Chapter 17
Tobias glanced calmly at the cane that was meant to hit Natalie. “She’s with me.”
Tommy’s eyes went wide in shock. “But she.”
“Natalie, come here. His tone softened a little, but it still held a commanding air.
Natalie didn’t want to move closer. She was done with Tobias. Still, he and the rest of the Guzman family kept their eyes on her. The tension in the room grew thick, but she stood her ground. Just as she was about to say something, Tobias’s intense gaze kept her quiet. She forced a small smile and stepped toward him, speaking just loud enough for him to hear, “What are you doing here?”
“Your grandma called and told me about this.” Tobias replied.
Natalie was shocked that her grandma had Tobias’s number, and even more surprised that he actually came. She couldn’t wrap her head around what he wanted.
Their quiet conversation seemed like a private joke to the others
Tommy, taken aback, looked at Natalie, while Yulisa couldn’t hold in her irritation. She snapped, “Aren’t you already divorced? How come-
Lily, who had been quiet until now, gently chimed in, “Natalie, you could’ve at least told us Tobias was coming”
Yulisa’s jaw dropped, shocked that her mother had suddenly switched sides. Her temper flared as she glared at Natalie bur fell silent.
Tommy began to rethink his approach to Natalie. “We might’ve been too hard on you. What you did was for Yulisa’s sake; Quinn really isn’t the right guy for her.”
He looked at Yulisa, who reluctantly replied, “Thanks for ruining that wedding. The last part came out between clenched teeth.
Natalie understood why the Guzman family was suddenly being nice-it was all because of the guy standing next to her. The Guzman family would always pick Tobias over the Shaw family, especially now that there was no chance for a union with them.
After that, Tobias didn’t say much, but the Guzman family was clearly enthusiastic. The visit was turning out to be easier than Natalie had expected. Once they finished their meal, she and Tobias got ready to leave together.
“Come by again sometime, Lily said warmly.
Natalie was fed up with this woman. No one could outdo Lily when it came to pretending. As soon as they left the Guzman residence, Natalie instinctively stepped away from Tobias. “So, what do you want?”
Tobias shot her a look. “What do you think I want?”
“Within reason,” Natalie added after a short pause. “As long as it’s reasonable, I’ll consider it.”
His gaze dropped to her lips. “Kiss me,”
Natalie blinked in disbelief. ‘Did he really just say that? Why is this guy being so bold?”
He looked completely serious, not joking at all.
Natalie was lost for words. “Are you sure Elle wouldn’t mind?”
Tobias didn’t answer. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her directly.
Natalie’s eyes widened; she completely forgot to push him away.
Tobias closed his eyes, enjoying the moment like he’d just found a favorite treat he hadn’t had in ages.
Suddenly, there was a click nearby, and realization hit Natalie. Tobias sensed it too and pulled back.This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.
The person taking the photo ran away.
I’ll handle it,” Tobias said, already signaling for someone nearby to chase after the sneak.
Natalie felt like she was hearing a different language. She didn’t really care about her reputation; it mattered way more to Tobias. I’m leaving, she declared, turning to walk away. But before she could, he grabbed her wrist. She shot him a suspicious look. “Is there something else?”
“Come back with me
“Wait, what?” Natalie’s mind raced, ‘Back? Did this guy have a screw loose? What did he mean?’ Remembering their unfinished business from last time, it clicked. “You want to sleep with me.”
Tobias nodded.
Natalie couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “What about Elle? Why does it have to be me?”
I’m used to it.”
“Used to it? It’s been six years, and you’re saying you haven’t been with anyone else?” Natalie stared at him in disbelief.
This time. Tobias didn’t answer. He just locked his intense gaze on her.
Natalie couldn’t believe Tobias hadn’t touched another woman in six years. But that didn’t seem right-Elle’s kid was proof of that. Plus, Tobias was never one to hold back. “How could he possibly be without a woman? Realizing she had asked a silly question, she said, “I have stuff to do. I’m leaving. This time, she easily shook off his grip and got into her car.
As the car sped away. Tobias stared after it and whispered, This is… really something.”
Even he found it hard to believe. In the six years since they’d been apart, he hadn’t thought much about romance. But the moment he saw her again, those feelings rushed back.
He squinted, remembering how earlier that day, her grandmother had called him about the Guzman family and how that woman had ruined the wedding between the Guzmans and the Shaws. So without a second thought, he was here for her. He didn’t know why
The Guzman family tried to call Natalie several times, saying they wanted to talk business with Tobias, but she turned them down and eventually stopped answering their calls.
One day, she got a call from a random number. Natalie thought about hanging up but decided to pick up. She wanted to clarify things with her family, but instead, she heard Elle’s voice. Is this Natalie? I need to talk to you. Even though Elle’s Joue was soft, it carried an air of arrogance.
Natalie couldn’t help but chuckle. “You want to talk about your health?”
There was a short pause before Elle replied, her voice softening bit, “I think there are some things we women should clear up, especially when it comes to Tobias
There’s nothing to discuss, Natalie replied. “Tin hanging up.
“Wait!” Elle quickly interrupted. “There are things I don’t want to say, but if I don’t, you might get the wrong idea.
Her words were confusing and vague. Natalie laughed, “Just be direct. Do you want me to complicate your surgery?”
The more complicated a surgery was, the riskier it could be. Elle’s face must’ve gone pale hearing that. But still, she needed Natalie.
Taking a deep breath, she said softly, “Natalie, can you please stop messing with Tobias? I saw the photo of you two kissing. but Tobias made them delete it and told them not to share it. Don’t you know what that means? Maybe that kiss was just a moment of weakness, but he doesn’t really like you. Over the years, the only person who’s been publicly by Tobias’s side is me.”
The smile in Natalie’s eyes faded. Deep down, she had always known that.