Chapter Ten

Natalie POV

A stream of compliments swept over me as I left the conference room. With joy flushing their faces, the investors smiled broadly. I had just signed one of the best deals out there in the city and I couldn't be less proud of myself at that moment.

One of them gave me a firm handshake and said, "Natalie , you did it! You're a natural-born leader, and we're thrilled to have you on board!" With a smile on my face, I experienced a wave of relaxation and pride. My future appeared more promising than ever when the deal was completed and the contract was signed.

At that moment, the investment firm manager walked over to me, a dapper smile lighting up his face.

With a quiet, smooth voice, he murmured, "Natalie , we're so proud of you. We would like to provide you with a unique gift in celebration. An exclusive celebration for you on a secluded island. It's something that one of the top CEOs is hoping to give out freely "

As I took in what he had said, my eyes grew wide. A personal island? It sounded fantastical, like a dream realised. I exhaled, my heart pounding with anticipation, "That sounds incredible." With a gleam in his eyes, the manager nodded.

"Everything will be handled by us. Simply turn up and enjoy the journey, that's all." As I was carried away to an opulent mansion on a private island, I had the feeling of royalty. The tunes throbbed. I danced and laughed, feeling like I was on top of the world.

The island's splendour greeted me as soon as I arrived. As the sun sank below the glistening seas, the opulent villas and verdant surroundings took on a golden hue. It seemed as though I was in a paradise, far removed from the strain and turmoil of my past.

With a pounding heart from excitement, I headed to the party. With the lights sparkling like diamonds in the darkness, the music was throbbing. I laughed and danced, feeling like the world was on top of me. But suddenly the music just kind of stopped.

There was a stillness over the crowd as the lights went down. I spun around to see Tristan standing on the platform, his intensely penetrating eyes fixated on me.

"I am sorry to interrupt this moment. As you all know, I am the head of the biggest real estate investment in the city and it is my duty to welcome everyone to the most prestigious island in the country." There were loud cheers and for some reason, I knew Tristan had hidden intent with his statement, but I remained calm.

"As you all know, one important guest made it into the country days ago and things have been running smoothly across all multiple firms. I want to use this moment to do something that I shouldn't be doing in the ordinary sense, but I could care less at this point.".

I tried to force myself to look everywhere, other than Tristan . My heart was beating fast as I could smell what he was about to do even without him speaking.

His palm trembled with emotion as he gripped the microphone. He said, "Natalie ," in a low, raspy voice. "I knew you were unique the instant I laid eyes on you. You were the one I was meant to have. Even though I've made mistakes in the past, I don't want that to define who we are. I want us to unite once more, and I apologise for the chaos I caused."

He took a stride toward me, his eyes blazing with need, and my heart raced. "Natalie , you know that I've wounded you. I'm aware that I betrayed your faith. But I do want you to know how sorry I am. I apologise so much for everything."
Because of the intensity of emotion in Tristan 's voice, the audience fell silent. It seemed as if he were talking straight to my soul and I was the only person in the room. His voice cracking with emotion, "Natalie , I love you," he said. "You are the most important person in the world to me. And I want to live out the rest of my days making up for what I did wrong."

I just stood there, stunned, as the audience exploded in applause. What I was hearing was so unbelievable. It was unbelievable to me that Tristan was opening up to me so much in front of everyone.

However, something in his eyes caused me to halt as I stared into them. I witnessed sincerity, remorse, and an intense and lasting love. I could feel my heart softening at that same moment. I sensed my own forgiveness starting. But I was not interested in hearing it. His rationalisations, hollow apologies, and excuses were not what I wanted to hear.

I was done listening to him for as long as possible. Thus, I pivoted and dashed, squeezing past the throng and exiting the space. I continued till I returned to my hotel room, closed the door, and pulled back the curtains. I finally gave in to the feelings that had been developing inside of me at that point.

A toxic mixture of hurt, betrayal, and anger swirled around each other. I thought I was going to drown in them, that I would never be able to get over the hurt from my past. But I knew I had to keep going ahead as I stood there, my eyes flowing with tears and my chest heaving.

I refused to let Tristan 's remarks define who I was. I needed to fight on and find my identity. I inhaled deeply, then exhaled gently. I wiped the tears from my eyes and squared my shoulders. He would not prevail with me. I refused to let him shatter me.

I would rise above it all, and I would come out stronger on the other side. I would show him, and I would show myself, that I was not to be underestimated. I was Natalie , and I was unstoppable.