Natalie's POV I felt awkward once I entered the dining room with Daniel. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on us. The anxiety inside me rose, but I reduced the overwhelming feeling and managed to break the silence by greeting them while approaching the table. “Good morning, everybody!” "Good morning, honey," Grandma replied with a tender smile on her face. "Daniel, this is my family. Everyone, this is Daniel, our new neighbor." I mumbled, feeling my cheeks burning from embarrassment. I wish they wouldn't notice. It's hard to explain why he's here in the early morning. "Hi, Daniel. I'm Tobi. Nice to meet you! Please sit and have breakfast with us" aunt Tobi said cheerfully. "No, no. Daniel is in a hurry! We were just doing some morning exercises together. He is already late. He has to go to work!" I said in panic, afraid if he stayed he would say something about the marriage. My Grandma interrupted, saying, "Don't be rude, Natalie. Ten minutes won't make him late, isn't that righ
Natalie's POVMy jaw started to hurt, but Rafael did not pull his hand, he kept looking deeply in my eyes. His face hovered so close, his thumb grazed my lower lip, touching it very slowly, and unawares he pushed his finger between my lips!I felt as though I had been ensnared, intoxicated by his gaze, his scent, and his proximity.How can a woman possibly push away the man she loves when he's this close, tempting her beyond measure?My gaze lingered on his face, while his eyes remained fixated on my lips.Suddenly, he sprang to his feet, as though jolted by electricity! He swiftly moved to the farthest point from me and stared out of the window.Confusion swept over me, leaving me at a loss for words."You cannot engage in a sexual relationship until we annul this marriage," he declared, his tone commanding.It was the first time he referred to it as marriage. Previously, he had called it the contract, the agreement. Despite his commanding tone, I found myself questioning his authorit
Rafael's POV I was extremely bored in this fucking dinner meeting. Although I'm a workaholic person, my mind was full of Natalie. I felt awkward about what I had done earlier that day. How on earth did I touch her in that fucking way!? What the fuck will she think about me?A pervert!But I can't stop myself, I'm longing to put her on my knees and hit her ass, to punish her severely.To punish her for what she said; that she didn't want to be bound to one man! Yet how many men has she been dating?I shook my head to focus on the current meeting. We were discussing awaiting shipment. This was one of the deals that would make the Marrin Group gain more billions of dollars. Yet I was reluctant to sign the contract. Something fishy about them made me hesitate.The dinner was served, and I was immersed in eating and discussing with the client when I noticed Jack, my personal assistant, pointing to a table in the corner of this deluxe dining restaurant.I stopped eating when I saw what J
Natalie's POVI lazily tossed and turned in bed, eventually opening my eyes to check the time. Seeing a black bed sheet covering my body made me tense up and become fully awake—I had never chosen black for my room. I stared at the unfamiliar bedroom for a moment before realizing it was Rafael's apartment. But why am I here?I took off the bed cover and discovered that I was wearing only my underwear. A blush spreaded across my skin. I couldn't remember much, except that Raf and I had gotten into his car. Did he take off my dress?I couldn't believe that Raf might have done that! Did he really take off my dress?I remembered being at the spa yesterday when Rebecca had mocked me, saying, “After this extreme care, you're supposed to go straight to your boyfriend's bed.”She was trying to make fun of me because I refused to be in a sexual relationship, even a temporary one."You're missing out on a lot of fun," Fillo assured me.But I always dreamed of saving myself for the man who would b
Rafael's POVI couldn't sleep well last night; my body was alerted that Natalie was half naked a door away. I put my hands under my head while I was leaning on my back on the sofa, staring at the white ceiling. Memories of Natalie as a kid flashed through my head. I smiled. She was an adorable little girl. That little girl grew through the years that I spent abroad. A sarcastic smile appeared on my lips. I accused myself, “You can't accept that the little girl who was infatuated with you has grown up to be a sexy woman, and you don't interest her! Rather, she likes other men but you.”Suddenly, I heard the footsteps of someone walking on tiptoe. I knew it was her from her perfume. I closed my eyes pretending to be asleep. When I heard her steps move away, I opened my eyes. She was wrapping her body in a towel that barely covered her.I followed her to the balcony. She was swimming. Why do I keep feeling the need to hold her tightly and be inside her? I tried to cover my feelings by
Being naked between the arms of the man who you loved was an amazing and indescribable feeling. I always dreamed of being in his embrace. But that dream turned into a nightmare, and here I was sitting before Jack after everything he witnessed. I have never been in such an embarrassing situation before."I'm sorry. I didn't know that it was you. I mean, I never imagined....!" Jack stammered.I squeezed my forehead, trying to find a suitable reply to his hidden meaning! I knew what he was thinking, and a headache was coming for sure.He moved from his place and sat near me, his eyes were full of worry and anxiety. He mumbled, "listen, Natalie. l really like you. You are indeed a good person. I don't know what happened to you both last night to end up doing together..."I closed my eyes. I didn't want to hear anymore. I know. I know exactly what he was thinking of me. I knew what he was going to say.Rafael was an engaged man. Rafael had a fiancé. I, by myself, organized their engagement
I felt awkward while both men stared at me blankly. What did they expect me to say?Rafael broke the short silence, gazing at Jack furiously and demanded with gritted teeth, "Why did you tell her that I'm here?""I didn't. She thinks that maybe you're cheating on her. I swear you're not though", Jack said sarcastically.I felt so bad. Why am I in this situation in the first place? I didn't come by myself? I found myself here, and I don't even know the reason.I hated Rafael in this instance. He put me in this humiliating situation, yet he acts indifferent! Like if he doesn't give a shit to all of this. He was quiet and cold, he seemed like he didn't care that his fiancé was minutes away!!His dominore was so calm that it provoked me.With an injured expression I couldn't control, I stood up, grabbed my bag and walked to leave."Wait!" Raf said, holding my shoulders. I clenched my fists trying to reduce the anxiety and despair I was feeling now. I didn't want to seem weak or broken. I
Rafael's POV My heart tightened and became full of guilt when I saw the misery and disappointment on Natalie's face, although she tried to hide them. I knew I was the one who created this situation and generated this ado. I knew that she felt the same I felt, and wanted the thing I wanted. I sensed that when she was in my arms.However, at least I don't have to explain to Debbie why Natalie slept here last night. I couldn't risk it. If news like this spread, it would affect our arranged upcoming marriage. And as a result, The Nefson Holdings Group will not be merged with Marine Empire Trading.Once Natalie disappeared from my sight, Debbie appeared. She frowned slightly when she found me standing on the doorstep and wondered, "Why are you standing here?" I turned and entered the apartment without a word. Her question was answered by silence.She followed me inside, wrapped her arms around my waist and asked, “Why didn't you answer my calls? I was worried about you!”I let her arms