Chapter 553 The Arrival of the Lockwood Family
Nathaniel couldn't understand why, but as he thought about Aurelie leaving him, a burning rage surged within him. His mind was consumed by the realization that she didn't love him, and even the debt she felt was owed was to another man.
The more he thought about it, the more agitated he became.
Despite his disdain, Aurelie's past devotion suddenly seemed to matter. The woman he had believed loved him had actually been mistaken about him, and the emptiness he felt was like something vital had vanished in an instant. He couldn't bear the sensation.
Now, Aurelie wanted to leave, taking his child with her.
In his mind, even if it was a misunderstanding, she was the one who had first entangled him, and she was the one who had promised never to leave.
And now, she wanted to go?
Not a chance.
Nathaniel's gaze turned icy as he yanked her towards him. "Leaving? Where do you think you're going? Did I give you permission to leave?"
Aurelie flinched, thinking, 'Is he actually going to stop me from leaving? Or is he determined to not keep the baby in my womb no matter what?'
Nathaniel lifted Aurelie and carried her into the bedroom, tossing her onto the bed. He pressed down on her.
"What are you doing?" Aurelie panicked, terrified by Nathaniel's actions.
Nathaniel buried his face in her neck, kissing her. She tried to struggle, but he held her head in place, his kisses relentless.
Aurelie tried to kick him away, but Nathaniel's solid build was too much for her. Pushing against his chest, she felt utterly helpless, tears spilling from her eyes.
"Are you an animal?"
"An animal? Didn't you like this kind of kissing before? Now that you're about to leave, suddenly I'm an animal?"
Aurelie pushed at him with both hands. "I don't want you anymore. I don't want you touching me. I want to leave."
Nathaniel didn't want to hear any more about her leaving. He pressed down harder, kissing her fiercely.
He reeked of smoke—a heavy, suffocating smell. With Aurelie pregnant and struggling with severe morning sickness, she couldn't handle the odor. She didn't want to be with him today, and in her desperation, she bit him hard.
The taste of blood filled her mouth instantly. Nathaniel's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't release her.
His mind was consumed by the thought of Aurelie leaving him, that she had never loved him, and that she was with him only because of another man.
The realization drove him to a frenzy of anger.
He thought, 'Why does Aurelie want to leave me? If she doesn't love me, why does she keep provoking me? Why does she treat me like I'm someone else?'
His anger surged, transforming him into a wild beast, fiercely protective of what he considered his. He was determined not to let anyone take her away from him.
As for Aurelie, he believed he had never truly loved her. To him, she had always been a mere distraction, a plaything he never cared for.
The sound of his zipper being pulled down sent Aurelie into a panic. She thought, 'Is he serious? I'm pregnant—is he a monster?'
"I'm pregnant, Nathaniel! Please, don't! You'll hurt the baby; I'm begging you!"
But Nathaniel was already on edge, like a bowstring pulled tight, and there was no way he was going to back off now. The doctor had said that after three months, they could resume intimacy.
He knew it, and deep down, Aurelie knew it too. Her refusal was just a way to push him away, to leave him behind. The thought only fueled his anger further.
Aurelie looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears, filled with despair and fear. For a brief moment, he felt a flicker of compassion, but the thought of her wanting to leave reignited his rage, making it impossible to suppress.
He didn't love her as a person, but he craved her body. She had filled out a bit, likely due to the pregnancy, and it made her figure even more alluring.
"No, please, Nathaniel."
Aurelie tried to escape, but he caught her ankle and yanked her back. He knelt before her, his movements swift and devoid of hesitation or tenderness.
She continued to plead with him.
Leaning in close, he murmured, "Just be a good girl; I'll go easy on you."
But her resistance was futile against Nathaniel's strength. He promised to be gentle, yet all she felt was pain.
It hurt so much.
Her body ached, but her heart ached even more.
No matter how much she cried and fought, Nathaniel didn't relent.
After what felt like an eternity of being taken, Aurelie was left exhausted, tears streaming down her face. Nathaniel finally gathered her into his arms, tenderly brushing her disheveled hair aside. In a raspy voice, he whispered, "If you've stirred me up, don't think you can leave me."
Aurelie swung her hand and slapped him hard across the face, then pulled the rumpled blanket over herself, shutting her eyes tight as the tears continued to flow.
Nathaniel didn't flinch at the slap; instead, he pulled the blanket away and scooped Aurelie up, carrying her into the bathroom.
She sobbed and choked on her cries as he washed her and then brought her back to bed. Holding her from behind, he said softly, "As long as you obey me, the baby will be fine. Don't ever mention leaving again; I don't want to hear it."
"What am I to you now?" Aurelie's voice trembled as she asked, "Just a toy?"
"You think whatever you want," Nathaniel said dismissively. He didn't care what role Aurelie played in his life; he only cared that she stayed by his side.
Aurelie closed her eyes. Nathaniel was cold and indifferent, showing no compassion. After their recent encounter, he couldn't even bring himself to lie to her or say something comforting.
The next morning, Cecily immediately called Aurelie as soon as she woke up.
Aurelie's voice sounded hoarse, as if she had cried all night. She assured Cecily she was fine, but Cecily remained worried and decided to visit her after breakfast.
Before Cecily could finish her meal, the doorbell rang.
"Miss Watson, Mr. Percy Lockwood, Mrs. Lockwood, and Mr. Evander Lockwood have arrived," the servant announced.
Cecily and Vivienne exchanged glances. Vivienne set down her fork, saying, "They're probably here to discuss the wedding."
Vivienne's guess proved accurate.
Percy and Karen arrived bearing wedding gifts. Boxes after boxes of presents were being carried into the living room, arranged with great ceremony, transforming the space into a festive display.
Percy and Karen wore broad smiles.
Cecily put on an expression of surprise, playing along.
"Cecily, despite the small hiccup with the proposal yesterday, I know you're willing to marry Evander. These gifts are from the Lockwood family," Percy said cheerfully.
Cecily turned to Percy with a concerned look. "Yesterday's incident was more than just a small hiccup. Have you managed to sort everything out?"
Her question struck Percy directly, darkening his expression.
For Percy, the previous day's events were nothing short of a disgrace.
His rush to finalize the wedding arrangements and the grand display were calculated moves to overshadow the previous day's embarrassment, hoping to deflect media attention.
"It's all been taken care of," Percy said curtly.
Cecily smiled and nodded. "That's good to hear."
Just then, the servant entered again. "Miss Watson, Mr. Fitzgerald has arrived."
Cecily's heart skipped a beat.
She thought, 'Darian is here?
'Why the sudden visit?'
Percy's eyes narrowed dangerously, fixated on Cecily.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
