Ch. 11..20

A Cue for Love Chapter 11

Caught On His Zipper

Natalie’s face was completely flushed red, and she wanted to bury herself alive.

She grabbed onto the car seat with the intention of getting herself up. However, the moment she looked up, she felt a sharp pain in her head and fell back down.

“What are you doing!” Samuel’s breathing grew heavier, and his voice was distinctly hoarse.

D*mn it! He clearly knew she wasn’t trying to seduce him, but she was just too close.

“D-Don’t move. My hair’s caught onto your zipper,” Natalie stuttered. The blush on her face reached all the way to her ears, and her eyes were half-open.

It was unbelievably melodramatic.

Her hair just had to get caught in Samuel’s zipper of all places.

Even though she was already far from his crotch, she still had to get her hair free somehow.

For the first time, she regretted having such long hair. The more she struggled, the more it hurt, but it wasn’t like she could just do nothing.

Natalie repeatedly told herself to calm down. She was in the medical field, after all, and she had seen so many naked male corpses in the past. She hadn’t just seen a man’s private parts; she had even cut them open.

Just as she managed to steady herself, she suddenly sensed a subtle change.

She realized that all the ones she had seen before were a part of corpses. There was no way it would be the same looking at one attached to a living person.

She choked out, “I’m already trying to get it free. Can you just stop moving for a while?”

Samuel muttered, “Your hands have been flailing around for what feels like years. What am I supposed to do? If you want me to stop, then hurry up and get us out of this situation.”

Natalie bit her lip tightly. She was on the verge of losing it. “I get it. I’ll hurry up, so stop rushing me.”

Even though she grumbled, she knew there was no easy way out. She moved closer to the zipper and pulled it down slowly, then carefully got her hair out. However, there was no way she could avoid coming into contact with his crotch.

“Where do you think you’re touching?”

“Do you think it’s on purpose? Stop complaining. I’m almost done.”

When it was fully unzipped, Natalie’s hair was finally free. She sat up hurriedly.

Samuel had quite the unpleasant look on his face as well. He pulled his zipper back up.

He had always kept himself under strict control. It was his first time having such an intense reaction, aside from what had happened six years ago. Fortunately, Natalie managed to cut him off just in time. Otherwise, he might have actually lost control because of her.

They did not speak for the rest of the ride, though the ambiguous aura in the car mysteriously lingered.

Finally, the car came to a stop in front of a mansion. It was then Natalie realized that she had forgotten to respond to Samuel’s invitation amidst all the chaos earlier.

“We’re here,” he announced indifferently. However, the aura emitting from his body was unsettling.

Natalie knew she wouldn’t be able to get rid of Samuel that easily. Besides that, she also wanted to know how Sophia was doing, so she pushed the door open and got out of the Hummer.

When she turned to look at the luxurious mansion past the rose garden, she couldn’t help but mumble inwardly. This has to be the Bowers residence. It’s even more extravagant than I thought.

Billy parked the Hummer in the designated spot within the courtyard.

Natalie followed Samuel into the mansion, where Gavin was waiting at the entrance. When he saw Natalie, he was greatly shocked.

Aside from Yara, this was the only girl Samuel had ever brought home.

Gavin had no intention of offending her. It was just that Yara’s beauty was uncontested, while Natalie wasn’t anything special. There were freckles all over her face, and the only thing that really stood out was her lively eyes.

Despite his doubts, he still maintained his respect toward the two of them.

They walked into the mansion side-by-side. The interior was low-key yet elegant, with black and white as the main design focus. The colossal window wall in the living room showcased the white roses in the courtyard.

Natalie stood in front of it and stared at Samuel’s back with her eyes narrowed.

She absolutely refused to believe that someone like him would be so kind just because she helped out Sophia at the airport. There were definitely ulterior motives behind him inviting her for a meal.

Could he have already uncovered my true identity and wants me to treat someone’s illness? Is it Sophia’s mother or someone Samuel incredibly treasures?

“Let’s cut to the chase, Samuel. What do you want from me?” she asked.

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 12

Stay By My Side

Samuel glanced at Natalie briefly with a meaningful look in his eyes. With his lips slightly raised, he said, “Ms. Nichols, your vigilance is truly over-the-top. However, what are you afraid of? Are you worried that I’d want something from you?”

