chapter 26 New Decisions
Natalie’s POV
Two days had passed, and I felt more relaxed and comfortable. I decided to go back home with a new spirit. The morning running made my mind clearer. I took a deep breath and smiled. I was ready to start a new chapter in my life. I opened the door and walked in, feeling a sense of hope.
I grabbed my phone and called Grandma. I haven’t called here since I arrived, even though I called Tobi every day. Yesterday, when we were talking on the phone, Rafael snatched the phone from her ear and roared, “Where damn are you?”
When I heard his voice, every cell in my body trembled, and my heart beats raced. I hung up on him immediately. I didn’t want to talk to him nor hear his voice at that time. But today, I felt more stronger and more determined. His love is a folded page for me.
Grandma was surprised and happy to hear from me. We talked for a while, and she told me that the house was boring without me and Rafael.
“He’s preparing for the anniversary of the company. I didn’t see him much” she said with her hoarse voice.
“Working on the weekend?” I asked, trying to make my tone neutral.
She coughed and replied, “Yes. If you were her, you would have helped him as you both always do.”
I bit my lower lip. Did she sense something or was she speaking spontaneously? She stopped talking, waiting for me to say something. I remained silent, not sure what to say.
I cleared my throat and said, “Yep, Grandma. But don’t worry, we have good employees. My place won’t differ much!”
After we chatted about various things, I hung up and started searching through my phone log. Searching for a certain number.
I was hesitant for a bit about whether to call or not. Then I decided I had to call and take this step. If I want to let go of Rafael, I have to take this step.
I took a deep breath and dialed. After two seconds, the other side of the line connected and Daniel’s French accent rang through the phone, “Hey beautiful! What made you remember this poor man?”
I smiled at the way he always addressed me.
“Did I call at the wrong time?” I asked when I heard some noises through the call.
“No, no beautiful. These are my sister’s kids playing.”
I smiled. It seemed he loved kids. I never saw Rafael playing with kids.
I shaked my head. Why am I even comparing between them?This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
“Danial, I know you’re upset with me about our last meeting, but I need your help!” I said, feeling agitated.
He laughed and mumbled, “Okay, but it shouldn’t be about that assassin!”
I laughed, “Assassin?”
“He must be one of them. Like hell, he’s barbarous,” he added.
“Listen! I need you to accompany me at an event and …..” We talked about it for an hour, discussing details and convincing him to agree.
“And, on which day this event is?” he asked, not yet fully convinced.
I sighed, “Tonight!”
He was silent for a while and then said, “You have no one but me to accompany you, right?”
“Yep!” I muttered, not sure of what he would say.
“Then, you have me for this event!” he said resignedly.
“Yes!” I shouted in excitement. “Thank you so much, I promise I will return the favor”
“That is, if your monster man doesn’t kill me,” he snorted.
After I hung up, I picked up my things, cleaned the cottage and wrote a note to Rebecca thanking her.
Whenever I think about what I’m going to do at the event, I feel nervous. But I had to do it. It’s the best solution for everyone.
Deep in my heart, I was wondering why Rafael didn’t call me today? The past two days, whenever I turned on my phone, I found missed calls from him.
I tried not to think of this any further to reduce the anxiety. I have to focus on my goal.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror at the beauty center. The long dark green dress was sticking to my body like a second skin. My golden hair was flowing in folds along my neck and shoulders. I glanced at the green necklace which I inherited from my mother.
I sighed and called Daniel to pick me up. I was determined to make my decision and take this step. I knew that it was the right thing to do. I had to do it. I have nothing to lose more than I already lost!
I waited for Daniel to arrive. I was ready. I had to take this action, I kept saying to myself. My heart was trembling whenever I thought about what Rafael might do then though.
“Are you sure of what you’re going to do?” Daniel asked once we sat in his car. It was the first time I heard his serious tone of voice.
I nodded but I didn’t reply. Even if I wasn’t ready, I had to do this, and there was no place to retreat.
I am a new woman. I am not the same naive girl that I was before the past few days.
The ride to the hotel where the anniversary was held was silence. Every one of us was immersed in his thoughts. Once we parked before the huge building of the hotel, Daniel held my hand and asked, “Are you ready?”
His concern moved my heart. He didn’t know me well, yet he agreed to help me.
I smiled a small smile, nodded and stared at the huge number of Paparazzi and their mics and cameras.
Daniel squeezed my hand to reassure me.
Once we got out of the car, the camera flashes of Paparazzi showered us.