Chapter 225
“Guilty conscience p>
Natalie had barely taken two steps before Alexander’s voice drifted over from behind her, low and almost teasing.
She let out a quiet sigh and turned around to face him.
He was still dressed in his suit, every detail in place, hair styled to perfection just like earlier in the day. His dark eyes were deep, unreadable, with that familiar spark of amusement and a trace of mockery.
Natalie’s eyes were clear and bright under the moonlight, almost like a lake catching the stars. Her voice was even, a little cool. “Shouldn’t you be enjoying your romantic evening, Mr. Ramirez? Did you really come all this way just to poke fun at me p>
Alexander frowned. “How am I the one who appeared out of nowhere? You’re the one who turned up here p>
He hadn’t gone back to the room Mr. Main had prepared for him. With an overseas acquisition coming up, there were back-to-back meetings, and he’d specifically asked for a quiet office where he wouldn’t be disturbed. He’d stayed there the whole time.
When the meetings finally ended, he thought about Camila waiting in the room and decided not to go back. He needed some air, then planned to return to the office to go over the acquisition documents. He wandered over to the gazebo, found the night view surprisingly nice, and paused for a moment just to take it in.
That’s when he heard the soft sound of footsteps behind him. He recognized Natalie’s tread right away, so he didn’t turn, just waited for her to catch up. But then her footsteps faded. Curious, Alexander glanced back and saw Natalie tiptoeing away.
Natalie didn’t want to argue. “Then I’ll leave you to enjoy the night p>
She started walking away again, but suddenly she heard quick footsteps behind her and felt a firm hand wrap around her arm.
“Why do you always have to go against me?” Alexander’s voice was tense, his eyes locked on hers, all frustration and impatience. “Samuel Thompson is only interested in you to get at me. He doesn’t really care about you.” Newest update provıded by
Natalie yanked her arm free. She let out a short laugh. “And who are you to give me advice?” she shot back. “Whatever kind of person Samuel is and however he treats me, that’s my business. Alexander, your fiancée is waiting for you p>
He’d walked out of another woman’s bed only to tell her she couldn’t see other men. His possessiveness was suffocating. She wasn’t his wife anymore.
Natalie turned away, angry, but her foot twisted suddenly, sending a sharp jolt of pain up her leg.
Before she could fall, an arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her. She shoved him away, refusing his help, but when she tried to take a step, the pain was too much. Tears welled up in her eyes before she could stop them, whether from the ache immer ankle or something deeper inside.
She limped forward, every step making her eyes sting more. Hurt, frustration, disappointment—all the feelings she’d bottled up since the divorce—came pouring out at once.
Suddenly, her feet weren’t touching the ground anymore. She gasped as Alexander scooped her into his arms, the scent of his cologne surrounding her.
She looked up at his sharp jawline, the strong bridge of his nose, the shadows in his eyes.
“Put me down. I don’t need you to carry me!” Natalie kicked her legs, trying to get free.
“Try that again and I’ll kiss you,” Alexander warned, his dark eyes holding hers.
Natalie clamped her hands over her mouth, her teary eyes wide and vulnerable, like a startled deer.
Alexander’s expression softened. “You might have twisted something,” he said, his voice gentle. “Let me take you to the infirmary p>
The grounds weren’t empty. Natalie could see people ahead, and the thought of being seen like this made her cheeks Burn. Please put me
down. I can walk. I don’t want
anyone getting the wrong idea p>
“Are you really that afraid of being seen with me?” His tone was teasing, but there
was something sharp underneath.
“Shouldn’t you be worried about
people getting the wrong idea?” Natalie shot back. Especially since he’d just come from Camila’s bed Just thinking about it made her squirm, and she struggled again to get down.
“I’m not worried,” Alexander replied, his voice calm and steady.
Of course he wasn’t. No one would dare say anything to his face. But she wasn’t him. She’d be the one everyone whispered about, the one they called the other
woman.
He kept his grip steady, not letting her go. The lights ahead grew brighter, more people were around, and Natalie’s voice trembled as she pleaded, “Please, just put me down. I’m begging you p>
Alexander’s brows drew together. He hated letting her go. Part of him wanted to hold her like this forever. But finally, he lowered her gently to the ground.
Just as he was feeling the empty space where she’d been, Natalie suddenly turned and leaned into his arms.