Natalia’s POV

after I explained everything to my father, he finally allowed me to leave him. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t want me out of his side and he chased his wife when she wanted to interrupt our father-daughter time.

I didn’t want the moment to end, but I needed to find out what the hell Scott wanted after everything he did to me with my sister.

Did he regret ever leaving me after seeing me on tv engaged to the worthiest family? Did Eva give him enough reasons to think he made a mistake? The possibilities were endless, and I wanted in each of them for him to suffer dearly.

As I waked outside the hospital the following day, I called a tax and got in.

Afte talking to him, he said he just needed to talk to me and that was that. He did sound drunk, so I told him I would meet him today at my father’s house. He wanted for me to go to his house but knowing what might have been instilled for me, I refused that offer.

I called work and reported I was sick. But I did see a message from Micheal saying he didn’t like that I missed work.

But I just waved it off. I needed a day off.

Finally, I reached home and as soon as I walked into the house, my eyes froze. I was expecting him, but not right away. I needed to wash off, and plan what I needed to say to him.

But no matter.

“Hey,” he said as I approached.

“Hello,” I replied, walking to stand on the opposite side of the living room table.

I looked around and neither Eva nor mother was there. Did they know about this meeting? What the hell did I walk into?

“Out with it then. Why did you want to talk to me? I thought after last time you and I wouldn’t have to do this. Ever. So, what now?”

I looked at him. He wore a perfectly fitting black suit, black shiny shoes. Overall, I was reminded why I ever said yes to going out with him in the first place.

But I shook myself and kept my calm. “Can you hurry up; I don’t have the whole day.”

He was silent for a while then cleared his throat. “I saw the news,” he began. “You got engaged to that big jerk Micheal. Is that why he was at the hospital the other night?”

As I looked at him, I could see sadness in his eyes. His eyebrows came together then he opened up. “I’m sorry about what I did. I shouldn’t have done that to you. I love you,” he moved closer to me.

Could you believe this? Neither could I.

“How do I say this?” I looked at him. “I think you are still confused with what you want, Scott. I loved you, but what did you do to me? And with my sister no less. Who does that?” I never confronted him about this. That night was short and I couldn’t get everything out of my chest.

“I didn’t even look at any other man the way I did you. And all along you were laughing at my delusions with my sister,” I wiped a tear. “If this is what you came to say, then you can leave now. I don’t want to hear it and I really don’t care.”

But instead, he moved even closer. Rounded the table and before I knew it, he was holding my hands.

“Please, Natalia. I still love you. You know your sister. She manipulated me to hurt you. I should have known better. Please,” he knelt before me.

Was I ready to hear this nonsense? Could I listen what he was saying? I knew my sister and I knew she could do anything to break my heart. So, maybe he was saying the truth. But even then, what was done was done.

I stepped back, breaking his grip on my hands. “I’m sorry that what happened, happened. If what you are saying is the truth, then bad for you. My sister is a lot of things, but even I know she couldn’t have manipulated a grown man like you. What did you say when I found you at that cafe?” I tapped my chin. “Oh yes. I’m a nobody. You left me crying in the rain, Scott. That is not what my sister could have manipulated. That is what you felt.” Again, tears left my eyes.

He crawled to me, this time crying. “Please, Natalia. I love you.”

I sniffed and run a hand across my face. “That is too bad. You see I just got engaged. So, if you don’t mind, I’m tired and I need to sleep. You can let yourself out.”

I turned but before I could even take a step away, he pulled me and his lips touched mine. His hand brushing my waist as he pulled me closer to his body.

My heart skipped. I couldn’t still be in love with this jerk, could I?

I pulled away and slapped him, then spit before his foot. “How dare you do that? I told you I don’t love you anymore.” But I think my heart might say differently. “Leave this house now!” I shouted and walked away. My heart humming in my chest.

I entered my room, shutting the door behind me. What the hell just happened? What was happening? Just last night when I kissed Micheal, I felt things in my stomach. But again, after Scott forced a kiss on me, I wanted to return the favour. I wanted to feel his warmth again, to feel his touch.

I couldn’t love both of them. And they both didn’t love me. Even though Scott claimed to have been manipulated by Eva, deep down I knew he was lying—even though I wanted to believe otherwise.

Micheal loved Kim. Our marriage was transactional and nothing more. So, maybe that kiss was just me been excited because I was kissing another boy. Because he was the second boy I have kissed. Just maybe.

The phone in my bag vibrated, I walked to my bed and opened to see the message.

Micheal’s name flashed on the screen. And as I read the message, my stomach began to do that weird thing again.

Crap.