Chapter 358
Natalie couldn’t make out anything after that. The words faded into a blur as the world spun and then, just like that, everything went dark.
When she finally came to, she had no idea where she was. It took a few moments before the familiar shapes of the room came into focus. She was back at The Apex Residences, in the bedroom she shared with Alexander.
“All perished.” “No survivors p>
The voice of the radio host echoed relentlessly in her mind. A sharp pain shot through her chest, so strong it made her curl up tight, burying her face deep in the blankets. She lay there, sobbing quietly until her pillow was damp with tears. Regret gnawed at her, heavy and relentless. Why had she been so stubborn? If only she hadn’t let him leave with so much left unsaid.
The door opened, and footsteps crossed the floor. She heard them, but she didn’t want to see anyone, not now. She pulled the covers over her head, shutting out the world.
The footsteps stopped right by the bed. A hand tugged gently at her blanket.
She gripped it tighter, refusing to let go.
“You know, you’re going to suffocate if you stay like that p>
The voice made her freeze. It couldn’t be. Heart pounding, she threw off the covers.
His face was right there, so close, just like she remembered. That perfect profile she’d memorized a hundred times, every detail etched into her memory. Her eyes filled with tears. She pinched the back of her hand, hard, desperate to wake up.
“Natalie Watson p>
Alexander caught her hand, worry and relief written all over his face as he checked the red mark. “I’m alive. I didn’t die.” He pressed her hand to his cheek. “See for yourself p>
His skin was warm under her palm. This was real. She wasn’t dreaming. The tears came faster, her whole body shaking with the force of it.
Alexander couldn’t stand it any longer. He pulled her into his arms, holding her so close it almost hurt.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve called you the second it happened. My car broke down that day, so I never got on the plane. And then my phone died, so nobody could reach me. They all thought I was on board p>
As he spoke, all the fear and heartbreak that had been bottled up burst out of her. Natalie sobbed, unable to stop.
Alexander panicked, his words
tumbling over themselves as he
tried to calm her, rubbing her back in gentle circles. “Don’tory I’m here, I’m fine. It’s my fault. All of it’s my fault p>
“Natalie Read full story at.net
She cried in his arms for a long time, but eventually the storm passed. She sniffled, looking up at him with red-immed eyes. “You’re really bad at comforting people, you know p>
He wiped away her tears with a soft smile. “That’s on me. Tell me what I can do to fix it p>
Natalie sat up a little, locking eyes with him. After a moment, she said, “You could, unless you want to go get remarried right now p>
Alexander stared at her, stunned. “What did you say p>
She looped her arms around his neck, looking up at him. “Let’s get remarried. Will you p>
He just blinked, then a wide, brilliant smile broke across his face. “You’re serious p>
“You don’t believe me p>
Instead of answering, Alexander scooped her up in his arms and headed straight for the door.
“What are you doing?” she squealed in surprise.
He held her close, his face serious and a little frantic. “The Marriage Registration
Office closes in thirty minutes. We have to hurry p>
Natalie laughed, resting her head
against his chest. She listened to his
heartbeat, strong and sure, and
realized she’d never felt so safe
so at peace. Maybe they’d argue again in the future, maybe there would be rough patches, but she knew-this time, neither of them would ever let go.
The end.