Chapter 83 A Tangle of Hearts
Natalie’s POV
“I’m going to see some friends,” Lucas said once we stood before his mother and the senator’s wife. I was surprised he had stayed with me for so much of the party. I knew he liked meeting new girls and having fun.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
I nodded to him, and he promptly left.
I owed this family a lot of respect and gratitude. Even though they didn’t know me well, they welcomed me from the very first moment we met. They showered me with concern and love. They took the blood bond seriously.
I felt so proud to be one of that gteat big family. Even though my biological father didn’t support me by any means, he gave me the most precious thing in life. Family. Loving, supportive family.
“Hey, Carla!” I said with a smile, ignoring the piercing gaze Rafael shot me.
“Oh, darling! Mrs. Relbson loved your designs so much,” Carla exclaimed happily.
I stretched out my hand and shook hands with the woman. “Hey, Mrs. Relbson, it’s nice to see you again.”
I had met Mrs. Relbson several times at Roswen family occasions, and she was always very nice and kind.
“Oh dear, look at you. You’re stunning and gorgeous despite your situation,” Mrs. Relbson said, staring at my belly.
I knew exactly what she meant, and I wasn’t bothered though. After all, Daniel had made it clear to their social circle that I was a divorced woman.
The ironic thing was that in my home country, no one knew about my marriage despite knowing Rafael. But here, everyone knew about my marriage, but no one knew Rafael in person.
“Thank you, Mrs. Relbson, for attending, and I’m glad you liked my designs,” I said with sincere gratitude.
“Mrs. Relbson wants to invite you to dinner with her and her son,” Carla stated.
“You haven’t met William yet, right? I’m sure you both will get along well. Even though he has two kids, he will provide you with all the love and care you and your child need,” she said, then added with pride, “He’s nothing like the jerk you were married to.”
I tightened my lips, trying to stifle my laughter, knowing that Rafael was listening to our conversation.
It wasn’t like he didn’t deserve that, though.
But when I glanced at him, I saw something different. His eyes were shining, and a small smile appeared at the corner of his lips. I averted my gaze and frowned, thinking, “What? Has he healed from sadism to become masochistic and now enjoys being insulted?”
I looked back at Mrs. Relbson and mumbled softly, “Oh, I would love to, Mrs. Relbson. But, at the moment, I’m very busy. Once I have free time, I’ll let you know.” I finished my sentence with an apologetic smile, trying to be polite as I declined.
I wasn’t ready for a new relationship. I wasn’t going to do anything that would prevent me from giving my child all the attention and love he needs.
And who needs men, anyway? They are jerks. It’s just me and my child.
She smiled, “Okay, dear. I know this isn’t the right time. I hope in the future you give this a chance.”
I smiled gently and mumbled, “It’s okay. I’ll be happy to make new friends, though.”
That jerk Rafael was walking around smiling stupidly near where I was standing, like a stalker. What the hell is wrong with him? Why does he keep smiling like a mentally retarded person?
Maya approached me, saying she wanted me to meet some friends of hers. I knew she did that to save me from embarrassment.
“Thank you, Maya,” I thanked her as she pulled me toward the dance floor.
“Come on, if she wants you to be her daughter-in-law, her son has to make a lot of effort. Not just send his mother to invite you,” she said, winking at me.
I rolled my eyes. It wasn’t like I was going to agree or have any relationship in the meantime.
“Let’s dance!” she said excitedly.
I pulled my hand from hers and refused, “No. I have some pain in my belly. It’s not wise for me to dance now.”
Her eyes widened, “Do you have childbirth pain?”
I chuckled, “No! It’s just due to the stress and hard work of the last few days, I guess.”
She chuckled back, “Few days! Say weeks, months! You’re the hardest-working woman I’ve ever known.”
“Don’t exaggerate!” I said with a laugh and urged her to go and have fun with Daniel.
I sighed as I leaned against the wall behind me, small itches of pain pulsing in my lower abdomen.
“Hey, I’m back,” said Lucas.
Noticing the pain on my face, he asked with concern, “Nat? Are you okay? Should I call Mum for you?”
“No, no. I’m fine. Go and have fun,” I assured him, trying not to panic. It was still ten days until my due date, as my doctor had reassured me.
“Are you sure? You seem unwell.”
“No, really. I’m fine. Go and have some fun!” I insisted.
“I’ll just go and dance a little. If you need anything, call me,” he said, his eyes on a girl on the dance floor.
I smiled, “Go and get her, soldier!”
He grinned, then stormed toward the dance floor.
I leaned back against the wall, patted my belly, and whispered softly, “Hold on, little baby, don’t come now, please! Not when your father is around.”
Then I frowned, “Or… Are you betraying me and honoring your stupid dad?”
Suddenly, I jumped when I heard Rafael’s voice saying, “So, he’s not your fiance after all,” his voice relaxed and joyful.
I turned my head and saw him leaning against the wall beside me, a cigarette in his lips.
A cloud of smoke spread in the air before him. He seemed so happy as if he had won a billion dollars.
“When did he start smoking?” I wondered.
But who the hell cares, he can take poison if he would like to.