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Chapter 74
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Contracted Husband Chapter 75
“Take it easy, dear. Don’t worry, everything will be fine. And if what you said about your love is true, then he’ll come back. Love like that doesn’t fade,” she says, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. Despite wanting to believe her words, deep down, I know it won’t happen. Nathan has sealed his fate with another woman.Nathan Istand before the canvas, my thoughts consumed by Natalia ’s words, my world shattered at that moment. I thought finishing the job quickly would make her, but her surprising reaction left me confused. Uncertain what to think now, I hold the paintbrush over the canvas while conflicting emotions consume me. love for remains in my heart, whether I admit it or not. The possibility that she may not feel the same way breaks heart break. It’s been unbearable since my return to Sausalito. I should have run when I had the chance but now my heart refuses to heal.I dip the brush into the paint and stroke it across the canvas, each stroke reflecting the turmoi
Contracted Husband Chapter 76
“And you are?” the doctor asks.“He is family. Please, tell me what’s happening with my niece,” Mary Ann says. The doctor’s expression turns somber as he takes a moment before responding.“She’s in critical condition. The surgery went well, but she’s still at risk.”The words hit me with a forceful impact. The room spins around me, and I struggle to stay upright. The reality of the situation crashes over me like a tidal wave. A lump forms in my throat as I grapple with the weight of the doctor’s words.As of the world isn’t already spinning, the doctor’s next words send me reeling.“We were able to save the baby too.”My mind struggles to process this unexpected news.“Baby?” I whisper in disbelief.“Yes, she is pregnant. A few weeks along,” the doctor explains. Natalia ... pregnant? The pieces of the puzzle suddenly fit together, a mix of shock, disbelief, and a glimmer of hope washes over me. But before I can fully comprehend it, the young man speaks, confusion evident in his voice.
Contracted Husband Chapter 77
I can’t bring myself to leave her side, afraid that I might miss any sign of her awakening. My gaze remains fixed on her face, observing the slow rise and fall of her chest. Each shallow breath she takes feels like a lifeline. I can’t help but hold onto hope for a second chance, an opportunity to make things right and become the man she truly deserves. I’m ready to fight for her love if need be. “Hi, Nathan . Why don’t you go home and change, or at least grab something to eat?” Goerge suggests, his voice surprisingly steady. “I’m okay staying here,” I tell him. “My mom’s a fighter. She’ll make it through. You’ll see,” he says with a small smile, his words carrying a quiet confidence. I glance back at Natalia before looking back at Goerge. “I need to use the restroom. I’ll be back soon,” he says, and I nod. I watch him leave quietly. He’s only gone for a few minutes when Mary Ann breaks the silence. "Nathan Natalia spoke to me before the accident," Mary Ann says with a bitterswee
Contracted Husband Chapter 78
He surprises me with his response."Is it about the fact that you're my dad? I know about everything now. About me and you."I'm taken aback by his revelation."I had no idea you existed, Goerge , I swear."He looks at me, his eyes earnest."I believe you, Nathan . I also didn’t know you were my father either. Mom must have had a good reason for keeping it a secret,” he says, shrugging casually."Oh," I whisper."Yes. And to be honest, I'm somewhat relieved that Jason isn't my father. He treated mom horribly. She tried to protect me from it, but I still knew. She went through a lot with him. ""I wish I could get a hold of that bastard and make him pay for what she went through. Natalia didn't deserve any of that. She is the sweetest woman I know," I tell him."Yes, she is," Goerge says."What do you want to do when Mom wakes up?" He asks, his voice curious yet composed.I meet his gaze, my emotions swirling within me."I want to be there for her, Goerge . I want to be the man she des
Contracted Husband Chapter 79
"Miss Ford , can you hear me?" a gentle voice asks. As the fog clears, I glance to my side and see a man wearing blue overalls."My name is Dr. Taylor," he introduces himself. The next few minutes are filled with a series of questions, but I am unsure of when sleep overtakes me once again.When I awaken once more, my heart skips a beat as I spot a familiar figure by my bedside – it’s Nathan . I question if he is merely a figment of my imagination."Nathan , is it really you?" I ask and he smiles."Yes, it’s me, my love." Memories come flooding back, including the realization of my pregnancy."Oh, my baby. Please, tell me she is okay," I implore, my hands instinctively moving to protectively cradle my belly."Yes, the baby is safe, Natalia ," Nathan assures me. Then, it strikes me that he knows about our baby. Memories come rushing back – the news of his engagement, the accident, the pain, and the fear. Panic must be evident on my face because Nathan 's eyes meet mine, and he speaks wi
