Former Lovers?

Nathalie had no clue how to deal with the newly found emotions, her heart beat faster than ever while her brain insisted on the answer that still she kept on to deny her feelings.

The lady kept on building thorns and fencing her heart from all the sides.

"I...I don't know. Shut this show, stop all this nonsense."

The most handsome guy in the USA, the young billionaire Lucas Petrakis confessed his feelings.  Unknown about his identity Nathalie denied her feelings, rejected and decided to remain in her hard-core shell.

Lucas could sense that she was uncomfortable about the whole situation, and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"It's okay. Calm down, I know you are shocked right now. As no one ever dared to say such a thing to you. Take your time to think. But do remember Nathalie, I'm always with you and I will always be in front of you as your shield."

He hugged her at once, which she didn't expect but couldn't  even react to that.

'I'm sorry Lucas, I just can't return your love. Especially since I have to deal with Diego and his threats. I need to keep you safe and away.'

"Now let me drive. Come."

He opened the door as Nathalie blankly slipped in and Lucas began to drive. She tucked her head with the window as the lady played with her hair strand looking outside.

'Why is this happening? It was supposed to be a contract marriage. This...this is impossible, how can a man fall in love with me just in a few days. Oh come on! Nathalie, you know he has a habit of joking around. Don't take his words seriously.'

Her inner self was talking and she glanced at the man beside her who had been driving silently.

'But you do feel the same way for him. Why don't you confess? He is handsome. No no, don't be a fool. Don't get distracted by his looks. You have to let him go so he can go back to his life without any dangers lurking.'

She scolded herself and took measures to protect herself from not ending up as a fool to emotions, which could put numerous lives in grave danger because Diego would go up to every length to get what he wanted.

"Here we reached. Come."

Like a gentleman he opened the door of the car in front of 'Gifted Art Museum' and they both walked in the art gallery. His arm around her shoulder as Nathalie glanced at him.

Lucas passed her a genuine smile to which she just stared. How could a man be so shameless or perhaps so perfect, to switch his moods and to keep his behaviour under check!?

"Thank you Mrs. Watson."

She thanked the old lady, the owner of the gallery as they both walked around.

"Always welcome, love. Well sweety your boyfriend is a kind man. I like him, just be a 'Mrs' as soon as possible." 

She winked at her and smiled, which left Nathalie bewildered and flustered as she felt heat around her cheeks and hot air coming from her ears.

"Err....Mrs. Watson it's not....."

She tried to make an excuse but got stuck.

"Hehe! The well-known cold hearted Miss Nathalie Lancaster is unable to find words to make an excuse."

She patted her shoulder.

"Honey, you are in love with him. Don't worry, just follow your heart. It will lead you towards his path. Confess to him and I'm sure he will hold you. Believe me you won't be left behind this time."

Nathalie nodded in yes as she hugged her, the only friend she had since so many years that she can't remember. Nathalie used to come here with grandpa Lancaster since she was a child.  As her father was always busy with his drinking and mistresses she used to visit the gallery owner after school telling and sharing her problems.

She soon became a mother-like figure to her, about which grandpa Lancaster never objected since Nathalie needed a mother's love too.

"Ah! Ladies are always talking. Hehe, time to go."

Lucas interrupted them and the both ladies laughed, while Nathalie waved her goodbye and the couple headed towards the exit.

"You look beautiful when you smile."

He complimented her with a smile and seated himself for driving after putting the painted canvas behind.

"Thank you."

Nathalie whispered, lowering her head, while Lucas teased her once again.

"Oh! My goodness, my boss is thanking me! Looks like I still have a chance to dot on you!"

He chuckled but Nathalie kept quiet and simply smiled. Lucas seated himself and they both drove back home, whereas he had been consistently seeing her while trying to figure out the actual problem.

'I don't know why you are behaving like this Nathalie, but I will find out the cause soon.'

'I know it is related to Diego  for whom I'm looking forward to meeting, of course I know you want to protect me. But you have to trust me for once, please for once open up to me!'

Lucas silently prayed in his heart that somehow Nathalie Lancaster would open up her heart to him. When she had finally been trying to and their relationship was getting ahead in the direction of husband and wife, Diego popped up with his evil plans!

'You said yesterday night under the influence of alcohol that you hate Diego and would never forgive him. Are you two by any chance former lovers? If that's the case then why didn't you marry him when he sent the proposal?'

Yes! Lucas Petrakis had been digging in the information about their relationship which seemed to be suspicious, since Nathalie started to repel him after his arrival.

'What exactly is your relationship with him? He isn't your brother or else he would not have sent the proposal, the only thing I can comprehend is that you two are lovers. But...are you really using me as your excuse to escape the issue of marriage, Nathalie?'

Lucas turned his head to cast a look on the woman who had been glancing outside with a blank expression.

'What is going on in your mind!?'

He shifted his focus on the road again with a troubled mind.

•••••

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