Wife by Day, Boss by Night

Natalie stood transfixed, watching the balloon drift past the company’s rooftop.

A female colleague nearby couldn't stop squealing in admiration. “Could this get any more. romantic? A proposal like this is completely new to me!”

“Isn't this just broadcasting it to the whole city that Brian's proposing to Gracia?”

“But with Gracia’s situation...”

“Stop being stupid. How would the Howard family approve of their marriage if that rumor were true? Would they have put on such a grand spectacle?”

Natalie glanced at the bustling crowd, feeling her smartphone burning in her hand.

The Howard family adored Gracia, and Brian loved her, too. It was all a sham.

Brian was there that day. Anyone with half a brain could tell it was her biting back at Gracia, right?

He just hadn't called her out on it. But it didn’t mean he wasn’t aware.

Silently, she curled the corner of her mouth into a sneer, turned around, and slowly walked toward the sanctuary of her dressing room.

Given that it was Brian's grand proposal to Gracia, she thought it best not to rain on their parade. Better to keep her distance to avoid getting on his wrong side.

Soon enough, Gracia would be Mrs. Howard and Natalie's position would become all the more awkward, solidified as the mistress, the other woman.

Brian's attitude in the restaurant restroom the day before last had said it all.

“Natalie, do you get it now? A mistress daughter can only be a mistress. You're not fit to be with Brian.” An anonymous text message popped up on her phone.

By one glance, Natalie knew it was from Gracia.

She returned to her dressing room, sat on the sofa, and stared blankly at her injured left hand.

So, he had always known about their secret affair, which could never see the light of day. He could sleep with her one day and return to Gracia the next. It was all the same to him.

She picked up her phone and texted Gracia back. [Then I wish you both a harmonious union and a lifetime of happiness.]

No sooner had she sent the message than Brian called. She looked at Brian's incoming call and didn’t answer.

She ignored the first call, then the second, and the third.

Just as she was about to turn off her phone, Rosie's call came through.

Natalie composed herself and answered, “What's up?”

Rosie was frantic on the other end. “Can you come down to the basement to help me out? My mom made me bring Gavin something, a huge box, and it's so awkward to carry. Come give me a hand with the bags, will you?”

Natalie didn't let on that she was upset and agreed, heading downstairs to the basement.

When she reached the basement level, the elevator door opened just as two tall figures hurried toward the lift.

Natalie glanced at them inadvertently and met the dark gaze of an angry man, She froze for a second, about to close the elevator door, when a foot shot out, blocking it.

Seeing her retreat, Brian stepped forward, grabbed SA Cs

¢ ’.

fe ”answering your phone?”

Natalie winced in pain, furrowing her brow.

“I'm asking you why you didn’t answer your phone!” Brian's eyes were ablaze with fury.

“What do you think?” Natalie asked through clenched teeth, her face pale with pain.

He was supposed to be marrying Gracia. Why wasn’t he with Gracia instead of coming after Natalie?

“I wasn't aware!” Brian replied sternly.

« )Whether you knew or not, you don't: » 5

owe me an explanation. Natalie

) qcouldn Kelp bueledodt’ bitter laugh.

I , . .Yolrte getting married. Do you have" Ato report to me now?” Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Brian stared at her intently, and after a few seconds, he turned a Baget el ordered’ 2 deep voice,

“ )Shit the elevator down! Nobody else i Si .

is to use it!"

“Yes, sir.” Bagot nodded and promptly closed the elevator door for them.