Natalie was feeling extremely uncomfortable under his gaze.

The man’s eyes were focused on her face as if he was trying to stare right through her soul.

Finally, she understood why he was rumored to be an immensely dominant and difficult-to-deal-with man. None of the people who were once targeted by Samuel was able to escape from his clutches.

It wasn’t that she didn’t take him seriously before this, but she simply didn’t want to be associated with such a dangerous person in any way.

At that moment, Gavin came in and reported, “Sir, the meal is ready.”

Samuel’s lips were slightly curved upward when he said, “Ms. Nichols, let’s dine together. Have a taste of my chef’s work.”

Natalie didn’t try to reject, merely following Samuel into the dining hall to have their meal.

The dining table was laden with all sorts of delicacies. Right after she took her seat, she began digging in. Although she was pleasantly surprised by the chef’s cooking, she still managed to control herself while she ate. Thus, she survived the session without any incident.

Right as she was almost done with her food, Samuel’s phone began vibrating.

“Please excuse me,” he said.

“Go ahead.”

When Samuel left, Natalie was finally able to relax for a bit.

I can’t believe I managed to finish the meal without Samuel making things unnecessarily difficult for me. Could it be possible that I was the one who was being too paranoid? Did I really think of him too badly?

She was just about to finish her food when she felt something cool and soft on her calf all of a sudden.

What the hell?

Natalie looked downward, only to see a snow-white snake twirling itself around her calf, slowly inching its way up her leg. Its eyes were clear and amber-colored, and it kept flicking its tongue from time to time.

Natalie was unlike Yara, who grew up in the city. Before she turned nineteen, Natalie had been living in the countryside. There would always be snakes in the fields and rivers, so she wasn’t afraid of the snake. She had even caught snakes for fun with her childhood friends back then.

However, when she came to the city, she rarely had the chance to see snakes anymore.

She put down her fork and pried the little fellow that was wrapped around her leg off herself before lifting it right in front of her face. Then, she caressed the snake’s head gently while saying, “Hello, little guy. You look special. Are you an albino?”

She was planning to take the snake home with her if it didn’t have an owner. Xavian would love to keep it as a pet.

“You’re not afraid of Moony?” A childish voice could be heard.

“M-Moony?”

Natalie’s sight shifted from Moony to a little boy, who was standing at the door of the dining hall.

The little boy had pretty looks, and his dark eyes were fixed intently on her. His good looks were even comparable with that of Xavian and Clayton’s. Upon closer observation, she noticed that the little boy looked somewhat similar to Xavian and Clayton. Maybe it was because of this similarity that made her smile slightly.

She took Moony in her hand and walked toward Franklin before squatting down in front of him.

“Is this snake yours? It’s cute!” Natalie was smiling when she looked into the little boy’s dark eyes. “Is its name Moony?”

The little boy pursed his lips and snorted. “You’re unattractive, but you’re rather brave. At least you’re better than those women who screamed when they saw Moony.”

“Here. I’ll return it back to you.” Natalie placed Moony on Franklin’s small palms.

Franklin snorted again, never once averting his eyes from her face. “I called you unattractive just now. Why are you not mad at me?”

As Natalie had a hyper-realistic mask on her face to make her appear ugly, she wasn’t the slightest bit bothered by the little boy’s harsh words.

“Well, it’s a fact that I’m unattractive. Therefore, there’s no reason for me to be mad about it.” She rubbed Franklin’s head, which was bristly because of his short hair, while she spoke. “Moreover, I’m already ugly. Won’t it just make me uglier if I still get angry about it?”

Franklin was already five years old. Still, his head had never been touched by anyone other than his grandfather.

His father had never touched him, whereas others wouldn’t even dare to think about it. Even the woman who gave birth to him would be frightened by a few words from him. Thus, she would never approach him.

An indescribable warmth surged in the boy’s chest when Natalie caressed his head.

It was a feeling he had never experienced before.

“Y-You…” He clenched his little fists.

“Hmm? What is it?” Natalie paused her action before lifting her head to look at the boy, who seemed to be struggling with something.

“Woman, you touched my head! You’ll have to take responsibility.” Franklin stared straight into her eyes as he spoke. “Be my woman from now on. I swear that I’ll take care of you to the best of my abilities for the rest of my life. No one will dare to bully you!”

