From

Chapter 16

Josh got in the car, followed by Martin, and they drove off Unaware of the incident, Natalie didn’t sense anything amiss during the journey. However, the driver Owen saw everything.

When they arrived back at Galaxy Manor, Natalie felt worn out and headed to her room to rest. Slowly, she drifted off to sleep.

Vaguely, she sensed someone covering her with a blanket.

When she woke up again, it was around five in the afternoon. With nothing else to do, Natalie wandered into the music room and sat down at the piana, running her fingers over the keys, I was the best present she had ever received. The puno, named Everlove, symbolized eternal love Legend had it than an old king presented it to his queen as a sign of his undying affection.

Just then, the door opened. As Natalie looked up, she saw Josh walk in “When when did you get back?” she queried.

I’ve been home for awhile. I didn’t want to disturb your sleep,” Josh replied softly, “Who did you meet this afternoon” he inquired.

“I was discussing work with a friend” Natalie answered.

“Met anyone else!” he pressed.

“No one.” Natalie responded, choosing to leave out unnecessary details. Brian was part of her past

Josh narrowed his eyes, moved closer, and without warning, he scooped Natalie up and sat her on the piano bench, causing a loud dissonant clash of piano keys. He loomed over her, his tall frame eclipsing the light above her, his gaze intense..

Feeling her heart race and a bit of panic set in, Natalie stammered, “What’s the matter?”

He gazed at her for a few seconds before he leaned in to kiss her. Josh placed his hand on the back of her head, making it hard for her to move

away

Natalie put her hands on his shoulders, her eyes wide with surprise

After a bit. Josh whispered in Natalie’s ear, “Did you only meet a friend?”

Natalie tried to calm her breathing and replied, “Yes” There was no point in talking about Brian. Natalie didn’t want to start any trouble

Josh eyed Natalie with a piercing look. Eventually, he simply smiled warmly and changed the subject, Tomorrow, let’s visit the Linney family, okay!!

“You want to meet my family” Natalie reacted with surprise

Josh explained, “We need to let them know about our marriage.”

“Okay, then,” said Natalie. Then, they were quiet for a moment,

Finally, Natalie asked tentatively. “Should we go down for dinner!”

“Sure,” Josh answered with a calm voice.

Natabe tried to get off the piano, but she lost her footing and instinctively grabbed onto Josh’s waist to steady herself Josh looked at her hands clutching him.

Natalie was embarrassed, her face turned red. She wished she could just vanish.

Josh laughed softly, bent down, and picked Natalie up. All the house staff witnessed this as Josh carried Natalie downstairs for dinner. This was the first time Natalie had been carried like this

During dinner, Natalie couldn’t resist asking, “Josh!”

“Have you had a lot of girlfriends?” she asked.

At the question, Josh paused.

But Spencer, standing aside, couldn’t help but smile to himself, Josh was always so busy. There weren’t any women in his life, except occasionally Olivia, and that was odily because of Dianna’s influence.

Josh raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, “Would it bother you, Nat?”

Chapter 15

Natalie shook her head. She wasn’t old–fashioned.

Josh reached over, took an egg, preled it carefully, and handed it to Natalie. “You’re the only one for me,” he stated.

Those simple words sent Natalie’s heart racing. She took the egg and quickly are it

After dinner, Natalie took a bath. Then she lay on the bed and started to read the same book again by the light.

After his shower, Josh sat nearby with his tablet, looking over at Natalie now and then. “It’s time to go to bed.” Josh said, glancing at his watch.

“Okay” Natalie agreed. She closed the book and turned off the bedside lamp. Natalie sensed when Josh leaned closer.

But Josh just gently pulled her close and whispered, “Good night”

His chest was broad and he smelled fresh. Natalie went still and didn’t dare to move, unable to sleep for quite some time.

Josh was aware she wasn’t asleep, but he didn’t let go. He wanted Natalie close and was determined to win her over. Josh wished for Natalie to become comfortable with his presence in the days to come.

