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Chapter 38

Author: El&DA
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

NATALIA

I can’t believe a week has already passed since I arrived here. By now, I’m used to the routine; every morning, Nathan and I inspect the houses together. That’s as far as our interactions go. He acts as though I’m invisible, and I do my best to pretend that it doesn’t bother me. The only things that brighten my day are my calls to Goerge , Bekah and Aunt Maryann. They are the only ones who help me distract myself from everything.

As I head to the living room after breakfast, I hear voice. I roll my eyes, imagining Mildred and Jeffrey arguing once again. Mildred has been using every opportunity to prove to me she has Nathan , even though it’s clear that I have no connection with him. Her insecurities are obvious and it’s annoying. I mentally prepare myself for a show, but I’m surprised to find Nathan alone with his phone pressed to his ears.

“You told me you were going to cancel,” he says to whoever is on the other end.

“Oh, so now I’m being selfish,” he adds. I glance around,
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    “I didn’t think I’d have to talk to you about this but, Natalia , this is something serious. I’m asking you to go on a dinner date with me.”“We need to act as the perfect couple to the press and convince Mr. Lucas to agree to expand the charity to more nations,” he explains. I gape at him, wondering what is going on.“Are you serious right now? You want me to pretend to be your fiancé? Have you forgotten how much you despise me?” I retort.“You think I hate you? I wish I could,” he scoffs, leaving me frozen and confused.“Listen, this is very important to me. I wouldn’t have asked you if it wasn’t,” he says, his eyes brimming with sincerity.“I’m not sure about this, Nathan ; I’m terrible at pretending.” I admit.“I know that which is why you’re perfect for this. I’m ready to pay any amount for your help,” he says, and I gape at him in shock.“Are you kidding me? You want to pay me?” I ask, anger flashing in my eyes, as I gape at him.“I’m sorry if my words offended you. I just assum

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    “Wow,” I whisper involuntarily.“Do you like it?” he asks.“Absolutely. This is stunning,” I whisper as I glance around in awe.“You haven’t seen anything yet,” he says with a smile, leading me through one of the museum’s expansive halls. The scent of paint fills the air, mingling with the soft whispers of patrons, creating an atmosphere that feels both serene and charged with anticipation. My eyes sparkle with curiosity, eager to discover the masterpieces that lie ahead, as Nathan s promises.“Oh, my goodness.” I exclaim in awe as we make our first destination.“This is the contemporary art wing,” Nathan announces, indicating the entrance. Vibrant canvases and avant-garde sculptures. Nathan guides me down the hallway until we come to a halt in front of a mesmerizing painting, its bold strokes and vivid colors stir emotions inside me.“This is so beautiful. It feels like it’s trying to communicate something to me,” I say before glancing at Nathan .He returns my gaze, his voice filled

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    “A lot changed over the years. Art has always been a part of me, a means to express emotions when words fall short. I might not be an artist myself, but I’ve learned to appreciate good art when I see it,” I explain.“Oh,” he drawls, though not before I catch a flicker in his eyes.“Interesting. Would you mind telling me more about it?” He asks calmly.“Well, it’s just some random thoughts really. Besides, art,” I reply.“You can’t be so sure,” he smirks. I shake my head before returning my attention to the artwork.He listens intently as I describe my thoughts on each artwork. Soon, I completely absorbed in the beautiful space, unable to keep my enthusiasm. We explore different galleries, discussing the historical context, artist’s techniques, and the personal stories behind each peace. It’s a dance of intellect and emotion, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.We reach a secluded corner of the museum, a dimly lit space adorned wi

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    I’m amazed to see a lot of people already there. Nathan guides me until we reach a table. He pulls back a chair and allows me to sit before sitting beside me. I can’t help but admire the artistry of the decor.“Is there anything else after this auction?” I ask.“Not that I know of,” Nathan says, and I nod.“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this momentous occasion. I am well aware that we have all been eagerly anticipating this. To kickstart the auction, I’m delighted to introduce a very special guest among us. Please join me as I welcome Mr. Nathan Rowland,” the announcer declares, and applause fills the air. I give Nathan a questioning look, wondering if he knows about this, but he seems as surprised as I am. He becomes the center of attention as he stands.“I’ll be right back,” he whispers before going to the podium. I join others by giving him a round of applause.“Thank you, everyone. It’s an honor to be here among some of the brightest minds in society. I joined this orphan char

