Chapter 54

Natalie POV

With a slightly trembling voice, I spoke up, my words now carrying a hint of confidence. "Tristan, I put on the lingerie like you requested." "Now, please enlighten me, what exactly do you desire from me?"

While we glared at each other intensely, I silently vowed to control the situation according to my wants and limits. I had learned that real power comes from accepting my own vulnerability, even when things are uncertain.

Tristan continued to hold on to his unfeeling attitude, remaining adamant in his penchant for mocking others.

I felt a shiver down my back as his face became stern, his eyes narrowing with a touch of contempt. He clutched my hand tighter, his voice filled with scorn.

Tristan mocked, saying, "I warned you it wouldn't look good on you," in a tone filled with bitterness. "You believed that wearing just a lingerie set could make me interested in you... turns out, it didn't work."

I felt a wave of disappointment and hurt as my heart dropped, replacing the warmth I had just felt. I wanted a significant moment of understanding to bring us closer, but Tristan 's harsh words destroyed that delicate hope.

Despite being hurt by his sarcastic comments, I gathered my courage and responded confidently, not allowing his indifference to break my determination.

"Tristan, I may not meet your strict criteria for beauty, but I won't allow your severe criticism to shape who I am," I replied, my tone unwavering yet slightly tinged with sorrow. "Isn't this why we decided to begin the test in the first place?"

A momentary wavering of Tristan 's cold exterior revealed a hint of regret in his eyes. However, it disappeared swiftly, substituted by a chilly aloofness when he disregarded my words with a dismissive gesture.

"I also don't want you to desire me." I fired a shot.

"Do you desire me?"

"It's clear that I don't."

Tristan began to move nearer to me. I observed as he approached me, his lips still sporting a smirk. I am aware that he is attempting to exploit my vulnerability once more. I remained still this time. He moved nearer as Watts watched. His breaths were directed towards my forehead.

"You're not going to hesitate, are you?"

"I do not desire you."

I noticed a difference in his facial expression. His cold demeanour quickly returned. He put a smirk on his face before returning to his bed.

You are free to depart at your discretion.

I scoffed before returning to the study. I was determined to not allow Tristan to continue embarrassing me. He will no longer play games with my feelings. I reclined on my bed, pleased with what I accomplished just now. Tristan needs to be cautious, as there are more similar situations to come.

Please rephrase the subsequent text employing the identical input language while retaining the word count:

***

I awoke with a feeling of fresh joy as the sunlight shone through the curtains in the morning, spreading a warm light throughout the room. I no longer felt weighed down by Tristan 's coldness, and I was thrilled about spending the day at the amusement park with Felix .

Excited and energised, I decide to skip breakfast so I can begin the day's adventure sooner. While walking down the stairs, I saw Tristan sitting at the dining table, completely focused on his morning newspaper.
I greeted him with insincere excitement, upholding the pretence of a joyful marriage.

"Hello, my darling," I welcomed with a forced grin, hiding the turmoil within. Tristan glanced up from his newspaper, acknowledging me with a quick nod before resuming his reading.

Nonetheless, his mother greeted me warmly with sincere affection shining in her eyes. "Hi Natalie ," she said warmly, her voice carrying a hint of fondness. "You appear quite lovely today." Are you going to a particular place?

I smiled genuinely as a reaction to her thoughtful remarks. "Yes, Mrs. Anderson," I replied excitedly, with anticipation clearly audible in my tone. I am going to the amusement park with a friend. It has been a while since I experienced joy, and I can't wait to enjoy the rides and games.

Tristan 's mother's eyes shone with excitement as she flashed a big smile. "Oh, that sounds amazing, darling! Have fun and make the most of the day.

"Which pal?" Tristan asked with a serious expression on his face.

"Felix ." I replied with a hint of confidence.

"We can go at the same time, I'll be ready in a minute."

I specified that I was with Felix, not with our party. Do you think it's odd to show up without being asked?"

Let her go, Tristan, you must go to an important family meeting about your inheritance. You are prohibited from exiting. Tristan 's mother was also present.

"Sure, I will go away from you."

I was surprised and incapable of doing anything. Once I put on my clothes, I waited calmly for Tristan to join me downstairs. Leaving the house, we were excited to spend the day with Felix . Upon reaching the designated meeting spot, I was filled with a blend of anxiety and excitement.

I saw Tristan searching for Felix .

"He's not here... probably had plans already."

"What is going on with you? We just arrived. I will give him a call.

I took out my phone and phoned him.

"Did you put an emoji after his name?" I gazed at him, feigning ignorance of his words directed at me.

I listen to a tapping on my window. It was Felix , his smile beaming.

"Tristan !" Felix declared the moment Tristan exited the vehicle. Felix attempted to unlock my door, but Tristan swiftly succeeded.

"It was a pleasure to see you." Tristan started with a solemn look on his face.

"Give me a ring when you finish." Tristan spoke to me, disregarding Felix 's extended hand. We observed him driving off.

"What's his deal?"

"Likely woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

While Felix and I explored further into the theme park, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and the lively buzz of the attractions. We stood facing a towering roller coaster, its loops and twists anticipating an exciting ride.

Felix glanced at me with a sly sparkle in his eyes. Natalie , what is your opinion on the matter? Do you feel ready to take on the challenge? "Let's tackle this roller coaster as a team."

I chuckled, experiencing a blend of anxiety and excitement. Okay, Felix. I suggest that we proceed with the task at hand. Just a heads up, I could yell loudly like a banshee!

As we secured ourselves in the roller coaster seats, the tension increased between us. Our arms made contact, causing a surge of electricity to run through me. I felt his warmth around me, his fragrance filling the air, heightening the excitement of the moment.

As the roller coaster came to life, sending us racing through curves and loops, we held onto each other tightly, our laughter blending with the sounds of excitement. During those times of excitement together, I experienced a strong bond, a growing attraction that surpassed friendship.

After the ride stopped, we got off, feeling out of breath and excited. Felix 's eyes gleamed with a combination of humour and affection as he assisted me in maintaining my balance.

While walking through the park and savouring carnival snacks, there were times when our gazes met, lingering slightly longer than required, sparking a feeling of something more profound. In those stolen looks and unsaid words, I started to see the possibility of a growing love.

However, at the height of the day, brimming with joy and quality time, Felix chose to change the mood.

"Do you believe, Natalie, I will ever be able to have you?"