Chapter 13
Natalie also broke down in tears. She was reminded of her origins, which were not much better than Martin’s.
She walked over and covered him with a cost.
In fact, Natalie was a little envions of Martin. After all, he had experienced his parents affection, at the very least. Meanwhile, her parents‘ identity remained unknown to her
As a child, she was afraid of all kinds of festivals. Other kids had their parents buy them new clothes and toys or hold birthday parties. On the other hand, Natalie could only stay home and help Nadine.
Her biggest regret was that she never had a birthday cake, Anytime she walked by a bakery and saw parents picking out cakes for their kids, she couldn’t help but wish she was one of those kid
If she got a do–over, a next life, she wanted to be that kid who was loved by her folks. She dreamed of having a birthday cake every year, with her mom and dad singing Happy Birthday just to her.
The typhoon alan ringing into her ear brought Natalie back to reality, Waves were stacking up, big and mean. The boat took a wild lean, and they both ran back into the cabin.
At that moment, Natalie tripped and slammed into the tipping wine cabinet, which instantly leaned toward her. Martin was right behind her and lunged to take the hit. He wrapped Natalie up in his arms and they rolled away, just as the cabinet crashed down.
Thanks to Martin, Natalie didn’t get a scratch. And the yacht started to steady out a bit.
Natalie struggled out of Martin’s arms and noticed him lying on the ground with a pole face. His eyes were shut tight, and blood was drained from his lips.
Natalie panicked. “Martin, are you okay? Say something!” she yelled.
Natalie patted his cheek, opened his lids, and pinched his temples, but there was na response.
Natalie immediately carried out
it CPR on him
Martin could feel someone pinching his nose, and he tasted fresh air laced with a sweet scent entering his mouth. He gradually showed some
Natalie was so
was so nervous that she
e did not notice Martin had opened his eyes. When she pressed her lips against him once more, she felt him moving
She raised her head instantly and was met with Martin’s puzzled gaze. “You’re awake?!” Natalie exclaimed. Her face turned a shade of red.
She helped Martin onto the couch, and only then did she notice the cuts on his arms from the glass shards.
Her heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly brought a first–aid kit from the cabin and treated Martin’s wounds.
When she thought of how Martin had risked himself to save her, she felt warmth spreading throughout her heart
No man had ever protected her like this in her life.
Natalie applied ointment on the bruises while she was lightly blowing on them.
This familiar action made Martin’s eyes water. It took him back to when he was a kid, to his mom blowing on his scrapes, telling him it’d make the hurt go away.
When she felt Martin’s intense gaze on her. Natalie felt her heart pound faster.
Then, Martin asked casually, “Do you often tend to people’s v
wounds?
ne other than Henry
“How did you know that?” Natalie exclaimed. She often dealt with her brother Henry’s wounds. Martin was the first one
When he heard this, Martin’s expression turned cold. “I forgot. You lived with your ex–boyfriend for three years. I’m sure you’ve had plenty of practice on him,” he said sarcastically.
Natalie’s hands paused, and she thought, Why does he sound a little bitter?
Hence, she clarified, “Samuel and I may have lived in the same apartment, but we were just roommates. It’s not what you think.”
didn’t
say a word, but the look on his face said it all–he believed Natalie.
“I have something else to tell you,” Natalie added and wanted to make everything clear in one go. “I didn’t hide our prenuptial agreement in the newspaper for Grandpa Timnathy,” she informed.
Natalie then showed Martin the surveillance footage she had saved on her phone.
21 PM
Chapter 13
Martin sat up straight and watched Charlotte go straight to the bed after entering the room. Then, she went out with something in her hand. The whole process was less than a minute as if everything was planned timely.
Martin slowly narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, he remembered the few times he had lost some cash. At most, he had lost 4,000 dollars.
He thought he had misremembered it and never cared about it. If Natalie had not installed the surveillance camera, he would have never found out Charlotte was such a person.
I remembered I locked the door. How did Charlotte get in?” Natalie asked.
Grandpa has the key.” Martin answered with a dark expression. “She must’ve stolen Grandpa’s keys.”
I put the prenuptial agreement in the drawer of the bedside table. If it was really her who had taken it- Natalie remarked.
She must have” Martin frowned and said firmly, “I meant to tolerate her, seeing she has been taking care of Grandpa for so long…” Martin sighed.
I wasn’t calm enough yesterday. I apologize,” he uttered.
Natalie looked into his sincere eyes, feeling moved. Trust was the most precious thing in the world. If someone was willing to
ng to trust you, it meant they were really starting to accept you
The yacht changed its route because of the upcoming typhoon. At dusk, they docked at a fishing village.
some guests for fishing and
The fishing village was crude, with only a dozen families. However, it was the height of summer, so there were quite se sightseeing. Every family opened their homes as homestays to receive them.
Natalie got off the yacht and saw a sign pointing to a homestay nearby. Exhausted and starving, she trotted in that direction.
“Watch out!” A voice sounded as a billboard above Natalie was falling from the strong wind
Martin reacted quickly enough as he hurriedly held Natalie in his arms and covered her head with his hand. Then, as the billboard fell, he kicked it sideways and changed the direction it fell.
Bang! The billboard smashed on the ground harshly and shattered into pieces. Fortunately, both of them were unhurt.
Natalie was shaken to her core. Her face was pressed tightly against Martin’s chest. When she heard his quickened heartbeat, she was once again moved by him. He had saved her twice that day.
“Are you okay?” Martin asked worriedly as he released her.
“I’m fine. Thank you,” she uttered. Her heart was beating rapidly, and she did not know whether she was moved or had fallen in love.
“Don’t dash around in s such a strong wind,” Martin lectured in a stern voice. Yet, it sounded like nothing but concern in Natalie’s ears.
“Okay,” Natalie responded as she nodded.
Martin was a little taken aback. He was used to feisty girls like Waverly–if you said “no” to her, she’d do it just to prove a point. Natalie’s chill attitude was new territory for him
He took Natalie’s hand, found an excuse, and said, “The wind is strong. It’s safer for me to hold on to you”
Natalie’s heart pounded faster. She kept telling herself to keep her distance from Martin. After all, they would divorce in six months, and she did not want to develop feelings for him. However, Martin’s accidental kind gestures kept melting her heart.
The two walked with difficulty amidst the howling wind and increasingly heavy rain. Ultimately, Martin directly carried Natalie in his arms and rushed into a random homestay.