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    My eyes widen. Am I that easy to read? He must have heard the question in my mind.“It’s nothing serious. I just have a way of reading body language.”“Well, you must be an expert at that,” I say.“I won’t call myself an expert. Let’s just say I know when I spot someone in distress.”I can’t help the smile that spreads on my lips. Dwayne stops dancing while the music continues.“My goodness, you should smile more often. You’re beautiful. I’m sure other men who have been eyeing you all night will want to tear me apart right now,” he says.“Oh, stop being dramatic,” I respond.“Trust me, I’m not. Tell me more about yourself, Natalia ,” he insists.“There is nothing much to say.”He resumes dancing and effortlessly guides me through the music. I feel an electrifying gaze on me without even turning around.“I don’t believe that. I mean, I know you’re definitely an angel. It’s an explanation for why you’re so beautiful but tell me more,” he says.I’m about to share more when the unexpected

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    One minute I’m yelling at him. The next minute, Nathan smashes his lips against mine. Time freezes as my mushy brain tries to process what’s happening. He pulls me closer until we pressed against each other, completely taking over the kiss. A moan escapes my lips, and I lose all sense of time and place. I’m completely blindsided by the exquisite taste of his lips. They hold a hint of the wine we had at the party.I groan as the sweet taste explodes in my mouth. I can’t get enough of him as he devours my mouth. His palm cups my face, while his other hand holds me tight, intensifying the indescribable feeling.He releases a deep groan as I press myself against him. I’m now aware of how hard he is all over. Nathan is sheer perfection. The overwhelming desire to feel every inch of him takes control my senses.I become completely lost as his hand drifts lower and firmly gripping my ass. I can’t help but moan at how perfectly it fits in his palm as if it was made for him. I part my legs, al

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    Before we go in, Natalia I just want to say how glad I’m that you could join me today. The children will be thrilled to have you here,” he says, dazzling smile that never fails to melt my insides. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to seeing his beautiful smile. He looks genuinely happy that I’m here.“Thank you, Nathan . I’m thrilled to be a part of this. It clearly means a lot to you,” I express.“You’re right; I find it incredibly fulfilling to watch and assist these children in any way I can,” he says.“That’s truly commendable. I mean, it’s still hard for me to believe seeing you with children, considering your firm beliefs against family, and kids… you know what I mean,” I remark, and he chuckles.“I do. Anyways, enough about me. Let’s go in,” he says, and I nod.We make our way through the corridors of the orphanage, passing by vibrant drawings and cheerful artwork adorning the walls. I have a feeling the artworks are Nathan ’s creations. The air is filled with the delightful s

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    “That’s wonderful, Anne. Rainbows are so beautiful. Anne, your drawing is amazing! I love the way you use all these vibrant colors,” I compliment her. Despite being around five years old, she is drawing something so extraordinary. It’s hard not to see her natural talent.Anne beams with pride, her confidence growing with each encouraging word from me.“Thank you, Natalia ! I want to be an artist someday.”“Yes, she does. Anne has been drawing since she was three,” Nathan chimes in. I’m left in awe, amazed by this little girl’s skill.“Are you for real?”“Yes, she is quite talented, just like my other champs here,” Nathan says, and this earns him a giggle from the children.“Wow, that’s wonderful, guys. With your talent, I’m sure you’ll achieve great things,” I encourage them.“How about we draw a picture of your favorite animal together?” I ask Anne, and she beams with a smile.We eagerly begin our artistic collaboration, immersing ourselves in the activity. Laughter fills the air as

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    “Mmm. Is it that or that you have Natalia Kane in your bed?”I stiffen, feeling my heart leap into my throat. She knows my name?“Who I have in my bed is none of your concern,” Nathan says.“It is when that whore killed your father! That’s right,” she adds, “I know it was her.”My heart isn’t just in my throat anymore. It seems to have stopped. Suddenly, my blood pressure drops and every pore in my body releases sweat.“John ” I hear Nathan murmur just as I pull away.There’s walking, the sound of heels clacking against the wood floors. “John was loyal to Gustavo and Leo . Of course he would be loyal to me as well.”“Then he’s useless to me,” he says.“You’ve known it was her for days and have done nothing about it!” she shouts.“It is at my discretion to decide what and when I will do something, Katy .”“The godfather only has power so long as the men respect him. How do you think they will react when they find out that instead of killing her, you’ve been fucking her?”My mind racin

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    I flip it open and freeze, focused intensely on the drawing of a pair of eyes.Myeyes. Only, they’re not the way I’m accustomed to seeing them. They have the same shape, same dark spots on the irises. There’s a deep crease between them. But in the drawing, they’re slightly upturned and crinkled at the edges, and there’s a slight gleam to them, as if I’m smiling.Because I was.Several times, she called my name, grinning so widely when I looked at her that I couldn’t help but smile. She captured those moments.Does light penetrate shadows, or do the shadows drown out the light?I asked that question not long ago. The answer is both. She’s managed to light up my eyes while I’ve filled hers with darkness.Blowing out a breath full of exhaustion, I set the sketch aside. Tired, I shut my lids and must drift off instantly, because a bolt of lightning that rumbles even through the sound barriers I’ve erected around the loft wakes me. Instantly, I glance at the door.Though she has access to w

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