563 Daniel Didn’t Trust her

In the past....

For once Natalie was happy that her father was back home because it meant one thing, they were close to leaving. Her father was wrapping up his work here and in days to come, they would be out of this godforsaken country and Daniel wouldn’t be able to stop it or so she thought.

She was spending time with her younger sister Dorcas and her mother when Daniel walked in and the atmosphere changed instantly. It was quite funny or would she say dumb that her mother was never able to figure out that there was something off about this man.

Not that Natalie could blame her honestly, Daniel was a very good actor and if she hadn’t seen his true nature beforehand, she might have even fallen for his wiles. He was too good at what he does and that frightened her the most.

Her friend, Penelope had left to get snacks from the kitchen, hence one could imagine the shock on her face when she returned only to see Daniel in their space and playing the good guy. It was terrifying. Natalie could say the same.

“Victoria,” Daniel moved towards her mother and took her hand, pressing his lips to it like the gentleman he claimed to be, and her mother was bought over by his charms.

“Daniel, you’re here.”

“Yes, I am. I could never leave your household for too long. I’ve kind of become....” He trailed off as if looking for the right word to express himself, “Fond of it.”

Shivers danced down Natalie’s spine as if those words were a caress but instead of pleasuring her, it was slithery and cold and disgusted her. She looked at Daniel and he held her gaze, making it unable for her to pull away until her mother drew his attention.

.....

“I’m sure you are here for Charles, he returned home a few days ago and I’m sure you must be dying to meet him. The both of you have become friends over time and he must have missed your company,” Her mother referred to her husband.

“You are quite right, victoria. I’m here to settle the books after hearing the news of your scheduled departure. Don’t you think it’s right that I came here one last time?” Daniel said, sweetly, but Natalie could see beyond that facade.

Daniel was furious, she could see that in the tick of his jaw even though he was smiling. His fists clenched and unclenched, he was barely reining in his true emotions. He doesn’t want her out of here, out of his sight.

Daniel doesn’t trust her.

“Yes, yes, you’re right. Honestly, Daniel, you are a considerate young man, and any lucky lady who marries you in the future is blessed,” Her mother praised him ignorantly.

Daniel revelled in the compliment, his gaze staring pointedly at her as if saying, ‘you’re that lucky woman’ and that made her heart beat faster and Natalie felt like fainting. She didn’t know what Daniel was up to now but one thing was for sure, she had to leave here no matter what happened.

“Come, I should show you to his study then,” Her mother said to Daniel, hooking her arm around his and drawing him in the direction of the study.

However, before they left, Daniel cast one last look that said, this-isn’t-over and Natalie began to fidget. She was as nervous as hell knowing Daniel would try to stop her from leaving.

Just like her, he knew long-distance relationships hardly work and the instance Natalie was free of him, she was moving on. She never loved him in the first place and this was her chance to get out .

“Am I the only one that felt that suffocating energy,” Penelope said, cold sweats on her forehead. She looked like someone who just woke up from a nightmare and her hands were shaking.

“You are not alone,” Natalie breathed, trying to calm her racing heart that seemed to want to jump out of her chest. Her hands were clammy and she had broken into a cold sweat as well.

Daniel’s presence had sucked every air in the room and made it difficult to breathe. That was his effect on people – well, not all people.

“Why are both of you being so dramatic,” Said her younger sister who had no idea what was going on.

Penelope and Natalie looked at each other, an understanding passing between them. Dorcas can’t know, she was too young to handle this, and they had to keep her safe.

“The movie is over, Dorcas, you should go back to your room,” Natalie jutted out her chin and pointed to the television show that just ended.

“But there could be more -”

“There won’t be more until nighttime, so I suggest you move to your room now and have your siesta,” Natalie silenced her protest firmly.

With a look of anger, Dorcas scoffed yet turned in her heels and up she went. Just because her mother was gone for a while, Natalie decided to play lord over her. Humph! It was annoying.

“What is Daniel doing here?” Penelope was quick to ask.

“I have no idea, however, there’s this inkling inside of me that tells me he doesn’t want me leaving with my family,” Even as she spoke, cold fear washed over her.

What if Daniel successfully stops her from leaving? That would be sick. Natalie became afraid. She wondered if her father would be as stupid as to fall for Daniel’s lies like her mother. How far would he go for his political career?

“I have to know what they’re talking about,” She suggested.

“You mean like to spy on them?” Penelope asked.

“Yes.” Natalie said, “My father is blinded by power and I don’t know what kind of sick deal he might strike with Daniel. I would not sit around and become a victim of misfortune.”

“You’re right. I’ll spy on them then,” Penelope chose to do it.

“What?!” Natalie was honestly shocked. Penelope was afraid of Daniel, yet she would take up such a risky task.

“You are too sensitive to Daniel right now and might lose your cool while eavesdropping on their conversation. I’ll be a better spy and warn you if there’s something to know. Moreover, you’d have to be on the lookout. No one can know what we’re about to do.” Penelope warned her.

For a moment Natalie hesitated knowing things could get messy if they were caught, but she finally agreed.

historical

“Let’s do it then,”

Natalie needed to know what Daniel was up to. This was her life, she can’t let him ruin it.