Chapter 6

Natalie

My heart pounded hard against my rib cage as I reached the lonely roof top. How could I be so foolish to trust Dad's rival? He'd probably be cursing me from his grave. He'd be…disappointed in me.

The company,all I had ever worked for was…gone? Under 2 days?

It didn't make any sense,just this morning I was boasting in front of my mirror about how I'd overthrow Sebastian and show no mercy to those who had opposed me and wanted to bring me down.

I'd imagined how he'd beg me to let him go and how I'd deal with him for betraying my father's trust.

In the end, assistant Freya was right. Lucien never makes good deals. He was a green snake in the green grass,and I should've seen it coming.

Leon was right,I wasn't fit enough for the business empire. My whole life,I had wanted to become a boss lady, but Lucien had just killed my dream. Life feels dark and empty now.

I had failed him—my father. I had failed myself.

I walked towards the balcony, wanting to end it there and then. My life had no meaning anymore,no purpose. Life felt so void.

How would I even face my brother? I was a disappointment to him and our family name now.

My heart thundered in my chest again— this time it was as if it was going to burst out, as I stared down from the skyscraper,the cars on the bustling street below looked like tiny dots. Falling from such a great height,death was certain.

The strong wind blew my hair backwards, making it fly in the air as I stared up at the blue and clear sky. I took one deep breath,ready to end it all and escape the hellish,miserable life Lucien had orchestrated already for me.

I closed my eyes, letting myself tilt forward to the air. I felt a little happy that all the pain would soon come to an end. I'd finally be free. I didn't fall far from the balcony before a pair of strong hands grabbed me by the hand and dragged me back in.

I opened my eyes,shock evident in them. In seconds,we had crashed on the ground with me on top of his built body. I felt a sharp pain in my stomach that made me frown.

In anger,I looked at the intruder. It was him. Lucien. What does he want from me now? Wasn't taking the company enough for him?! Did he want to fully embarrass me now?!

Annoyed,I stood up, dusting off my clothes in the process. With a stern expression,I looked at him with hatred and spite. “What do you want?”

He smirked, acting nonchalant and indifferent towards my question. He stood up and took a deep breath before even looking at me.

“You want to die,huh?” He asked,hand in pockets.

I blinked multiple times, confused as to why he was asking me that question when he just ruined my entire life and all I'd worked for just minutes ago.

“Let me tell you something, Natalie Banks. If you kill yourself,I'll make sure your father follows. He’d be buried beside you.” He smiled at me, warmly and irritating.

I frowned,what game was he trying to play now? I wouldn't fall for it this time. No matter what, I'd keep my guard up at all times and be wary of his presence and company.

“And…don't worry about your brother. The orphanage would accept him with open arms.”

My frown deepened.

“I never thought Leon's daughter would be this foolish.” he stepped closer.

I felt the burning urge to slap him and give him a beating he would never forget,but he had the greater edge now and I have to keep my head down for now.

“You're nothing like him. You are weak.”

Weak?! Did he just call me a weakling?! I hated that word. It made anger boil in my veins and set me on fire.

I had worked and fought, tooth and nail for years. When I was still in highschool,I had spent every break in the library while my peers were living the life just to hear someone call me a weakling?!

I was tired. Frustrated. Why did I end up living a life like this?! How did I even end up here?

First,my father died,then I was tricked into a flag marriage with my enemy. He made the contract look desirable so that I would leap at it,and it worked.

I made up my mind,I would never be stuck with him for eternity. I would rather end it now. With a deep breath,I braced myself. “I want a divorce!”

His expression changed and he raised a brow. “Divorce? We've only been married for a day.”

I moved forward,not wanting to seem weak. “I want a divorce,and I mean it!”

“Are you blind, Natalie? Didn't you read the contract well?” He asked.

I stepped back. What kind of grave had he dug for me in the wedding contract? I wasn't ready for any more surprises.

“You can't file for a divorce until after three years of our marriage.” He smirked. Flashing his vampire-like teeth in the process.

Come to think of it,I never really read the contract. I was in such a hurry to sign and get the company back that I didn't even care what was written on the piece of paper and just rushed to sign it.

Was I stuck with him? My father's rival? For three years?!

Hell no! Could I really survive it?!

With tears brimming in my eyes,I stared up at his triumphant figure and a victorious smirk across his face. I hated him,spited him,and wanted to kill him. And I would do it,not directly. I would eat him up from inside till there's nothing left of him.