The Otherside Of Love || Sadistic Billionaire

Natalie’s POV

After Rafael left my room, I stood before the mirror, staring into my own eyes with confusion. I sighed, knowing I had to decide quickly. It wasn’t easy to make a decision, but I had to think clearly. Should I accept Rafael’s offer or stick to my plan and leave after the marriage period ended? It was a tough choice, but I needed to make it.

I need the money from my stepfather’s will to fulfill my lifelong dream of opening a fashion house. I’ve been obsessed with fashion design since high school, completely devoted to it, and have even won many competitions.

But Mom didn’t agree with that dream back then, telling me it was childish and impractical. She insisted I consider working at the Merrin Group as a member of the family. However, what I never told her was that I never felt I belonged at Merrin, even though my stepfather Matt was a great father to me. Grandma and Aunt Tobi were the best family anyone could have, but the rest of the family didn’t like me. I remember how they intentionally treated me as a stranger at family gatherings.

For now, focusing on establishing my own fashion house is my ultimate goal, as it always has been. The financial support from my stepfather’s will could make that dream a reality.

Despite not coming from a prestigious family rooted in aristocratic society, I am confident that I will carve out my own reputation and achieve my goals. I vividly recall the day I tearfully asked my mother about my father and his lineage, only to be met with refusal and a warning to steer clear of his influence. Later, when she discovered my attempts to find him, she insisted it would be futile, as he is not from our country and is unaware of my existence.

Don’t get me wrong, Mom was the most incredibly loving and tender mother in the world, but her demeanor changed when it came to discussing my biological father. She became stern and unsympathetic, insisting that I only had one father, and that was Dad Matt.

However, despite my inner turmoil, I straightened my blue dress, which was one of my designs, fixed my makeup, and went back downstairs. The dinner hadn’t finished yet. When I returned to the dining room, Rafael and Daniel were chatting calmly about business, which surprised me. Was this the calm before the storm?

Rafael smiled once he saw me and offered me a seat.

“Here you are, dear. I was about to follow you,” Tobi said, smiling and winking at Daniel, who sent me a kiss through the air.

Blushing slightly, I offered a casual apology, saying, “Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Rafael’s hand found its way back to my thigh. I didn’t look at him, but I could feel the mischievous grin playing on his lips. My eyes darkened, and I kicked his feet with my sharp high heel, raising an eyebrow as I turned to stare into his eyes and smiling mockingly at him. In that moment, a sense of triumph gleamed in my eyes.

Rafael’s hand found its way back to my thigh. I didn’t look at him, but I could feel the mischievous grin playing on his lips. My eyes darkened, and I kicked his feet with my sharp high heel, raising an eyebrow as I turned to stare into his eyes and smiling mockingly at him. In that moment, a sense of triumph gleamed in my eyes.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

“In your dreams” I retorted whisperingly right away.

“We were asking Daniel about his life in France,” Grandma said, staring at us alternately.

“Owo!” that was all I said.

However, the atmosphere was a little tense, especially when Grandma and Tobi delved into Daniel’s life and family. I couldn’t shake the feeling of awkwardness; he was caught in the middle because of me.

While Grandma, Tobi, and Daniel were immersed in their conversation about life in France, Rafael was calmly sipping his drink. His attitude seemed a little awkward to me. I didn’t expect his reaction to be so civilized, though I was happy that he did.

But my wonder didn’t last long, as I heard Rafael interject smoothly, “So, Daniel, let’s stop talking about how amazing life in France can be and tell us about your latest business venture.”

His voice laced with a subtle edge that sent a shiver down my spine, so I placed my fork back on my plate and stared at poor Daniel, waiting for his reply.

Daniel shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between Rafael and me. I understood his apprehension; he was avoiding discussing business until he could assist me with our previous conversation.

It wasn’t that he was afraid of Rafael, but I knew he was eager to assist me. However, discussing business now would be premature. He preferred to wait until we had evidence of what Debbie and her father were planning.

“Well, my latest business is still in the early stages, but I’m confident it’ll be a success. My heart is telling me so,” he replied briefly, attempting to maintain his composure despite the sudden palpable tension in the air.

Rafael’s lips curled into a knowing smile as he reached across the table, his hand coming to rest possessively on my lower back. I stiffened at his touch, my eyes flickering with a mixture of apprehension and desire.

Rafael’s keen perception hinted that something was amiss, noticing Daniel’s avoidance of discussing business.

“Confidence is the key, isn’t it, Natalie?” Rafael murmured, his voice low and intimate. “Especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”

I swallowed hard, my cheeks flushing with color as I glanced nervously at Rafael.

‘What the hell does he mean? It’s not like we’re in love!’ I snapped in my head.

Or could it be that he knows something about what Debbie and I discussed?

That was impossible though!!

My jaw clenched in response, silently acknowledging the unspoken rivalry that simmered beneath the surface. I was afraid if anyone at the table noticed the tension between us, though. And then they start asking questions.

However, the tension at the table grew thicker, each passing moment fraught with unspoken words. To diffuse the atmosphere, I smiled and said to Grandma, “Shall we go to the sitting room for dessert now, Grandma?”

Sitting for dessert didn’t alleviate the tension. When Rafael and Daniel finished their conversation about work, Grandma and Tobi started asking him about what the next step would be.

OMG!

I felt sorry for the man.

I was lucky that Daniel wasn’t an actual groom, or I’d be utterly embarrassed!