Contracted Husband Chapter 80
"Why did you send me back home?" I finally ask, voicing the question that has been nagging at me since I left Miami."I overheard you telling Mildred that what we had was only work. I got scared because I love you, Natalia . The hard truth is I never stopped loving you," he says as he gently places a hand on my arm."You mean it?" I ask, hope blossoming inside me."Yes, my love. I fought hard these past few weeks, thinking you didn't love me," he says."Funny, because I also cried every day, believing you didn't love me, either." I reveal, a tear escaping my own eye.Nathan smiles and a tear slips from his eyes."I promise you; you won't have to shed a tear anymore. I'm here for you, for Goerge , and for our baby," he reassures me, and I gasp, realizing I haven’t told him everything. I glance at the two men beside me."I have to tell you everything. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Goerge ," I say, my voice shaky but determined. His gaze never wavers from mine."You don't have to exp
Contracted Husband Chapter 81
My heart swells as I stare at him. There is no other response to give the love of my life because I can't imagine life without him either."Yes, Nathan . I'll marry you," I say, a smile spreading across my face. He slips the ring onto my finger and leans down to kiss me passionately. In this beautiful moment, I’m barely aware of Aunt Mary Ann's excitement or our son grinning at me. Everything else blurs as I bask in the joy of this perfect moment.EPILOGUENatalia As I stand at the altar, arm linked with Goerge 's, rush of emotions overwhelms me. My fingers tremble, clutching my bouquet tightly, as my gaze remains fixed on the man who holds my heart, Nathan .Bekah 'swarm smile from the front row brings me comfort, and I exchange a reassuring glance with Aunt Mary Ann. Standing beside Goerge is my uncle, both of them wearing smiles that radiates happiness for Nathan and me. This is the day I've long awaited, and it’s surreal to see my dreams becoming a reality.I can’t forget Matilda
Contracted Husband Chapter 82
Natalia Love is the deadliest weapon.It’s sharper than a sword. More precise than a sniper’s rifle. It takes without discrimination of age, gender, or race.If you’re human, you’re defenseless. There is no barrier that can stop it. Once you’ve looked into its shadowed eyes, there’s nothing you can do to arm yourself against something so powerful.My father warned me about love. “Keep your head down,” he always said. “Stay focused on what’s in front of you.”He told me love would only bring me betrayal and deception and pain. That loving someone would put me in a vulnerable place. That it was like handing someone a loaded gun, placing their finger on the trigger, and pressing the barrel right over your heart, daring them not to pull.“Their fingers always twitch, Em,” he’d say. “And a bullet to the heart is impossible to survive.”I’d grin at him in that way I knew melted some of the frost from his expression. “I bet I can find someone on the internet who survived a bullet to the hea
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Contracted Husband Chapter 160
“You’re here!” I say, heading toward it but stop when it’s Katy who appears.“You!” she hisses. “I knew something was off. He didn’t kill you!”Before I can answer, she’s on me like a rabid cat. She claws at me, slapping every part of me she can make contact with.Startled, I raise my hands protectively over my face, afraid to hit her back and severely hurt her. As it is, Nathan already hates me for any part I might have played in the death of his father.The woman may be older and weaker, but her strikes are impactful. She shoves against me, slapping her palms against my shoulders and chest, driving me toward the rear of the deck. It all happens so fast that I don’t realize I’m so close to the glass rail until it hits my lower back.“You have to calm down!” I plead.“Why did he have to want you? You look nothing like me! But Leo always liked them younger. Tell me, did you like how he fucked you?”“What? You think I slept with your husb—” Another whack, this time right across the chin
Contracted Husband Chapter 159
But he saved my life. He risked himself to keep me alive. And fuck it all, I love him! I can’t just sit back and let him die.A chair is pushed and the sound of footsteps come my way. Before they reach the doors, I bolt out the entrance and am already across the street when I hear, “Natalia !”But I don’t stop. Don’t look back. My mission now is to save Nathan Natalia Irun like the Devil is at my heels, not bothering to glance back over my shoulder, because even that simple action could cost me precious seconds.For blocks, I maintain that speed, my lungs burning and the stitch on my side threatening to bring me down.When I’m far enough that I feel anyone following would have lost sight of me, I tuck myself into an alley and wait. After several minutes, I tug my cell phone out and dial Nathan , but it goes straight to voicemail.“Pick up, dammit!” I dial again, but like before, it goes to his mail.“Nathan . You have to leave your house. A man named Steven Kroos is coming. He’s bri
Contracted Husband Chapter 158
