Chapter 005

I would have undoubtedly thought I had crossed the line the moment I made that statement,but Natalie never stops at leaving me in awe.

“Alright,” she said. But before she responded, a disappointed scoff ran through her curled lips. Just then, I knew she was determined to get what she wanted.

“I think we're good then, wife.” I pressed forward towards her as I shot a grin.

“On one condition.”

Hm, the lass with the conditions. I hoped it wasn't something serious.

“I'm all ears.”

“No strings attached. No feelings, just raw sex.”

I paused. “Sure.”

“Then we're good. Do have a nice day, husband.” She laid emphasis on husband as though she was insinuating something - something I couldn't seem to lay hands on as she turned on her heels and left, shutting the door behind her.

I must say I'm pleased and intrigued by her - the way she makes unpredictable decisions…even though I had just known her for less than forty eight hours. Stupidly insane.

I somehow needed to know more about my Natalie lady. My wife.

So I phoned my personal assistant to follow her. Call it stalking or poke-nosing, whatever. I had instructed her I needed every detail of her whereabouts and activities.

And yes, I say it again, she's my wife.

Just as I hung up from the call, another one came in just from the wrong person. My mother.

Why on earth was she calling now?

“Hello, I'm sure you're fully aware that this is my working hour, why the disturbance?”

“Are you aware you're speaking to your mother?”

“Oops, remind me.” I couldn't stand her already. She'd better get straight to the point.

“Sebastian…”

“Please kindly state the reason behind your calling.”

I could hear her breathing quicken from the other end and her anger mustered.

“I want you home for dinner. The whole family is around and few things need to be discussed.”

“And how does that involve me?”

“In as much as I hate to say this, we need you home. Your presence is needed.”

I leaned back in my seat, barely containing my disgust.

“If it's so important, perhaps you should handle it without me. I have better things to do than to be the spare tire when your family problems arise.”

I hate to call them my family.

“Sebastian, this isn’t up for debate or exchange of words. We need you here.”

“Funny how your ‘needs’ always seem to come at the most inconvenient times. I’ll be at dinner if and when I choose. Don’t expect anything more.”

It was obvious I triggered her silence, and with that, I ended the call.

I somehow didn't give a fuck about that family, especially when she brought that godforsaken man home as her husband.

Whatever, it was her life to live not mine.

After giving it a deep thought, I realized I should go, not for them but for grandpa.

Arriving at their home was like stepping into stepping into a nightmare I had tried fleeing from, and now,,I couldn't escape it. The place was undoubtedly as brand as it was the last time I visited, but the warmth and comfort I once felt was gone.

I walked in and met my stepbrother’s disdainful gaze. I ignored him and made my way to the sitting room.

My step father was sitted on the couch, his eyes narrowing as I entered.

“Sebastian,” he called. His voice echoed with mild hostility. I don't know what prevented him from shoving me off the window.

“Richard,” I whispered coldly as I took a seat opposite him.

I could feel the tension and weirdness filling the room. “So I've seen you've decided to honor us with your presence. We were just discussing the matter of the inheritance.” He began.

Here it was, the topic I'd always tried to avoid all my life. My step grandfather, the only person who loved and shew me kindness had passed away and transferred all his assets to my name.

Richard and my mom had decided out of the blue that ‘i didn't deserve anything.’

“Yes, I’ve heard,” I said. “The inheritance rightfully belongs to me. It was willed to me by Grandpa.”

“Grandpa was not your biological grandfather,” Richard sneered. “He had no right to leave his assets to you.”

“Grandpa was the only one who treated me like family,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady and get my shit in control. “He saw something in me that you never did.”

I saw frustration flow in his veins. “This isn’t just about feelings, Sebastian. It’s about what is legally and morally right. You’re not part of this family by blood. We have every right to contest this will.”

“Contest it all you want,” I said, getting mad at myself for coming here in the first place. “But it won’t change the fact that Grandpa wanted me to have what he left.”

Richard’s eyes flashed with anger. “He may have willed it to you, but that doesn’t make it yours. We’re going to fight this, and you’ll be left with nothing.”

The conversation grew more and more uncomfortable. I could remember the absurd way Richard had treated me over the years. I recalled the times he belittled me, the abuse, and the cold shoulder he turned to me…it was obvious he was bent on making my life a living hell.

I shifted in my seat, trying to push those painful memories aside.

“I’m not interested in fighting with you, Richard. I’m here to honor my grandfather’s wishes. If you have a problem with that, we'll take it to court.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game,” Richard warned. “You might not like how it ends.”

I stood up, my anger reaching its peak. “I’m done with this conversation. I came here to eat dinner, not to be insulted.”

“Where do you think you’re going?” Richard’s voice was blunt.

“I’m leaving,” I said, feeling anger that couldn't contain me. “If you need to talk about this further, you can contact my lawyer.”

Richard’s face twisted in frustration, but I didn’t wait to see more. I walked out of the sitting room, my heart pounding.

The echoes of his harsh words followed me, but I tried to turn dead ears to them. They didn't reduce my worth. I had always known Richard to be a cruel man, nothing could change.

As I reached the door, I glanced back one last time. My mother was sitting silently, a pained look on her face.

I had always hoped for some support from her, but she always took her so-called husband’s side which always lit upnthis flame within me.

I was ready to leave, I couldn't bare spending another second in the place that caused me pain.

“Sebastian,” my mother called as I reached the door. “Wait.”

I stopped but didn’t turn around. “What now?”

She hesitated before speaking. “I’m sorry. I know this isn’t easy for you.”

“It’s not just about me, Mom,” I said, striving to keep my voice steady. “It’s about what’s right. Grandpa left me something because he believed in me. I’m not going to let that be taken away.”

I opened the door and drove off. Strange how that family always brought out the bad and devilish part of me.

I had reached halfway to my house when I remembered I had left my phone there.

Shit!