“Pfft!”

Natalie couldn’t stop herself from letting out a snort.

This little fellow is only about the same age as Clayton and Xavian, yet he confessed his feelings to me just like that? What was funny was that the little boy was so adorable, yet he said something so domineering like he was the president of a company. The contrast was so jarring that she couldn’t stop herself from laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” Franklin puffed up his cheeks and stared at her in all seriousness. “There aren’t a lot of women who can meet my standards. You’re the first. Since both Moony and I find you acceptable, you should stay by my side from today onward.”

Natalie could just imagine how enraged this child’s father would be if he were to hear this.

While she was in the middle of her thoughts, a tall and lean figure came in from the living room.

The man’s eyes were stern and frosty as he called out, “Franklin Bowers.”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 13

My Daddy Is Senile

Franklin froze when he heard that. Then, he turned around to look at Samuel, who was entering the dining hall.

Samuel still had his phone in his hand, and the top two buttons of his black shirt were undone. He looked extremely intimidating as his dark eyes filled with anger.

The little boy pursed his lips before puffing up his cheeks, calling out reluctantly, “Daddy.”

Natalie shuddered internally when she met those dark and bottomless eyes of that man. This little snake boy is actually Samuel’s son? So that means he has a pair of twins? Sophia isn’t his only child?

Samuel glared at Franklin coldly before saying, “What in the world are you thinking with that underdeveloped brain of yours? You, taking her as your woman? What makes you think you can do that?”

Franklin was visibly afraid of Samuel. However, when he remembered that he had so boldly declared that he would protect Natalie earlier, he realized that he couldn’t act too cowardly in front of his father. Hence, he plucked up his courage and replied, “Daddy, I like her. I want her to stay.”

Samuel frowned even harder. “Do you even understand what you’re saying?”

“Of course, I do!” Franklin touched his earlobes, his cheeks flushing. “Daddy, you can’t be so prejudiced. I’m already all grown up, so I know that I have to be proactive in pursuing the woman I like.”

“Who taught you this?” Samuel asked coldly.

“Um…” Franklin felt slightly guilty under his father’s gaze.

“Franklin Bowers. Who. Taught. You. That?”

The boy looked around frantically before eventually deciding to sell Steven out. “It’s Uncle Steven. I heard him saying this to another lady. That lady was really happy when she heard it. I thought that she will be happy too if I say this to her. Then, she’ll stay by my side and keep me company.”

Hearing that, Samuel made a mental note to make things clear with Steven.

“Go back to your room. I have something to discuss with Ms. Nichols.” He glanced at Franklin nonchalantly as he spoke.

The latter still wanted to spend some time with Natalie, but since his father was adamant about sending him away, he was getting suspicious that his father liked this woman as well. Is he brushing me off because he wants to keep her for himself? I’m his biological son!

He pouted before mumbling almost inaudibly, “You want her for yourself, so you’re abusing your status as my daddy to do this. We’ll see about this…”

“Franklin, what are you mumbling about?”

Instead of answering back, Franklin merely shook his head meekly. “I-I’m going back to my room.”

Before he left, he still reminded Natalie in all seriousness, “Daddy won’t let me stay, so I’ll have to say goodbye to you for now.” Even though that was what he said, the expression in his eyes seemed to be saying “Daddy is old and senile. Please understand.”

Natalie squatted down and patted the little boy’s head once more. “Bye!”

When she turned around after watching Franklin leave, she found Samuel staring at her silently. The look in his eyes was unfathomable, sending a chill down her spine.

“Ms. Nichols, you seem like you’re adept at taking care of children?”

“Perhaps?”

Natalie didn’t consider herself an expert in childcare. She once thought of taking good care of those two kids back at home, but now that Xavian and Clayton had gotten a bit older, they were the ones who had been taking of her instead.

After they were done with dinner, she followed Samuel to the study on the second floor.

Inside, aside from typical office furniture, there was an entire row of tall bookshelves that was nearly five meters tall. At that height, it would only be possible to retrieve the books via a ladder. She couldn’t help but be stunned by the incredible sight.

The look in Samuel’s eyes was cold yet focused. “Ms. Nichols, I do have a deal that I need to discuss with you. I need you to treat a person for me.”

