Chapter Seventeen

Natalie POV

Tristan's challenge lingered in the atmosphere, with his eyes daring me to contradict him. Fear and determination rushed through my veins, causing my heart to race. I understood that agreeing to his challenge might result in further pain, but I couldn't retreat at this point. I had to assert myself and demonstrate that I was not just a mere piece in his scheme.

"Okay," I replied, maintaining a calm tone even though my hands were shaking. "Let's give it a try. However, under one condition.

Tristan raised an eyebrow, showing his growing curiosity on his face. "What would be the condition?"

Should I successfully complete your test, you must recognize my emotions. You cannot ignore them anymore.

Tristan's cold exterior showed a moment of uncertainty in his eyes. He appeared conflicted between wanting to stay in charge and being interested in my reaction. After briefly thinking about it, he eventually agreed with a nod.

"Accepted." "Here's the exam," Tristan stated, reclining in his chair with a slight grin playing on his face. In the upcoming week, we will be spending more time together, forming a stronger bond. However, you must pretend that you have no emotions towards me during this period. There are no lingering glances, no moments of vulnerability, and no signs of any emotional attachment. "Natalie, are you able to complete that task?"

I inhaled deeply, preparing myself for the upcoming challenge. If it meant Tristan would be less arrogant, I was willing to try, even though it wouldn't be simple.

"I said yes, Tristan," I responded, looking at him with firm resolve. I agree to take your test. However, do not forget to recognize my emotions if I succeed.
Anxiously, I waited facing Tristan, uncertain of what to expect. He summoned me to his 'office', and I could tell from his assured demeanour that he had an important matter to discuss with me.

"Tristan proposed something to Natalie," he said, leaning back in his chair and running his hand through his perfectly groomed hair. "You should already know what that is."

I experienced a profound heaviness in my chest. I knew where things were headed, but I still felt a bit anxious for some unknown reason. Tristan's face had become more serious in contrast to before.

I breathed deeply before forcing myself to swallow.

"Are you?" He repeated, his face showing seriousness.

"Yes," he arched his eyebrows, waiting for me to continue.

Are you anticipating that I will make a formal agreement with you?

Tristan declared with a sly smile that it was a phoney marriage. I am willing to offer you any amount you wish, but in exchange, you must be my partner for one year. We will attend gatherings, journey as a group, and present a cohesive image to the public. And at the end of the year, we will go our separate ways with no repercussions.

I was overwhelmed with a storm of thoughts. I know I should refuse the offer, but I can't bring myself to do it. The thought of marrying him without love was nearly too much to bear.

He doesn't fit my preferences. There is no way he will ever become my husband. However, consider the destination that life has brought me to.

"I have a requirement... You are not allowed to develop feelings for me." I spoke in barely a whisper, I said.

Tristan laughed lightly. "Affection?" Clearly. I am unable to develop feelings of love for you.

He rose from his chair and inched towards me.

Natalie, love is given more credit than it deserves. Consider it like a commercial agreement. I gain a wife to please my business associates, while you obtain financial security.

I understood that I needed to assert myself, yet I couldn't shake the sense of powerlessness in the face of Tristan's overwhelming demeanour. I couldn't help but nod in agreement, captivated by his charm.

"Great," Tristan commented as he stood and reached out his hand. "Let's formalise it."

He retrieved a document from his desk, then slid it towards me along with a pen. I grabbed the pen and proceeded to sign. He performed in a similar manner.

Tristan released a sigh, followed by a smirk appearing on his lips.

"Shall we commemorate?"

I was surprised as he reached out his hand and my eyes opened wide. What is his definition of celebration?

"What did you say?"

I suggested celebrating by going out to a club for the evening, my spouse.

I sensed something move along my backbone. He approached me, keeping his hand extended. I lifted my head, gazing at him intently. His abdomen area is in close proximity to my head. The smell of his cologne reaching my nostrils, evoking various emotions.

He gently took hold of my hair, then massaged it. I experienced a lump in my throat. I started to shake. His hand slowly moved down to the side of my face.

My body suddenly activated. I began to breathe more quickly.

"You denied any love." I succeeded in expressing myself.

Tristan pulled back, and I heard his laughter.

"This isn't affection... Are you familiar with love?"

He crouched, then gazed deeply into my eyes.

I felt the presence of a rhetorical question in my mind, however, Tristan's eyes cast doubt on it.

"Y-yeah..."

"Is that so?"

I remained silent. I was uncertain about the direction this was headed in.

"So, what do you believe I was doing to you?"

"You- you are on the verge of-”

"What for?"

"Caress me with a sensual touch."

The sound of Tristan’s laughter resonated through the atmosphere.

"Is that your definition of love?"

Tristan kept gazing intently into my eyes. He rose from his seat, then grabbed his car key from the desk.

"Come on, let's go."

"Where to?" I felt my eyes grow larger as he came to a halt in front of me.

"Wait and see."

He lifted me up and guided me to the Benz parked in front of the mansion. He entered the vehicle and proceeded to turn on the engine. I remained motionless, pondering whether to enter or stay outside. However, there was nothing I could do as I was already married to him. What is the absolute worst thing that could happen at this moment?

I inhaled deeply before entering. It was silent during the journey. Tristan looked at me for a while as he stopped the car in front of what appeared to be a club. I could hear the loud music emanating from within.

I observed Tristan exiting the vehicle. After lighting his cigar, he retrieved a bottle of whiskey from the freezer. After shutting the door, he proceeded to the entrance. I realised I needed to come along, then left right away. I observed Tristan handing his car keys to a man before he approached me.

I entered alongside him, and we were escorted to the exclusive lounge. I was hit by the smell of alcohol in the air. Tristan strolled to a chair wearing his typical mischievous grin on his face. I am familiar with that sneer. That was the expression on his face when I first encountered him at the club.

A man approached Tristan and gestured toward him. He stood up and commanded me to stand up as well.

"Where are we headed to?" I inquired, but received no reply.

Instead of stopping, he proceeded to guide me towards a door. When the door opened, my gaze fell upon a room that appeared to be a five star hotel.

What is the matter? What is our purpose for being here?"

"You're on the verge of discovering."

Tristan shut the doors and then shifted his gaze to the mirror hanging on the wall. He took off his shirt and then faced me.

"Let's get started."

"What did you say?"