Natalie's POVRafael stared into my eyes, waiting for my reply, playfully brushing his fingertips against my swollen lips.I resented being under his mercy. Not after I decided to get rid of him. Not after I decided to be stronger.I met his gaze and offered a faint smile, he raised an eyebrow, thinking I agreed with his provocative query. However, while still locked in his stare, I swiftly raised my knee and delivered a forceful blow between his legs.He released my hands and exclaimed painfully, "What the fuck, Natalie?”“You need to be more cautious with your actions around me in the future.” I taunted him, disregarding the voice of sanity and logic urging me to flee.He regained his composure quicker than I anticipated. Tilting his head to the side, he narrowed his eyes and gently grasped my chin between his large fingers, he said, “Something different about you! I wasn't really going to do this right here. I was just teasing you!”I don't know where I found the courage, but I pre
Natalie's POVI remained in the comforting embrace of the shower's warmth for twenty minutes, thinking about how I should face Rafael and make him agree on the divorce and reach mutual agreement.I wrapped the white towel and stepped out of the shower. I applied moisturizer to my body before putting on my pajamas. As I finished, a WhatsApp notification chimed, revealing a message from Debbie containing a location.I let out a sigh, uncertain of Debbie's intentions. However, I'll tackle it tomorrow and see what she wants.Suddenly, the room door swung open. I turned just to see Rafael standing before me. I raised an eyebrow, ready to speak, but before I could, he cupped my face with his hands and kissed me passionately.I pushed him away and snapped, "Hey!! We agreed to just talk!”"I couldn't control myself!" he said, his hand gently caressing my cheeks.I took a few steps back and sat on the edge of my bed, and grumbled, “Were you careful not to be seen entering my room? Maybe one o
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
The burden on my heart felt immensely heavy. I didn't like Debbie from the very first day we met, and I was sure she felt the same. I can remember the first time she came with Rafael for the first visit. She was arrogant and tried to bully me pretending that she was joking.She said that I was lucky that a family like Mirren's accepted a stranger like me into their midst. Even though Rafael intervened and rebuked her and defended me, her words made me sure that once she became a Mirren, she would attempt to exclude me from the family.I was truly anticipating inheriting my legacy and leaving Mirren's villa. It was my first plane after my stepfather passed; I never expected to have a relationship with Rafael.His offer from this morning keeps echoing in my mind. I'm torn about whether to accept it or not, but I'm probably going to refuse.What if his interest in me is purely driven by desire? He never expressed love or even liking for me. I find it hard to place complete trust in him.
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 POVI gazed around the table, sensing a palpable unease in the air. Instead of sitting next to Daniel, I found myself beside Rafael, which puzzled everyone present. As we moved from the sitting room to the dining area, Rafael took hold of my arm, guiding me to my seat before settling next to me. I silently hoped that no one had noticed his possessive demeanor.In an attempt to ease the tension, I flashed a smile at Grandma and whispered, "You see, Grandma. Daniel and Rafael are rivals in the business realm." Rafael and Daniel exchanged hostile glances, each emanating an intense desire to best the other.Grandma smiled tenderly and replied, “They need to set aside their rivalry for your sake. They have to find a way to build a friendly relationship.”Daniel smiled back at her before turning his gaze to me, declaring, "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win her over. I'd spare no expense, fortune and money to make her my wife. Natalie, I hope you'll grant me this privilege.
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
Rafael’s POVI flipped through the pages of the file before me absent-minded. It’s the first time in all my life I feel stress and tension while thinking of someone’s reaction. I carefully reviewed the terms of the contract multiple times.“Sir, this is the last document that needs your confirmation” the secretary mumbled while staring at my face. She has been working for this company for almost a decade now, and she was a confidential employee when my father was the CEO. Therefore, I didn’t think of replacing her.I glanced at my handwatch for almost a hundred times in the last fifteen minutes. I asked in a harsh tone, “When will the next meeting begin?”She smiled and replied calmly even though I asked her that question for the tenth time now, “Your next meeting is with Miss Natalie, and it will be starting after three minutes.”I knocked with my fingers on the glassy table before me impatiently.The secretary cleared her throat and said, “The document, sir.”“Just leave it there an