Natalie pinched the space between her brows. I’ve been keeping my identity as a skilled doctor pretty well all along. How did this man here get to know about this identity of mine? And how much does he know about it? Could it be that he already knows my true appearance under my mask?

She decided to go along with him. “Mr. Bowers, you’ve looked into my background, so you should know that I’m a coroner, not a doctor. What I do is completely different.”

Samuel stepped closer to her, his slanted eyes fixing on her the whole time.

For some reason, Natalie felt like she was a newborn baby, naked as day, under his intense stare. He studied her so seriously that she was even feeling somewhat guilty.

“Sophia has had aphasia ever since young. I’ve brought her to see countless doctors, and they all told me that her condition isn’t physical but psychological.” After a pause, Samuel continued, “You’re the first person to make her speak, saying the word ‘Mommy’.”

“I made her speak?”

“I don’t see the need for me to lie to you about this.” He glanced at Natalie before saying frostily, “I only want you to let Sophia open up.”

Upon hearing that, she breathed a sigh of relief internally. Luckily, this isn’t about my cover getting blown.

“As long as you can heal Sophia’s condition, I will fulfill any wishes that you have.”

“There’s no need for that.” Natalie shook her head and smiled.

“Humans’ greed is immeasurable. I know that.” Samuel raised his eyebrows while he spoke, his voice filled with restraint and apathy. “What wish do you have that even the Bowers family is unable to give you?”

“I think you’re the greedy one here.” She rolled her eyes at him. “I meant what I said. I don’t need the Bowers family to satisfy any of my needs.”

Natalie sounded resolute when she answered Samuel, her eyes filled with a glacial look.

“Mr. Bowers, I am willing to treat Sophia’s condition for nothing in return.”

“For nothing in return?”

Natalie’s clever eyes were gleaming when she replied, “I like Sophia, and I don’t mind getting more chances to see her. That is all. I’m not interested in anything that has to do with you or the Bowers family.”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 14

Teaching My Son How To Flirt

After Samuel finished talking with Natalie, he ordered Gavin to find a chauffeur to bring her home.

He glanced at the sticky note he was holding in his hand that had a string of phone numbers written on it.

She turned out to be a greater surprise than I expected. Not only does Sophia like her, but Franklin does too! Those two brats listen to no one but me, out of fear. Even our relatives, Gavin, and the servants can never handle them. Moreover, I don’t dislike her either. Dammit!

A knock sounded on the door.

“Come in.”

Samuel had a photographic memory, so he had already memorized the numbers on the sticky note the moment she wrote it down. However, he did not throw the note away and kept it in his drawer instead.

Steven walked in and sat down on the couch, crossing his legs lazily.

“Sam, I’ve closed the deal regarding the land in the east of the city,” he announced with an eager expression on his face as if waiting for Samuel’s approval.

The latter merely glanced at him coldly. “Did you teach Franklin how to flirt with girls when you were with him?”

His mouth twitching, Steven immediately rebutted, “Goodness gracious, no! He’s the precious child of the Bowers family. No matter how daring I am, I will never dare to teach him this!”

“From now on, when you are with Sophia and Franklin, you are not allowed to flirt with women.”

“Huh?” asked Steven, baffled.

“Even if you did not teach them, they can also learn from observing you.” Narrowing his eyes, Samuel continued, “Don’t let me catch Franklin learning those indecent words from you.”

“Indecent? My nephew?” Steven looked at Samuel and asked curiously, “That brat’s personality is the same as yours. Aloof. He usually listens to no one but you, so to whom will he say those words?”

“You know her. Natalie Nichols.”

Steven was dumbfounded. “Her? What’s her background? Sophia is crazy about her, and now, even Franklin, that naughty brat, likes her?”

“I don’t know, but that’s not important. I’m only concerned about whether or not she can treat Sophia.”

“Sam, this woman’s looks are too plain. If not, with her ability to handle those two, plus some seduction, she can probably become your wife!” commented Steven, shrugging his shoulders.

The moment Steven finished speaking, two figures appeared at the ajar doorway.

“Uncle Steven, is there something wrong with your eyes?” asked Franklin with a frown, his face reflecting his displeasure toward Steven.

“M-My eyes…”

“How is she ugly? If you don’t believe me, ask Sophia.” The boy swept a gaze at his sister as if waiting for her affirmation.

