anwhile, at the Browns
"Ivan," Irene barged into his study.
Due to his injured jaw, Ivan was working from ho.
"Did you see the news?"
Of course, he had seen it. It was all over the news as if the reporters had uncovered the greatest secret in the world. He was already in shock that Natalie was married to such a big shot. The man they had seen with her again and again as her husband was none other than the CEO of NextEra—yet no one had ever known.
He had always suspected that man wasn’t ordinary, with the way he carried himself. And now, his doubts had proven true. But still, he hadn’t expected him to be soone of such status.
That day in Natalie’s office, he hadn’t seed bothered by how close Natalie was to those other two n. What kind of man lets his wife act like that, as if she belongs to others too? Ivan wondered. Was he even the right man for her?
Seeing her dazed brother, Irene continued, "Mother and I even thought of going to Natalie and talking her into coming back to you... but... with a husband like him, she wouldn’t..."
"Who asked you to think this way?" Ivan snapped, glaring at her, his frustration clear. "Don’t do unnecessary things and bring more trouble to . I’ve already had enough because of you two."
"Ivan, how could you—"
"Get out of my study and don’t disturb my work," he growled, returning to his desk.
Irene quietly left the study, not daring to say another word.
Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes. All that was left for him now was the regret.
----
That day, Natalie didn’t go to the office. After returning ho, she just wanted to relax. Mia and Cathy had left for work after eting her, with the promise that they would soon celebrate her becoming a princess.
It was only noon when Natalie slumped onto her bed after having a nice shower and al.
Royalty? How grand it looks... but it’s not for . I’m happy in my small nest with the man I love.
Just then, her cellphone rang. She glanced at the screen.
Grandpa.
Since that day of the board eting, Albert had not contacted her. During the eting, she had seen how much Albert wanted to support her; his care for her was genuine.
But after learning the truth—how he had manipulated things for her by making Ivan befriend her, and later, her fiancé—she couldn’t help but bla her grandfather for it.
She understood his good intentions toward her. She couldn’t deny that having at least one friend in her life had been a blessing when all other kids had hated her. But still, her grandpa could have stopped at that. There was no need to bribe Ivan into marrying her.
She had been grateful to Ivan, believing he was her savior during her stay in Xyron City, and had thought she was in love with him. But when she returned, she had only one intention toward Ivan—to repay him for his help and for being with her, even if it was mostly through exchanged ssages.
He had valued her help and made her feel needed, so she had thought they were in love. When the topic of marriage ca up, both had agreed, and Natalie had been happy about it. He was the only person who seed to care for her, so she didn’t mind being in love with him—or so she believed.
But then, she had realized—Albert had always known she wasn’t his blood, yet he had always stood by her side and never let her know the truth.
Staring at the mobile screen for a long mont, Natalie finally sat up and answered the call before it got disconnected.
"Grandpa," she managed to say.
"Nat," an old man’s weak voice ca through, making Natalie’s heart tighten with worry.
"Grandpa, are you not well?" she asked softly.
"Still worried for ?" the old man asked, the sadness in his voice evident. "Don’t worry, I’m fine. I called to congratulate you. I’m especially happy that you have a husband like Justin who can always protect you. I don’t have to worry about you anymore."
Justin? Natalie wondered. She had never told her grandpa that Justin was really her husband—they had only been acting for his sake. And now, in the news, her husband had shown up as Aiden Handrix.Then how?
"Did you know we were married?" she asked, confused.
The old man humd. "Back when I was hospitalized, after learning you and Justin were pretending to be married—and when I refused to go through with my surgery? But then, Justin managed to convince . Do you rember?"
"Yes, Grandpa."
"That day, besides telling his identity as Justin Harper, he also told how much he loved you. He promised that, no matter what the circumstances, he would always protect you—as your husband. I could see his resolve. But he needed to be close to you to win your heart, so we both acted as if I didn’t know anything, and he told you sothing else."
"You two planned it?" she asked, surprised.
"I was wrong to choose Ivan for you, but this ti I didn’t want to make any mistakes. I knew Justin was the right person. But in the end, he needed to win you over. After all, you’re not an easy woman," the old man chuckled. "Later on, we stayed in contact, and he used to update about you two. I couldn’t be happier."
"Did he also tell you he’s the CEO of NextEra?" Natalie asked.
"It wasn’t difficult to guess. This old man’s brain still works fine—at least a little," he said with a light cough.
"Grandpa..."
"I’m fine, just a little under the weather," he assured her.
Natalie humd softly as he continued, "I also wanted to apologize for manipulating you into a marriage with Ivan. At that ti, I thought you two got along well and that he was the right person for you..."
"Grandpa, I was clearly upset when I found out the truth," Natalie interrupted gently, "but I understand why you did it. I know it was because you cared for . So let’s forget the past. I don’t want to live in hatred or disappointnt—especially not with you. There are enough villains in my life who make sure I never forget how disappointing people can be. I just want you to be my grandpa, like before."
There was silence on the other end of the line for a while.
"Grandpa?" she called softly.
A light sob was heard before Albert’s voice ca through. "You are truly a gem. I’m fortunate to be your grandfather."
"I’ll visit you soon, Grandpa."
"You don’t have to. People here won’t make it easy for you."
"They can try to stop ," she said firmly. "Just wait for ."
"Alright."
The two of them talked for a while longer before hanging up the phone.
Natalie felt as if a huge burden had been lifted from her chest.
For the first ti in a long while, everything seed to be falling into place, and she was deeply grateful.
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