back. Then, I promptly grasped her arm and escorted her to the door, apologizing, “I’m terribly behind on work, my dear.”
I attempted to usher her out before she noticed the tie. Only divine intervention could predict the consequences if she did. They see us as siblings. How do I even begin to explain it? How do I confess that we’re having a physical relationship?
She resisted me a little and mumbled, “But, I…”
“I’ll call you later, I promise. I have a meeting I can’t afford to be late for.” I gently guided her out, kissed her cheek, then closed the door.
“God, Natalie! What’s gotten into you this morning?” I heard her exclaim before her footsteps faded away.
I leaned against the door and released a sigh of relief.
I fixed my gaze on my bathroom door. He is the one who makes me suffer all the time.
I flung open the bathroom door and glared at him furiously. He flashed his charming smile and spoke with a husky voice, “I’m truly an old teenager now!”
I crossed my arms over my chest, raised an eyebrow, and scoffed, “And that’s what makes me? Playing around with my brother?”
Rafael’s eyes darkened. Suddenly, he seized me and pulled me close, wrapping his arm around my waist, pressing me against his sturdy chest. He growled, “You’re not a sister! We’re not siblings. We’re not even blood relatives, and I’ll announce our marriage to the world soon.”
I rolled my eyes and sniffed, “What makes you think I’ll agree? I’m still thinking, don’t forget that I have a fiance who loves me!”
“What about you, Natalie? Do you love him?” he asked, tightening his grip on my waist.
“And if I do? What does that have to do with you?” I retorted.
He bit his lip, glaring furiously at me, then pushed me against the wall, trapping me between his arms. He roared, “You are mine! Only mine. Do you understand? And you will break off that fucking engagement!”
Then he captured my lips in a fierce kiss. I didn’t resist him, though I was torn. Should I accept his proposal for marriage and give him a chance, or should I simply walk away?
As if he was reading my mind, he rested his forehead against mine and murmured, “Please, Natalie. Let’s give it a try. I know we can make it work. I promise I’ll do my best.”
I caressed his cheek gently and said, “Shh, please! Don’t push me. I need time to think. Not just for myself, but for both of us.”
He remained silent, his eyes speaking volumes. I understood his thoughts, but I couldn’t simply agree. The absence of any mention of love troubled me deeply. I feared that agreeing would only bring more heartache and suffering.
“Come on, let me help you slip away without being noticed,” I whispered, sensing his longing gaze on my body. Ignoring his stare, I turned around, but he grasped me from behind and whispered in my ear, “You’re torturing me, Natalie.”
I tensed up, feeling the weight of his words. “I need to take my time. Please don’t push me further,” I murmured softly, my voice carrying a plea for understanding.
He turned me to face him, his eyes filled with intensity. “Take your time, Nat. Take all the time you need. But don’t even think about being with another man,” he declared firmly, his words tinged with a hint of possessiveness.
I sighed, a mixture of frustration and longing swirling within me. Why couldn’t he understand me? It was as if we were speaking different languages, unable to bridge the gap between us.
“Come on, let me help you out. One of the domestic staff will surely come looking for you for breakfast” I said, holding his hand and attempting to lead him out.
He locked eyes with me, confusion evident in his gaze, yet he offered a gentle smile and followed me in silence.
Once he was dressed, we quietly positioned ourselves behind my room’s door. With a serious tone, I said, “Let me quickly check the way for you. If it’s clear, go straight to your room.”
Fortunately, our rooms were close. I opened my door and peeked out, glancing down the hallway. In the distance, I spotted the housekeeper approaching. As she noticed me, a gentle smile graced her lips. “Good morning, Miss Natalie,” she greeted me warmly. “Do you need something?”
Returning her smile, I replied, “Good morning, Laura. Yes, I do need something. Could you bring me the blue blouse from Tobi’s closet, please?”
“Sure,” she said, smiling, and turned to leave. As soon as she was out of sight, I motioned for Rafael to quickly sneak towards his room. He kissed my cheek and headed straight to his room, giving me a wink before closing the door behind him.
I never imagined seeing Rafael sneaking around like that. Smiling to myself, I gazed at his closed door, feeling a warmth spread through me at the thought of our little clandestine encounter.
“Miss Natalie?” Laura asked, a confused look in her eyes. Great! Now she probably thinks I’ve gone crazy.
“Yes?” I replied, feigning confidence and keeping my voice low, hoping Laura wouldn’t notice my nerves.
She glanced at Rafael’s room door, then back at me, and inquired, “You didn’t specify which blouse? Madam Tobi has two blue blouses, an inky blue one and a sky blue one.”
“The inky one,” I replied casually, hoping my nonchalant tone would mask any hint of nervousness.