A serious expression appeared on Sophia’s typically adorable face as she hugged her teddy bear. She shook her head with all her might.

Steven had seen Natalie in real life. Her face is covered with freckles, and all her features are average, except her pair of almond-shaped eyes. How is she pretty?

However, upon meeting the siblings’ displeased gazes, he turned to look at Samuel in desperation.

“Sam, come on, say something.”

Subconsciously, Samuel remembered that pair of sparkling eyes and murmured, “She’s quite pretty.”

Steven was at a loss for words. What did you say? This conversation is over! Not only are the three of them siding with an outsider, but they are also blind!

That night, Yara could not help but call the Bowers residence from her hotel room.

It had been five years, yet she still did not have Samuel’s private phone number. Whenever she needed to contact him, she could only call the Bowers residence’s landline.

Ring…

The phone was finally answered a long time later.

“Hello, you have reached the Bowers residence.”

“Gavin, it’s me.” Yara smiled. “Is Samuel there? I want to discuss the kids with him.”

“Ms. Nichols, Mr. Samuel and Mr. Steven are discussing work in the study right now. He isn’t able to come to the phone,” replied Gavin matter-of-factly.

“I see…” A sense of disappointment washed over Yara, and she gripped the corner of her dress in her hands.

However, she had to continue pretending to be a loving mother, so she asked with fake concern, “Have Franklin and Sophia been obedient these few days?” I had to leave early due to last-minute work previously and didn’t get to spend much time with them. They wouldn’t complain to Samuel, right?

Gavin did not know what transpired between Yara, Franklin, and Sophia. He assumed that they did not get along well because Yara wasn’t living with the children. Thus, his reply was heartfelt.

“Mr. Franklin and Ms. Sophia are doing well, especially when Mr. Samuel brought back a guest today. I rarely see Mr. Franklin being so amiable to an outsider.”

“Amiable?”

Yara was their biological aunt and stood in as their mother, yet Franklin had never treated her nicely. Before he could speak, he would bite her. When he grew up, he either ignored her or thought of ways to make her life hard.

“Gavin, who was the guest?” Yara pretended to ask in a casual manner.

“It was a lady, and it seems like her last name is Nichols.”

Yara furrowed her brows. Nichols? Isn’t that the same as mine? In addition, Franklin is particularly close to her and treats her amicably? Afraid that the secret buried deep in her heart would come to light, she felt a sense of uneasiness enveloping her.

“Gavin, do you know the lady’s full name?”

Recalling for a moment, Gavin replied, “Something like Nat? Oh, right, Natalie Nichols.”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 15

Leaving Without The Mask

“Natalie Nichols?”

Yara was utterly shocked upon hearing Gavin’s reply, and her facial features twisted hideously.

Wasn’t she already dead five years ago, killed by the fire I planned? How can she be alive?

Fear swept over her like a wave, so much so that she felt like she was drowning. No, this is impossible! Impossible!

Right as she was about to suffocate, she did her best to recover her voice. However, it was no longer as sweet-sounding as it was before.

“Gavin… I’m curious what kind of person Franklin and Sophia will like. Can you describe what that woman looks like?”

Gavin thought for a moment before answering, “That Ms. Nichols looks pretty average. She seems to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, approximately one hundred and sixty-five centimeters tall. Her features, aside from her eyes, are all very plain. I think she spends a lot of time under the sun as there are a lot of freckles on her face.”

Hearing that, Yara heaved a sigh a relief and laughed.

Natalie and I are identical twins. Although our features are almost the same, she’s still prettier than me by a bit. However, according to Gavin, this Natalie has freckles all over her face. Therefore, she’s definitely not my sister.

After hanging up the phone, she swirled the glass of wine in her hands, a vicious gleam appearing in her eyes.

I was the one who burned her to death years ago. How would it be possible for her to make a return now? It’s purely a coincidence that that ugly woman has Natalie’s name.

The Bowers family’s chauffeur had sent Natalie home.

She glanced around her rented, one hundred and twenty square meters apartment. My new home is so shabby compared to the extravagant Bowers residence.

Upon hearing Natalie’s footsteps, Xavian walked out of his room.

“Mommy, I’ll heat up the soup for you.”

After a short while, he placed a bowl of mushroom soup before her. “Mommy, have some mushroom soup. I added extra cheese and some chicken as you like it.”

