Chapter 57

Natalie POV

Four months went by since that fateful evening, and Tristan's iciness had become even more noticeable. The unbearable emotional gap between us led me to detach from our dying relationship's toxic hold gradually. I kept track of the days until the contract would end. He already possessed the inheritance and the agreements. Our partnership was supposed to be over by now, but it isn't able to.

In the meantime, Felix and I had become even closer, reigniting the strong connection we had maintained since we were kids. We dedicated numerous hours to each other, reflecting on past memories and creating new ones.

Melissa came back from her journey overseas, infusing our group of friends with a sense of excitement and joy.

In celebration of Melissa 's hard-earned diploma, we opted to meet at a quaint bar located on the edge of the city. I quickly freshened up and then hurried to the bar. I was running behind because I was assisting Tristan with organizing his documents.

"Melissa!" she called out. I shouted while giving her a tight hug. I also embraced Felix and then sat down.

"Give me a complete update on what has transpired until now." Melissa inquires.

"I haven't even gotten comfortable yet." I chuckled as I spoke.

With joy in our hearts and a hint of liquor in our bloodstream, we began a night of partying. As the night went on, the softly illuminated bar had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Following the exchange of stories, raising a toast to Melissa 's achievements, and getting completely absorbed in the joy of the moment, we agreed to go to Felix 's place for a smaller get-together. The alcohol had cast its enchantment, leaving us all a little buzzed but filled with happiness.

Upon entering, the lights flicked on and then dimmed. I noticed the table set with candles. I hurriedly went there.

"Wow Felix, that's a ton of effort for Melissa to come back."

"It is not meant for me." Melissa mentioned as she sat down on the sofa.

I look at Felix with a puzzled expression. He approached me in a leisurely manner, tossed his coat onto the couch. He gazed at me intently, the dancing candlelight creating soft shadows on his face, highlighting his attractive traits. His gaze locked with mine, shining with a blend of love and anxiety. At that instant, time ceased to move, and the loud laughter of our friends became distant.

Felix whispered to me, expressing that the recent months had taught him the important things in life that bring him joy and contentment. "It is you."

His words stirred the hidden feelings I held for him, making my heart race with excitement. The strength of his stare caused my legs to feel shaky, as a wave of feelings swept over me.

"Would you like to go out with me?" he inquired, his voice expressing optimism and fragility.

I felt tears forming in my eyes as I gathered the courage to reply. "Felix ..."

I know you are in a contractual marriage. Let's meet up once it ends. "Just a couple of months to go." He said.

"I'm not sure... I wasn't anticipating this."

His hand shook as he extended it to delicately move a strand of hair from my face. "You will bring me ultimate joy and happiness." "You complete me," he spoke with a serious tone, indicating that you are essential in his life.

I tilted towards his touch, enjoying the warmth and tenderness of the moment. I embraced him, struggling to control my overwhelming feelings. I'm not sure what was happening. I was extremely surprised.

A noisy bang echoed inside the house, disrupting the calmness and throwing us into a maelstrom of doubt. The interruption caused us to immediately shift our focus to where the disturbance originated, feeling our hearts race in our chests.

"What-what was that?" Melissa hesitated, her eyes filled with fear.

An ominous feeling took over the room as we shared anxious looks. With silence, we slowly approached the noise, taking one step at a time, feeling the weight of doubt in the atmosphere.

We had no idea that this surprising interruption would start a sequence of events that would test our fresh romance and make us face our inner resilience.

The meeting day fast approached, and both Tristan and I got ready earlier than the meeting time. The previous day, Tristan had mentioned that they would need to discuss a couple of things as touching their faux relationship. I gave myself one last look over before leaving for Tristan's room. I took a long breath before knocking on his door which opened effortlessly.

Tristan's back was turned to me as I walked in, his fingers fastening his wristwatch. I gaze lingered on the broad expanse of Tristan 's back, moving lower to his legs, cladded in blue suit pants. He twirled, catching sight of an oglin, I flushed hard and turned away the moment he caught me staring at him. My heart clattered in my chest, and I blinked more than necessary.

"I've been waiting for you." His face twisted in a smile and he grabbed his tie from the sofa, striding to me, his charming smile still lining his face. "My tie."

Without a word, I grabbed it from him with trembling fingers, which he enveloped in his large palm, an action which took me by surprise. Electricity jolted through me, and I retracted my hand which he grabbed again in his, steadying my fingers.

I looked everywhere but his eyes, as the temperature of the room heightened.

"Relax, Natalie."

What was wrong with me?

I hadn't said a single thing since I entered his room, and right now, I couldn't even look him in the eye— not when her heart was about to explode.

"I'm sorry," I managed to say with every willpower in me, bending to grab the tie that fell a couple of minutes ago.

"You don't have to be nervous. The meeting went well. We've come so far to lose the deal."

If only he knew it wasn't about the deal…

His presence was doing things I couldn't understand.
My body was aching to touch him, to feel him, my nerve endings were pulsating for him. I wanted to do things I never thought possible with him, and the thought alone was driving me crazy.

As I worked his tie around his neck, his hot breath touched my face, causing my skin to tingle.

"So, they expect to see a happy couple who are madly in love with each other. Since that's the case, you'll need to relax around me. You're too uptight. One glance at you will make everyone know something is fishy, and that's the last thing we both want. I probably should start spending more time with you, perhaps, it will help you relax around me." He grabbed my chin just as I finished knotting his tie, pulling my face which gleaned from the warm light in his room, closer to his.

Hard male body pressed against me and I gulped as his thigh brushed against my bare legs. Was that an accident or a deliberate touch? I couldn't tell. All I knew was that his actions were awakening her hibernated body, especially as he caressed my jaw.