Chapter Twenty Seven

Natalie POV

My stomach started to flip. I felt my cheeks flush red.

I attempted to shake myself out of it, but it continued to resurface.

Tristan's unexpected use of the word "love" surprised me. It was the first time he had called me by such a loving term, and it gave me goosebumps.

"Are you addressing me as love?" I stuttered, my eyes unable to look away from his intense stare.

Tristan's mouth formed a slight grin, yet a hint of sorrow shone in his gaze. "There is more to our agreement than what is apparent, my dear. But it is not the right moment to talk about it."

Before I could continue questioning him, a waiter arrived to get our food requests. I rapidly looked at the menu, trying to shift my focus away from the intense emotions brewing inside me. Tristan seemed lost in thought as he unconsciously made his decision.

While we waited for our meal, I found myself sneaking a look at Tristan. It was impossible to resist the charm he exuded with his strong jawline, intense gaze, and mysterious aura. Although the situation that had united us was difficult, there was a strong connection between us.

Tristan lowered his back in his seat, staring directly at me. "I find it difficult to trust others. However, we cannot say the same with you. There is something about you that makes me want to drop my guard."

I experienced a brief pause, uncertain about my response, my heart skipping a beat.

Tristan's usual air of confidence and mystery contrasted starkly with the vulnerability evident in his voice. At that moment, I realised that he may have been more intricate than he seemed. Beneath the layers of power and wealth, there existed a man struggling with his own inner conflicts and desires.

"What's happening?"

Tristan moved nearer to me. After that, his wicked grin reappeared.

"You are still not past this. See how you're blushing without shame."

"Come again?"

Tristan took a seat again.

"I believed I had communicated effectively... appears as though you are the one who will break the commitment to falling in love." He revealed.

Right as I was going to delve deeper into my thoughts, a sudden loud noise echoed in the VIP area.

I was taken aback and turned to find out where the disturbance was coming from. I felt fear when I noticed Bruce, his hands clenched and a furious look on his face.

"I have reached my limit!" Bruce's booming voice overshadowed the calm noise in the restaurant.

"I won't stand by and watch you manipulate her like this."

Tristan's expression quickly turned icy, his gaze narrowing in reaction to the interruption. "And who do you think you are, getting involved in our affairs?"

Was Bruce able to hear the conversation we were having? I wondered.

Bruce's voice brimmed with determination as he clenched his jaw and took a step forward.

"Who do you think you are to have such control over her? I have a moral compass, unlike you. I will not allow you to manipulate her feelings or take advantage of her for your own selfish reasons."

The surrounding tables grew quiet as other people observed the confrontation with great interest.

I felt the tense atmosphere as I was caught between two men who evoked opposing feelings in me.

Tristan slowly rose to his feet. His gaze was shooting daggers at Bruce.

"Bruce, you have no idea of the situation you are about to enter. I want you to think through your decision clearly."

However, Bruce remained steadfast, looking at Tristan with confidence and determination.

"I will not give in to your attempt to manipulate her. If she is unable to defend herself, I will step in on her behalf."

Feeling the increasing tension, I noticed a knot developing deep in my stomach.

I was increasingly concerned about the dangerous consequences of what was about to happen. Tristan was very dangerous and there was no telling what he was going to do.

I reached my breaking point with the seriousness of the situation and this forced me to abruptly stand up, my voice filled with desperation.

"Stop! I beg of you both to stop right now!"

I became the centre of attention in the restaurant, triggering a sudden silence to envelop the whole space.

My heart throbbed, bearing the weight of others' expectations and desires. In that moment, I realised the importance of making a decision that would not only affect my happiness but also the destinies of the two men standing before me.

I inhaled deeply, collecting my thoughts and mustering the bravery to speak.

"This is between Tristan and me. I appreciate you caring about me, but I need to figure things out for myself."

Tristan’s chuckle filled the room.

“Look at how you have made a fool out of yourself. The lady you are clearly trying to stand up for doesn’t need your help.”

Bruce's gaze softened, his earlier anger giving way to concern.

“I don’t understand why are you talking like that? I thought you hated this monster? You will gain nothing from this.”

Tristan's jaw tightened, his eyes burning with intensity. "And what about you? What will she gain from you?"

“You see mister, it’s so obvious you have made a joke out of yourself. I am not on anyone's side here. I am not a threat to you.” Tristan said with his face calm.

The tension in the room lingered, each passing second weighing heavily upon us. The realisation of the pivotal moment we found ourselves in was inescapable.

“I don’t see Natalie that way. You can have her when the contract is over. But as of now, she is my wife and you can’t meddle in our business.”

I felt my heart shatter. For some reason, my heart stopped. I felt hurt. I know I was not supposed to, but I did.

My eyes fell on him, and we both locked gazes.

“Yes Natalie, you can have whatever you want with him when the contract is over. Just keep him out of our business till then.”