The next morning, after breakfast, Josh and Natalie got into the car and drove to the Linney home. The golden Bentley Continental moved smoothly along the busy street, bathed in the warm sunlight. About forty minutes later, they stopped at the ornate gate of the Linney home

Josh was ready to go in with Natalie, but Natale suddenly turned to Josh and said, “Tll let them know you’re here when I find them. Then you can come in, okay?”

Josh responded gently, “Is there a problem with me coming i

“No, it’s just that they might not like it if someone connected to me enters the house without permission, Natalie explained.

In the past, Natalie had tried to bring a friend home from school, but her family turned the friend away. They also didn’t allow Elizabeth to come into the house. They looked down on Natalie, thinking she was lucky to even live in the house, so they didn’t welcome her gues

Natalie never felt truly part of this household.

Josh stopped asking further questions. He smoothed Natalie’s hair behind her car and agreed, “Okay”

When Natalie entered the living room, it was clear that the house staff were already aware of her wedding event. Their looks ranged from disdainful and mocking to pitiful.

Since it was the weekend, Charles was out, but both Gordon and Evelyn were there. As soon as they heard Natalie had returned, they sat down on the living room sofa,

Finally, Evelyn said. “Where have you been lately?”

“Why do you care?” Natalie replied coolly.

“Im your mother.” Evelyn frowned. “Shouldn’t I be concerned about your

Then Gordon spoke up, “Good to have you back. We’ve found a fiance for you. He’s from the Nash family in Gobis. He’s a suitable match for you. You’ll marry him in two months”

Downstairs, the noise caught the attention of Jennifer, who had been on the second floor. She stepped out to peer down at the commotion below.

Natalie mused, The Nash family does have a son, but he is just a child named Damian Nash, Damian’s father, Shawn Nash, was notorious Gossip followed him everywhere about his wild nightlife and his gambling problem. He’d also had several affairs and there were whispers that he might have been involved in his previous wife’s death due to his violence towards her.

Natalie’s smile was tinged with irony as she said, “Dad, you’re truly thoughtful. I’m curious, who do you have in mind for me to marry, Damian or

“Now that you’re disgrated, Brian will never marry you. Who else in Gobis would have you! You should be thankful to have Shawn, to have comfortably. You should be glad Gordon retorted.

Evelyn’s grip tightened un her cup at his words Jennifer smirked from above.

“It’s too bad, but I’m going to disappoint you, Natalie said evenly. “Tm already married to someone else

“You can get a divorce. Shawn’s divorced ton. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind, Gordan replied with a sneer.

Chapter 16

Natalie countered sardonically, “Father, if you’re so eager to connect with the Nash family, why not have Jennifer marry into them? Unless, of course, you can’t bear to part with her. Or, here’s a thought, why don’t you change your gender and marry Shawn yourself?”

“You You wicked hastand Gordon yelled. In his rage, he reached for the ashtray, looking to throw it at Natalie.

Evelyn acted quickly, grabbing)

g his arm and taking the ashtray away.

Natalie said coolly. “My husband is waiting outside. I only came to let you know we’re married since he wanted to introduce himself. If you don’t want to meet him, we can just leave, I won’t come back. Natalie rumed to go

“You ungrateful child! Who do you think you are? You think you can just walk out if I say you can’t? Gordon yelled after her.

“Stop n Evelyn shouted, wanting to put an end to the scene. Then, turning to Gordon, she said firmly, “Go away. I’ll deal with this.”

Evelyn

“I said I’d handle it. Evelyn was insistent.

Gordon had no choice but to give up. When Je

Jennifer saw Gordon go upstairs, she sneaked out the back door.

It was a while after Gordon had gone that Evelyn turned to Natalie and asked calmly, “Are you really married?”

“Yes.” Natalie replied.

“Who is he?” Evelyn asked

“You wouldn’t know him, Natalie answered.

Without warning. Natalie felt the sting of a slap across her face. Her left cheek began to swell.

–

“You’re My daughter. You can’t just marry some unknown man.” Evelyn said sternly,

Is Shawn Nash really the best you think 1 can do? Natalie retorted with a cold laugh. “It’s too bad your plan to trade me for wealth won’t work,” she

said.

Evelyn just stared at Natale with a chilling look. The air was thick with tension.

Just then a deep voice came from outside, “Am I interrupting something“”

WHO GET