Chapter 41

Natalie POV

I spent the whole night thinking about the turnout of events with Tristan. How did I go from being his executive assistant to being his phony as a three-dollar-bill girlfriend?

I had just gotten out of a relationship and the last thing I wanted was to be in a relationship with any other man, real or faux. The whole process would be an emotional rollercoaster for her.

I started the day a little later than usual because of the previous day's activities, and as usual, I had a pile of work waiting for her. I added Penelope's to the list, as I hadn't gotten a hang of it. Food was served to Tristan and her separately, as they shared different rooms.

After I was half done with her work for the day, I turned on her cell phone which had been off for a couple of hours. As I came to the internet, her worries stared right at her face. I and Tristan made it to the news headlines, and their relationship was over several social media handles. Her cell phone buzzed not later than a minute, and I cursed under her breath.

Aria POV

"I'm so mad at you, Natalie. I know we've been apart for a couple of days, but that's no reason to keep such information from me. Heck, we had a conversation recently. Why didn't you tell me?"

Great. Now, Aria was angry at her.

Aria was about to snap again before I sighed. "Hey, it's not what you think. I don't know how to explain. It's…complicated."

"That you've gotten over Aiden so quickly…well, good news, since that motherfucker doesn't deserve your slightest attention…yeah, and you're screwing Tristan now? How hard is that?"

"Aria !"

"Look, I get that you don't wanna hurt my feelings because I have a huge crush on Tristan, but girl, you should know that I want nothing more than your happiness. Of course, I'm a little hurt. No, scratch that.
I'm distraught, and would probably need one full week of vacation to get over this, but you know what hurts more? Letting the whole world find out about your feelings before me. Hurts like hell, Natalie."

I rolled her eyes, unsure of what to say anymore. I had no energy to give any explanation, besides, Aria wasn't having it.

"I'm sorry. I've been very overwhelmed these past couple of days, and everything has been too much to take in."

Technically, that wasn't a lie. I wasn't sure how I hadn't broken down yet, despite all the rollercoaster of emotions I 'd been feeling in the last seventy-two hours.

"We have a great deal of things to talk about when you get back from Bali, girl. I want to know how and at what point in time it happened. You'll. Spill. Every. Single. Detail."

Aria went silent for a while before sniffing.

"You don't know how happy this news makes me. I'm happy for you, Anne."

Alright, that was one gone. Calling her Anne settled everything. It meant I wasn't mad at her anymore.

They talked for a few more minutes, and during their conversation, I found out her mother called Aria when I heard about the news, as my number was going to voicemail.

I had one more drama queen to deal with. As for Penelope and her other few friends in F and A, they surely wouldn't have any problem with the news.

I got a message about their next meeting that evening, which was about thirty-six hours from the time it was delivered.

I immediately sent the details to Tristan, whom I hadn't seen since their discussion the previous night.

I was startled when he apologized to her yesterday. For the first time since I started working with him, he admitted his fault. As far as I knew, he'd never done that to any employee.

He lived like he owed no one any explanation for his actions. Her mind replayed all that transpired between them last night and a pang of guilt hit her.

I 'd been a little harsh to him last night also. Should I apologize to him?

Thinking about it alone made her heartbeat race a little. I'd figure out something.

Tristan stared at his screen and fiddled with a pen on his desk, thoughts of the next meeting lingering in his mind. The turnout of the meeting would determine whether his coming to Bali was worth it.

James and other associates would be present, Ryan also.

Ryan Porter. That man was deadlier than he appeared. He knew a handful of people over the years, whose business career was reduced to nothing because of Ryan. He was one of the most powerful businessmen in the States. If he smelled a rat or discovered any form of deceit, they would have to kiss the deal goodbye. His thoughts of Ryan were gradually replaced with someone else.

Natalie.

Last night was the first time he'd see her feisty side. To be honest, her action had been quite a shock to him, particularly because I 'd appeared quite alright on the way back to the hotel. He knew telling Ryan they had something going, just to shut him up, was a shitty move, but he hadn't thought much of it because it was Me.

I was like a lamb. Very calm. I never questioned his orders or decisions. Why now? Did he push it too far?

He rubbed his temple a little hard, musing over everything. Showing her off as his girlfriend wouldn't pose a challenge.

I was one fine woman, something he didn't come to terms fully with until he saw her in that sexy-as-hell gown yesterday, which he badly wanted to rip off her body yesterday. He'd been one second from knowing what her lips tasted like last night. Damn her cell phone!

Maybe a part of him wanted to know her beneath the shield I created around herself. Perhaps, that was another reason why he didn't hesitate to present her as his woman. With the game they were playing, they'd surely have to get intimate for the show. The mere thought of it stirred something within him. His body's response to her explained something he couldn't hide anymore, he was attracted to her. More than he'd ever thought possible.