“The hell it is. Do you have any idea the worry you put me through? No calls or texts the last couple of—” His eyes bulge from his skull as he takes in the blood on my shirt. “You’re hurt.” “No, Dad. It’s not my blood. I’m not hurt.” He digs his fingertips into the corners of his eyes as if he’s trying to keep from crying. “I thought I would lose my mind when I found out exactly who you were with. His name isn’t Nathan Manguire . It’s Nathan Carlos .” I rear back in shock that he knows. “What?” “My gut was right, Em. He’s a fucking criminal. The worst kind.” “How do you know that?” From the study, the handsome man who visited the gallery to meet with Dad steps out. Steven Kroos . His icy-blue stare roves over me, and he smiles. “I’m glad to see you’re home safe. Especially after being in the Robertson den.” “Mr. Kroos is the one who tracked down information on Carlos . Nathan is their new godfather.” His eyes narrow on me. “But you already knew that, didn’t you?” Looking betwee
Contracted Husband Chapter 157
He tilts his head, his eyes raking over my face, searching. “What makes you think that?” “It was in the way he looked at me,” I say. “It’s the same wayyoulook at me. I know you said he loved your stepmother, but I swear it’s true.” “I saidsheloved him. I never said he loved her back.” He glances out the windshield, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. “Is that why you killed him? You didn’t appreciate his attentions?” “He came to the house when my father wasn’t there. I’m not even sure how he got in. But he followed me from room to room and begged me to give him a chance. I asked him to leave, told him that he was scaring me. He decided to grab me and try to kiss me. “I got out of his hold and ran to the desk drawer my father keeps his Glock in and threatened him. He still refused to leave. The moment he took a step toward me, I shot. It was meant to scare him, nothing more. I could never kill anyone. The bullet grazed his arm, but he was alive.” “You didn’t follow him out?
Contracted Husband Chapter 156
“You cut yourself,” I say. “It wouldn’t have been believable otherwise.” “Why did you do it, Nathan ? Why did you spare my life?” He pulls over several blocks from my house. We sit there in silence for what seems like forever, the only sound the pitter-patter of scattered rain against the windshield. “Why did you save me?” I repeat the question that’s been burning in my mind. “Your mother wants me dead, but you saved me.” Without turning to me, he replies, “Iwanted you dead.” His response is another blow to my already battered heart. But he deserves the truth. “I didn’t kill your father, Nathan . It wasn’t me.” Now he does turn to me and I almost wish he hadn’t. The shadows I’ve wondered about from the start have emerged and they’re darker and more terrifying than I could have imagined. They’re blackened with Nathan ’s fury, hate, grief, and confusion. They tear at my chest, splaying it open. Raw pain fills me at the sight of those beautiful golden eyes looking so tortured, spa
Contracted Husband Chapter 155
My gaze flicks from her to the elevator and to the rooftop access door, wondering if I could somehow reach either of them. And if I did, are they unlocked? As if from out of thin air, Nathan produces a piece of rope. When he tries to take one of my wrists, I make to get up again, but I’m slammed into the damned chair again. It doesn’t matter how much I fight, he easily pulls my hands behind me and ties them. “You wanted her, there she is,” he says to her, and I notice with at least a bit of satisfaction that he’s panting. I guess I wasn’t that easy to subdue. Nathan ’s stepmother comes toward me, her hips swaying. She sips her wine as she studies me. “You killed my husband.” I don’t bother to respond to her comment. She doesn’t care what I have to say. If she did, she would have asked me if I did it. And if so, why. All she cares about is revenge. The who, what, and why of it doesn’t matter to her. Turning to Nathan , I realize he’s not once asked me either. They’re the same. Part
Contracted Husband Chapter 154
“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
Contracted Husband Chapter 153
Or maybe I’ll just fuck you until we both die.” Her eyes fly open, and for a moment, there are no walls between us. The pain, betrayal, and lust are bared fully. “Then fuck me,” she finally says. “And maybe we’ll die together.” My mouth is on hers then. I slide my fingers from her cunt and we both work savagely at getting rid of my clothes. All the while, we kiss with a passion that only the dying know. The instant I’m naked, I’m inside her, thrusting, burying my dick all the way to the balls, pulling back out, and slamming home again. Natalia is wrapped around me, arms and legs holding me tightly against her as she lifts her hips up, meeting each of my thrusts. We fuck like we’re drowning and these are our last gasping breaths. Deep and desperate. She fits me like a fucking glove, her pussy tight around my dick, her body molding to mine perfectly. The way she tastes, smells, feels… It all fits me like no one else ever has, and for the briefest of moments, I almost wish I’d neve
Contracted Husband Chapter 152
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
