Natalie quickly understood what was happening. As expected, Julia had likely said exactly what she’d been afraid the old woman might.
Any man would be enraged to be called incapable and especially if the man is someone like Justin, who seemed far from being associated with word like ’Incapable.’
Under the weight of Justin’s intimidating presence, she stammered, "I didn’t mean—"
"Want me to show you just how capable I am... as a man?" He pressed on the last words with clear emphasis, his meaning unmistakable. "But are you sure you can even handle it?"
Natalie’s heart raced, her breath hitching at the sharpness of his gaze, the raw power in his words that left no doubt about his intentions.
"I didn’t say anything like that. Your grandma just assumed everything on her own," she tried to explain, her voice shaky.
"She knows we share a bed, yet nothing’s happened between us," Justin shot back, his tone unyielding. "For her to come to such a conclusion, someone must’ve planted the seed—and now she thinks I’m incapable."
"I couldn’t lie about something that hasn’t happened! She jumped to her own conclusions."
"She said you looked heartbroken, devastated, because your husband’s impotent. You didn’t even deny it."
"I didn’t know how to respond. I’ve never discussed anything like this with anyone..."
"Oh, so innocent?" Justin interrupted, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Aren’t you supposed to be so experienced? You told me all about the men you were with in Xyros, not to mention those nights with Ivan." His deep gaze narrowed. "You could have just recalled one of your special nights with that loser and reassured Julia how happily intimate you are with your husband."
Natalie’s eyes filled with hurt. Ivan, again? Why couldn’t he let go of the past? Why did he always have to bring that man up, to wound her over and over?
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself, refusing to let the argument spiral further. Opening her eyes, she met his gaze with surprising calm. "You’re not my husband. So whatever your grandmother assumes about him has nothing to do with you."
Justin stared into her calm, unwavering eyes. Her lack of anger, her refusal to fight back, unsettled him. Had he hurt her too much this time? Or was it because he’d mentioned Ivan again—her supposed love?
"You would’ve been thrilled if it were Ivan, wouldn’t you?" Justin pressed, his voice cutting. "You’d have happily told my grandma all about your perfect nights with him."
The hurt she was trying to suppress, he scratched it again. Her eyes turn moist. "Can you stop bringing him up every chance you get? He has nothing to do with this."
"This morning, you were telling your grandpa how much you still love him. But I can’t talk about him?"
"Even if I do, why do you care?" Natalie shot back, her voice trembling with frustration.
"I can’t help but care," Justin muttered, his voice softening finally as he watched her beautiful face. His hand moved to her cheek, his thumb gently caressing her skin, his eyes locked with hers. "I hate the thought of you still loving him. I don’t want you thinking about anyone else, not even Ivan."
Natalie couldn’t’ comprehend this sudden shift in his temper. Despite feeling frustrated at his sarcastic remarks about Ivan, she couldn’t push him away, his touch as usual leaving her unable to resist.
In the silence of night, both of their attentions zeroed at each other, utter silence, their own heartbeats were the only sound they could hear.
Natalie gulped, his face inched closer to hers, the space between them narrowing...
"Natalie, I heard the bell. Is that Aiden?" Albert’s voice called out from behind the door.
Natalie snapped back to her senses, her heart racing. She replied quickly, her gaze still locked with Justin’s, "Y-Yes, Grandpa. He’s back."
"Make sure he eats," Albert added. "I’ll see him tomorrow. I’m feeling sleepy."
"Don’t worry, Grandpa," she said, turning her head to break eye contact. "It’s late. I’ll reheat the food for you," she whispered, slipping away from between Justin and the wall.
Before she left, Justin grabbed her hand, his touch firm but not forceful. She didn’t turn back, nor did she pull away.
"I meant what I said," his voice was low, serious. "Even if this is fake, I don’t want you thinking about anyone else while I’m by your side."
"Understood." Her voice was steady, unaffected by his words. "Noah told me you skipped meals all day. Go sit at the dining table."
Justin released her hand, watching as Natalie walked to the kitchen
’Noah? when did he tell her?’ Justine felt puzzled but then, ’He deserve some hefty bonus for this.’
Justin removed his tie and jacket and sat at the dining table while folding his sleeves to elbows. There was unusual tense calmness between them now, which felt more unsettling. He continued to look at the kitchen, waiting for her to return.
’What was I going to do with her if not her grandpa calling her? Am I truly forgetting our true relationship as step-siblings? This is so messed up. All I know I can’t stay away from her and can’t bear the mention of any man around her.’
After a while, Natalie returned with a tray of dishes. She didn’t glance at him, her face devoid of any expressions, her movements steady as she placed the food in front of him and poured water into a glass. She put the glass next to the tray and turned to leave, but Justin caught her hand.
She turned to him, "Anything else you want? I can make it for you."
He shook his head. "Just sit here. I don’t want to eat alone."
Without a word of protest, she sat down in the chair next to him, her gaze averted, focused anywhere but on him.
Justin looked at her, realised he had crossed the line this time. She was hurt deeply, if not, she would have fought back and didn’t even serve him a meal.
"I am sorry," he said, his gaze fixed at her, "I shouldn’t have mentioned Ivan. I would try to be considerate that it’s not easy for you to forget the man you love."
Natalie only hummed in response, her thoughts far away. There’s no point explaining anything to him. He’ll just keep mocking me with Ivan and my past. I just have to bear with it a little longer until this arrangement is over.