Natalie paused for a while. Her gaze searched Sebastian's eyes, seeking sincerity. She was trying to navigate whether he was sincere or this was just one of his tricks.
His expression remained concerned, making it hard to discern his true intentions. She nodded cautiously, unsure if this was another trick.
Sebastian smiled inwardly, relieved he had convinced her.
He knew his investments in Natalie's family and her would be wasted if she left. He planned to keep her close, pretending to care.
He was going to keep her to himself and isn't going to give her a chance to leave him. He would make her stay.
As Sebastian applied ointment to her burn, Natalie watched warily. Their eyes met and he gave her a smile.
"It's all done." He finally wrap a bandage around around the bruised spot and sat up, putting away the first aid box.
Natalie was getting uncomfortable with the proximity and she shifted away.
Sebastian held her waist and pulled her closer to himself. Their gaze locked and Natalie quickly drifted away, goosebumps all over her body. Getting close to him was starting to have an effect on her, making her feel insecure.
Sebastian noticed this and was overwhelmed with pride. It was a big relief to see that his touch still had an effect on her. He would stop at nothing to have this woman to himself.
Natalie froze as he threw her into a hug and caressed her long hair. She wondered why he was doing all this.
"I know you have doubts, Natalie. I know I treated you wrongly but I'm sorry. I didn't mean any of those words, I promise. I also take back my words. With deep sincerity baby, I'm begging you to forgive me." He smirked, pronouncing every single word he had said. He was going to make sure he cage her heart and she would never leave him.
She was his property and rightfully his. He would act all cool now and make sure he slowly wields his audacity and authority over her.
Natalie was taken aback by his apology. She was in a perplexed situation and doesn't even know if he truly meant what he had just said or it was again, one of his camouflages.
She paused, still in thought then she made a decision. She wasn't going going to allow him trap her like before, therefore she broke the hug and stood up.
Still Sebastian was maintained his calm demeanour. He slowly stood up and walked towards her.
He placed his hands on her shoulders and said, "You don't have to give an answer now. I'll patiently wait for your reply. I can see you're stressed out." He took note of her sweaty forehead which was a result of the hotness she felt with Sebastian's closeness.
"Don't worry I'll continue preparing dinner." He continued. Natalie's gaze followed him as he moved to the kitchen. For almost three years now, Sebastian hasn't laid his hands on any cooking utensils and now he wants to help her with cooking?
Natalie remembered when she had fallen sick and was unable to prepare meals, Sebastian had puffed and huffed, yelling at her and giving her lectures about cooking being her responsibility and now he wants to take it up?
She really has a bad feeling about this whole thing. She locked up herself in her room and went to bed but she was unable to sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about Sebastian's sudden change in behaviour. It was difficult for her to take her mind off it. A beast had suddenly turned calm out of the blue.
Natalie was still in thought when Sebastian called her downstairs to eat supper. She feared he could have added poison to the meal and didn't want to eat it but she couldn't resist its sweet savour.
She was about to start eating when Sebastian offered to spoon-feed her. He scooped some rice into her spoon and brought it closer to her mouth.
"No Sebastian. I can do that myself." Natalie protested. She wasn't numb and could feed herself, so why does he want to?
Sebastian didn't listen to her and persuaded her further until she reluctantly agreed. On his face was a smile as he fed her,she had successfully hidden his true intentions towards her. No matter what, he wasn't going to let her slip away his hands.
*****
The next morning, Natalie was woken with a 'good morning kiss'. Her eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes.
"Good morning." He whispered, his eyes glimmering with possessiveness.
She remembered begging him for this morning kiss but he had flared and yelled at her but now he didn't only give her a kiss but also brought her breakfast in bed. She was indeed surprised and couldn't help but ask why he was doing all these? Was he trying to impress her?
"Baby, I've made so many mistakes in our marriage. I mistreated you, Natalie and I want to make up for it." He took her hands, looking into her eyes.
"I love you beauty." He kissed the back of her palm, leaving her in shock. She wondered, was this really her husband? He just confessed his love for her. She was so confused and didn't know what to say. She doesn't want to make a decision she'd regret later.
"Say something, Natalie." He said, hiding the impatience in his voice. She cleared her throat and stood up.
"I have to take my bath, I'm getting late for work." She simply replied and walked into the bathroom. She doesn't have an answer for him now, making a rush would be bad. Her thoughts swirled, was this another trap?
Natalie was done dressing up and she walked downstairs, surprised to see Sebastian still around. What was he waiting for? Did his car develop a fault? Even if it did, he could take another from the fleet of cars he has.
"Ummm, you're still at home?" Hearing her question, Sebastian moved closer to her and she cautiously took some steps backwards. She was unsure what he was about to do now.
Sebastian carried her bridal style and left the living room. Natalie gasped, staring widely at him. She was starting to have goosebumps and a sweaty forehead again.
A victorious smile appeared on Sebastian's lips as he saw this, he was happy his progress wasn't stagnating. To make Natalie finally believe him is a gradual process.
"Please put me down." She said but Sebastian pretended not to hear her and proceeded to his car.
"I'll drop you off." He mentioned and started to drive, at first Natalie wanted to stop him but on a second thought, she just allowed him. At least, she wouldn't have to go through the stress of road traffic.
Fearing that he might kidnap her, Natalie kept stealing glances at him, monitoring his moves. One wrong move and she would snatch the steering wheel from him.
"We're at your shop." Sebastian announced, drifting her out of her thoughts. Relieved, she muttered a 'thank you' to him and was about to step down when Sebastian grabbed her arm, making her turn to look at him.
What does he wants now?
Without notice, he grabbed her chin and kissed her on the lips. Natalie widened her brows, completely astounded and her cheeks were red already due to the blush.
"You're beautiful my darling."
Author's Thought: Thanks so much for reading. I'd appreciate if you could drop some review and also rate my book.