NOTE: HENCEFORTH, THIS STORY WOULD BE WRITTEN IN THIRD PERSON FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCES.
***
Blake scanned the document Travis gave him, his face set in a serious expression. The information about Natalie revealed a startling fact.
"She's married," Blake said, his voice laced with surprise. "Her last name is her husband's."
Travis nodded gravely. "She's Sebastian Sean's wife."
Blake's gut twisted at the mention of Sebastian. Memories of their tumultuous past flooded his mind.
"Kaloyan, you have to forfeit whatever feelings you have for her," Travis urged. "Sebastian is a dangerous man, and you know it."
Blake looked away, masking his true emotions. "I didn't tell you I felt anything towards her."
Travis's knowing gaze pierced through him. "Don't start, Trav," Blake warned, but he continued.
"I see love in your eyes, buddy. But it's a pity she's someone else's wife—and your sworn enemy's at that."
Four Years Ago
Sebastian and Blake were once inseparable friends and business partners. Their smooth relationship was the envy of everyone. They secured a lucrative thirty-trillion contract, but as soon as it fell through, Sebastian's true colors emerged.
"Sebastian, how dare you turn on me? You stabbed me in the back!" Blake confronted him in his office.
Sebastian shrugged, his eyes cold. "Let's just say you trusted the wrong person, good friend. It's so bad you're finding out now. I'd never let you win, Kaloyan."
Blake's anger boiled over, but Sebastian's personal bouncers restrained him.
Outside, reporters swarmed him, their questions piercing.
"Is it true you're a fraud?"
"Did you breach the contract with Sebastian Sean?"
"You're an embezzler, aren't you?"
Sebastian had successfully tarnished Blake's reputation. His business crumbled, and he went into hiding. But Blake rebuilt.
Now, Sebastian's presence in Natalie's life ignited a burning desire to protect her.
Ever since Blake met Natalie, a strong connection had formed. Her tears haunted him, and he suspected Sebastian was the source of her unhappiness.
Determined to uncover the truth, Blake called his driver and prepared to leave.
Travis blocked his path, concern etched on his face. "Kaloyan, it's dangerous. Protect yourself."
Blake reassured him. "Thanks, pal. I'll be fine."
At Cakey Bakey, Blake shed his Kaloyan persona and became Blake. Natalie's eyes met his, and for a moment, time froze.
"Blake! You came!" Her excitement was infectious.
Blake smiled, approaching the counter. "I promised I'd come. How are you doing?"
Natalie's faint smile hinted at hidden troubles.
"Let's grab a seat."
Over chocolate cake and a soft drink, their conversation flowed easily.
But Blake sensed something was amiss. Faint marks on her skin sparked his curiosity. Was Sebastian behind her struggles?
"Natalie, is everything alright?" Blake asked, genuine concern seeping into his voice.
Her response was a gentle nod and a forced smile. Blake vowed to uncover the truth.
"Natalie…." He called, taking her hands and rubbing the back of it. Natalie was moved by his mere touch, she felt drawn to him and also saw him as someone she could share her problems with.
She paused for a while before answering Blake's question. Everything wasn't alright with her. She wallows in sadness everyday and fear that Sebastian could begin his merciless torture on her.
In some days, the divorce papers would be ready and she would be walking out of his life. She had planned on getting a new apartment tomorrow, she couldn't continue to live with that beast of a husband.
She needed to breath new air and break free from being a slave to Sebastian.
Natalie's voice cracked as she spoke, her words barely above a whisper.
"I'm suffocating in a marriage with a beast. He's draining the life out of me, and I'm terrified that one day, he'll leave nothing but ashes." Tears streamed down her face, and she quickly dabbed at them with her sleeve, desperate to maintain a fragile facade of calm.
Blake's jaw clenched, anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. "You don't have to worry, Natalie. I'm here with you and would also help you get out of this."
Natalie's gaze searched his, desperation evident. "How? He has connections everywhere. Police, judges…. he's untouchable, Blake. He's fire."
Blake would have loved to reveal his true identity to Natalie, to assure her that he had connections too, people who owe him favour but he couldn't just do that now. He still wanted to keep his true identity unknown to her. Nevertheless, he is still going to help her break from Sebastian's shackles.
Blake's expression turned resolute. "Natalie you have me, just watch me. I'll do everything possible to help. Keep that in mind, okay?"
Natalie's face radiated with renewed hope, her worries lifting like a weight off her shoulders. She clung to Blake's words, finding solace in his assurance. With Blake and Rachael by her side, she felt an unprecedented sense of strength and courage.
For the first time in years, Natalie envisioned a life free from Sebastian's tyranny. A life where she could breathe without fear, laugh without hesitation, and love without pain.
Blake's promise had ignited a spark within her, and Rachael's unwavering support fanned the flames. Together, they would face Sebastian's darkness, and Natalie would emerge victorious.
Her heart swelled with gratitude as she looked at Blake. He believed in her, and with his help, she believed in herself.
"I won't let him control me anymore," Natalie declared, her voice firm and resolute.
Blake smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "You're taking back control, Natalie. We're in this together."
Natalie's determination solidified, her spirit renewed. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing she had Blake and Rachael to support her every step of the way.
***
Natalie chopped vegetables, lost in thought as she prepared dinner. Despite her strained relationship with Sebastian, she continued to take care of household duties. He often worked late, and she no longer worried about his whereabouts.
As she cooked, the sound of Sebastian's car outside made her tense. His early arrival caught her off guard. Since their confrontation, Natalie feared he might lash out again, and she avoided him at all costs.
Her heart racing, Natalie heard Sebastian's footsteps approaching. She hastened to escape to her room, but in her rush, her arm grazed the scorching pot on the stovetop.
A searing pain shot through her skin, and Natalie gasped, instinctively clutching her burned arm. Tears sprang to her eyes as she quickly turned off the stove and rushed to the sink to run cold water over the burn.
Sebastian entered the kitchen, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Natalie's distress. "What happened?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion.
Natalie hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I accidentally burned myself," she replied, trying to sound calm.
Sebastian's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. Natalie's anxiety spiked, wondering if he'd exploit her vulnerability.
As he walked closer to her, Natalie moved back. She thought he wanted to hurt her again but his next actions surprised her.
"Come Natalie, I'll treat the wound." He said and she looked at him, her brows knitted into a deep frown. She studied his eyes which were suddenly full of sympathy towards her and she knew better than to believe him again.
He was almost taking her out to the living room when she snatched her hand away from him. Initially, Sebastian had been annoyed but he concealed that fact, he couldn't disrupt his plans by getting angry at her.
"Natalie don't do this. You have bruised your skin and first aid is needed." He told her, hoping she would succumb but she was adamant about letting him.
"No Sebastian. I'll take care of it myself." She mentioned, trying to control her anger. He sure had the guts to walk up to her and act all cute after he had made her understand that she was nothing to him.
She wasn't going to allow him deceive her again by pretending to care for her. Didn't he mention that he didn't have any sort of love towards her? He shouldn't try to trick her into believing him once again. No, she isn't going to let him ridicule her again!
"I insist…." Sebastian pressed with urge in his eyes. No...he wasn't going to flare up, he wouldn't, this time. He would keep calm until he succeeded in his persuasion.