Nathalia’s POVI tried to open the window here in my room, but to no avail. I let out a deep sigh when I noticed that it was locked from the outside. Though I can just break it, it will surely gain attention, which I’m trying to avoid as much as possible.I looked outside the window again and saw the guards standing unwaveringly with their guns. I scanned the surroundings and realized that the mansion was surrounded by high walls.When I took a shower earlier, I noticed there wasn’t even a small window in the bathroom. Perhaps it was intentionally designed that way to keep the people they abduct here.I shrugged my shoulders, lowered the curtain, and started pacing around the room. The room is huge, and elegance permeates every part of it. A small chandelier hangs from the ceiling, while plush area rugs cover the floor to add comfort when you walk.Then there’s the king-size bed with a white mattress and black pillows, along with the cream four-door closet that has full-length mirrors

Nathalia’s POV“Wow! I never thought you could look even more beautiful.” Shantel clapped her hands while standing behind me, staring at me intensely through the mirror in front of us.Meanwhile, I remained expressionless, examining my appearance from my hair down to the gown I was wearing. Shantel made me turn around so that I could also see the back of the gown I had on. She seemed genuinely impressed.Well, who wouldn’t be? It was a princess-like ivory bridal gown adorned with exquisite beaded lace embroidery on the plunging neckline over the illusion bodice. The beaded lace cap sleeves flowed into a magnificent illusion back with lace accents and a button closure. The gown was paired with four-inch, white embellished satin block heel sandals.My ash gray, wavy hair was styled in a loose updo, with a few strands framing my face to give the look a softer touch. I had light makeup on and wore a pair of diamond earrings.All in all, I looked perfect. But I just didn’t feel like it.De

Nathalia’s POV“How dare you say that to them? We both know the truth!” I shouted weakly at him, trying to restrain myself from losing control.Doesn’t he have any other decent excuse in mind? Really?“It’s okay, Thalia. You have nothing to be ashamed of in front of us. You’re already married, and you’re like a sister to us.” Harold grinned like an idiot.I suddenly felt a headache coming on. My supposedly smart friends were fooled! Do I look like I’m secretly dating and just going along with whoever?Stephen raised an eyebrow and stared challengingly at me. “Then, what do you want me to tell them? The truth? Are you ready for the consequences, if ever?” he whispered teasingly.That made me shut my mouth. So he was just telling the truth to my family. Perhaps he had already gotten closer to Mads, so he didn’t want to involve them any further.He sighed and almost made me scream when he suddenly grabbed my waist.“Just save your rants for yourself, sweetie. Because it will no longer ma

Nathalia’s POVAfter eating, I decided to watch TV for a while. Cole sat on the single sofa beside me and watched as well. Despite that, I couldn’t help but think about Stephen’s condition and his wound, wanting to know how he was doing and help him heal.But I restrained myself. I shouldn’t care about him. If he wants to end his life, it’s his own business. It might even be better for me if that happens.“How long have you been working for Stephen?” I asked Cole while my eyes were fixed on the TV.To be honest, I couldn’t understand what I was watching because my thoughts were wandering all over the place.I saw him smile from my peripheral view.“The truth is, I was just a child when I ended up under Anderson’s care. They found me wandering on the streets back then. I escaped from the orphanage I grew up in because I didn’t get along with the other kids there.”I heard him take a deep breath.“They took me in, cared for me, dressed me, educated me, and gave me a home. So, I owe them

Nathalia’s POVI’ve been locked inside the mansion for two weeks now. If it’s not the servants, I’m often talking to plants. I feel like I’m going to die or go crazy from extreme boredom.And to add to that, there’s Cole, who is always tailing me, and I rarely have a decent conversation with him. He never runs out of lame and corny jokes, which I find unusual for a bodyguard. I always associate that kind of behavior with someone serious and intimidating.But with Cole, everything is just cool. He somehow lightens up my mood.Mads and the others have visited me here several times, but because there are guards around, especially Cole, I’m not comfortable talking to them properly. It seems like they’re used to having so many guards all over the mansion.I tried to seize the opportunity to escape this hell for a while. I asked if we could go out because I miss bonding with them and to get away from this hellish place, even if only temporarily.But Stephen, being evil himself, managed to c