WARNING NOTICE; THIS CHAPTER MAY INCLUDE MATURE THEMES INCLUDING, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, EMOTIONAL ABUSE OR TRAUMA. READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
NATALIE'S POV
Sebastian didn't come back until this morning, he was with that other woman throughout the night. I was worried and jealous at the same time. I couldn't sleep and just kept thinking, I was curious, my position as Sebastian's wife is at stake. The thought of that unknown woman taking my place made me so angry.
Why didn't Sebastian love me anymore? I wondered if it was really my inability to give him a child or there's something else I don't know.
I glanced up as I saw him walk down the stairs. He came to the dining area and sat, eating his food. Thankfully, he didn't complain about it having a bad taste.
I decided to confront him about his feelings for me and even though he gets angry I'll take it that way. I just needed to know the truth.
I cleared my throat and he looked up, giving me an intimidating look. I adjusted on my chair, preparing myself. I needed to know what really was happening, I can't be silent forever.
I began, "Seb...is there anything I don't know? You've really changed over the years." I paused and continued, "...this isn't supposed to be. You used to love me."
He put on an evil smirk as he spoke. "I have never loved you, Natalie." He mentioned those shocking words to my ear. "Those times I pretended to love and cherish you; it was all a stunt I pulled. A camouflage to keep you to myself."
My jaw dropped and tears rolled down my face. How dare he say this to my face! I'm such a fool to have believed he had loved me then and also think he'd change after becoming a deadly monster.
I should have believed Rachael. She was right, he's just a pretender and a sly!
If he never had true feelings for me then why didn't he tell me from the start and allowed me go through all this maltreatment? He treated me badly all the way and made me feel like a non-living thing, like I don't exist.
"You made me an object of ridicule, Sebastian. I trusted you and you betrayed me!" I sniffed, my voice trembling with rage.
His expression remained calm but his eyes flashed with amusement. "Woman, there are many things you don't understand. I guess you must have forgotten our marriage was arranged, right? Oh..I suppose you have memory loss….ah so bad." He tsked.
I watched him laugh and instantly my anger rose, I tightened my fists in annoyance, my knuckles turning white.
This man is such a liar and a betrayal! I'm just so disappointed, he's playing on my integrity and loyalty to him. He sure has so much boldness to say all these without feeling remorse.
All blame should be on my parents, if not for them being so gullible, I wouldn't have ended up with this man full of mischief. I had faults too, I shouldn't have loved him in the first place and just dwell on the fact that we had an arranged marriage.
"I just helped your father from going bankrupt. Literally, we are just business partners and not a couple, you have so much misunderstanding. I showed you some bit of love then because you were pregnant with my child but the baby is gone and my affection for you is no more, Natalie. Get that into your thick skull."
"I will be bringing in another woman soon and in case you're curious, she's the one I went with last night and guess what.." He paused and licked his lips.
"... we had a nice time together. In bed, she's much more capable than you, Natalie."
Such a shameless man. He kept me stuck in this damn marriage and yet he cheated on me. I should have noticed his infidelity earlier than this. Why have I been so insensitive and ignorant?
I wiped the tears on my face and replaced it with a sneer. Even though he had broken my heart with his words, I wouldn't hesitate to give him his own piece of the cake too.
"Sebastian Sean…. I appreciate the deception." I mentioned it with complete sarcasm. "It's a pity I couldn't find out the truth until now, truly I know I've been fooled by you and you've toyed with my emotions but I'd also be delighted to let you know that you're nothing but a demon, a mad dog and a sex abuser!" I gritted my teeth, trying to contain my temper. I was indeed infuriated by his sight right now.
I could see him burning and he was as furious as a thunderstorm. He landed me a slap across the face and in an attempt to defend myself, my hand flew out to strike him but he caught my wrist effortlessly, his grip like a vice.
"What do you think you're doing?" He erupted.
I twisted my fist trying to break free but his grip only tightened.
His gaze twisted with rage and his eyes burning with intensity. "You've suddenly become bold, haven't you? Now you've begun to chirp like a mannerless parrot and insult me?" He spat, his voice venomous.
He grasped my throat, his fingers closing like a vice. My eyes widened as he lifted me off the ground.
"You're nothing but a pawn." Sebastian snarled, his breath hot against my face.
I clawed at his grip but Sebastian's hold only tightened. His face reddened with fury.
"You should be thankful that I agreed to marry you, you ungrateful wrench!"
He loomed over me, his chest heaving, "I am still your husband and you should have some sense of respect for me. The next time you talk to me this way, I won't hesitate to kill you with my bare hands and send your corpse to your family!"
I wallowed in tears as I rubbed my neck which hurted so much. I have to help myself sooner or he will end my life.
Later that day, Rachael called me on face time, since I couldn't go to work. Her eyes bulged out when she saw the effect of Sebastian's torture on me. I had several red marks on my face, indicating I was sincerely dealt with.
"Natalie!" She exclaimed. "Why are you bent on living your life in suffering? I keep telling you Sebastian would never change but you don't choose to listen." Rachael scolded me and I knew I deserved it and even more.
I have been blindfolded by Sebastian's façade, I should have known better.
"Rach, I now fully understand you. I was wrong, I failed to notice Sebastian's deception. He had never loved me." I said, amidst tears.
I have made up my mind to leave him and I don't care whatever happens. I am fully ready to face the wrath of my family. They've been in control of my life for the past 27 years but now I'm breaking free from Sebastian's clutches and my commanding parents.
I want happiness for myself and I can't continue to live in pain like this.
"What are you going to do? I really want your safety, Natalie." Rachael asked.
"Rachael, I am going to divorce him." With determination in my heart, I let out those words. I've got my mind made up and there's no going back.