Nathalia’s POV
I woke up because of the commotion and various voices around me, as if they were arguing. I tried to ignore it at first because I was still sleepy, but as time passed, their voices grew louder and louder.
Slowly, I opened my eyes to see who was causing the disturbance so early in the morning. But I almost jumped out of bed when I saw a man wearing a mask standing there. My heart raced with fear.
“Good morning, Thalia!” The man removed the mask, and it was Harold’s smiling face that greeted me.
I blinked, unable to believe that one of my friends was standing in front of me.
As I recovered from the shock, I annoyedly grabbed a pillow and hit him with it.
“Don’t startle me like that! What if I had a heart condition?” I glared at him.
He raised both hands, laughing. “Chill. I know your heart is healthy.”
I shook my head. This guy really knows nothing but mischief.
But I was taken aback when I heard simultaneous laughter. I looked around and noticed that Mads, Damon, and Albert were also here.
“Wait. What are you guys doing here?” I asked in disbelief.
Am I still dreaming? Because if I am, I don’t want to wake up anymore!
Mads raised the backpack she was holding. “We are going to the beach!”
My eyes widened at her words. “Beach?”
“Yeah. Don’t worry. We talked to Stephen if we could take you with us on the outing. He agreed.” Damon smiled.
I couldn’t help but smile widely. I felt so happy and excited. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the beach!
But then I suddenly remembered something.
“Stephen agreed to let me go with you? For real?”
Albert scratched his head. “Well, yeah. But under the condition that he’ll tag along with us, together with some of his bodyguards.”
I pursed my lips. I thought it would just be us friends on the outing. But I guess it’s better than being confined here.
“Go ahead and get ready. We’ll wait for you downstairs,” Mads said as she stood up.
I panicked. “Wait! I need to pack my things.”
Why didn’t they tell me earlier? Instead of wasting time waiting for my husband to return yesterday, I could have already packed my stuff!
Speaking of the devil, I wonder what time he got home earlier.
“No need. Your things are already prepared downstairs. Stephen personally took care of them. Your husband is so sweet!” Harold teased, and the others joined in.
I rolled my eyes. Sweet, my ass.
“Okay, go away now. I’ll take a shower.”
They continued teasing me until they left our room, laughing all the way.
After they closed the door, I took a deep breath. If only they knew what was happening inside the mansion.
I quickly prepared to take a shower and get ready. I chose a yellow tank top and white shorts, paired with flip-flops for my feet. I just applied a thin layer of lipstick and some powder because we’ll be going into the water later anyway.
I checked myself in the mirror before finally heading out. However, as I opened the door, I was taken aback when I was met with Cole’s smiling face.
“Good morning, Madame! They’re waiting for you downstairs.”
I furrowed my brow. “What is it with all of you today? Why do you always startle me?”
He slightly bowed. “I apologize, Madame. It won’t happen again.”
I nodded and started walking. When I got downstairs, I found my friends goofing around in the living room. Meanwhile, Stephen was seated quietly on the side.
He was wearing a white polo shirt and brown khaki shorts. He also had slippers on his feet, and even though we were still inside the mansion, he was already wearing his shades, so I couldn’t see his eyes clearly.
Mads was the first one to notice me. “Thalia’s here. Let’s go!”
My friends went out first, while Stephen and I quietly followed them. I was about to get into the van they rode in when Stephen suddenly pulled me by the arm.
“You’ll go with me.”
I bit my lower lip. “Can’t I just ride with them, please? You can even bring Cole with us.” I tried to convince him.
“Let it be, Thalia. We’ll see each other when we get there. Maybe your husband just wants you to be by his side all the time,” Harold teased again.
I was about to protest, but Stephen quickly closed the door.
“It’s not possible. We’ll never know when our enemies will attack us again. That’s why I need to be by your side all the time to protect you,” he said with authority in his voice.
His words left me speechless. I couldn’t help but recall the ambush that happened to Cole and me a few days ago. He did have a point.
I didn’t know why, but I felt a sense of happiness knowing that he wanted to protect me, even though he was also the reason my life became complicated and dangerous.
I just nodded. “I understand.”
The rest of our journey was in silence as I gazed out the window. I wasn’t familiar with the route we were taking, and I had no idea exactly where we were headed. All I knew was that we were going to Zambales, based on the signboards we passed by.
I glanced at Stephen, intending to thank him for agreeing, but my words got caught in my throat when I saw him seemingly asleep. I confirmed it by waving my right hand in front of him, but he didn’t react. I hesitated earlier because he was wearing shades.
“I wonder what time this crazy guy got home; he seems so sleep-deprived,” I whispered softly.
He had the audacity to say that we should be together so he could protect me, yet he was fast asleep.
After a few hours, I could already see the sea. Seeing it made me smile.
When the van stopped, I quickly got off. I didn’t bother waiting for Stephen and immediately ran towards the sandy beach. I was greeted by the familiar scent of the ocean.
I closed my eyes and opened my arms wide. It’s been so long since I felt this sense of peace and relaxation since Stephen had me abducted.
“You like it?” he asked.
I was surprised when I felt him suddenly beside me, but I didn’t show it. I just opened my eyes and nodded.
“Yeah. I like it here. The view and the sea breeze are so relaxing.”
I looked around and furrowed my brows when I noticed that we were the only ones here.
“This is a private resort. We own it. So, you can do whatever you want here; just don’t try to escape, okay?” He chuckled softly.
I nodded. Well, what do I expect from a billionaire like him?
But then it dawned on me that they probably acquired this place through their illegal activities.