Both Natalie’s body and heart warmed as she sipped the soup.

Although Xavian did not cook as well as the Bowers family’s private chefs, she would much rather have the soup that her son made. In no time, she gulped everything down her throat, leaving not even a single drop in the bowl.

However, Xavian did not hurry to clear the table and handed Natalie his phone instead.

“Mommy, Clayton has joined a film crew recently. This time, he’ll be acting as the son of a queen. When he saw the actress who would be playing the queen, he was practically stupefied. She looks almost the same as you, although you carry yourself better than her. Clayton did not tell the actress that you look like her, but he asked me to ask you if you’re related to the actress.”

Following his words, Xavian zoomed in on a picture of the whole cast, freezing it on a woman’s face.

Natalie recognized the woman immediately with a single glance.

It was Yara.

All these years, she had buried her resentment deep in her heart and tried to live happily, but no one could understand her pain and misery.

Every night, the scenes of Yara snatching her children and setting the house on fire kept on replaying in her mind.

Upon recalling such events, Natalie grasped the tablecloth so tightly that it was on the verge of ripping.

“Mommy, what’s wrong?”

“Xavian, she is my younger sister, but she’s also the one who hurt me the most.” Natalie’s eyes lost focus as she stared off into the distance. “Tell Clayton not to reveal my identity, and do not let Yara know that I am his mother.”

Xavian nodded obediently, noticing the pained expression on her face. “Mommy, I got it.”

Natalie could not say much in her explanation to her sons.

Although they are both highly clever and emotionally intelligent, there is no way for me to tell them that their aunt tried to burn me to death and even murdered their brother and sister. Someday, I will get my revenge.

In the blink of an eye, it was Jennie’s death anniversary.

As she had been overseas for the past five years, Natalie never had the chance to go to her mother’s grave. Hence, this time, she woke up extra early. She donned an all-black attire, and instead of wearing the ugly hyper-realistic mask, she put on a light layer of make-up.

Lying on the floor outside the bathroom, Xavian stared at his mother’s back and pouted. “Mommy, are you really not going to bring me to see Granny?”

“It’s raining outside. Your Granny’s grave is in the mountains. It’ll be inconvenient to bring you along. You’ll stay at home obediently, all right?”

Despite being the legal wife of my father, she’s buried in an unknown mountaintop on the outskirts of the city. After all these years, her grave is likely dirtied and covered by weeds.

“Then, you must bring Clayton and me along the next time.” Xavian packed up a box of macarons he made and handed it to Natalie. “Mommy, this is the macarons I made for Granny. Please bring it to Granny on my behalf.”

Patting his head, Natalie grinned and agreed.

She then hailed a taxi and went to Tellmoore Mountain.

As expected, it was difficult to climb the mountain when it was raining, and she had to expend a lot of energy to reach the mountaintop.

She wiped off the mud on the gravestone before placing a bouquet of lilies and the box of macarons before the grave.

Slowly, tears brimmed in her eyes as she stared at the image of her gentle and beautiful mother on the gravestone. The rain pattered down endlessly, but she stood unmovingly for a long time before eventually turning to leave.

Afterward, she made her way back downtown.

Having been drenched from the rain, she entered a cafe at the roadside to keep herself warm.

Yara had made a name for herself in the entertainment industry these few years, so to avoid any unnecessary trouble, Natalie wore a pair of sunglasses and a large face mask that covered most of her face.

“One black coffee.”

“One black coffee.”

A voice rang out behind her after she made her order.

Natalie turned in the direction of the voice and glanced behind her. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized the man’s deep and dark eyes.

What a small world! Of all places, Samuel Bowers has to be here!

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 16

Samuel’s facial features were flawless as if they were carved out by God himself. Combined with his strong and imposing aura, he was a person that most people would find hard to ignore.

Natalie pursed her lips.

When I met Samuel, I was wearing that hyper-realistic mask and looked completely different from now. Besides, I’m already shielded by my sunglasses, mask, and cap. There’s no way he’ll recognize me, right?

When Samuel’s gaze swept over her, she continued tapping her fingers rhythmically and kept her gaze under the sunglasses steady.

As soon as she retrieved her coffee, she turned to leave the establishment. Alas, the rain had only gotten heavier by the time she got to the door.

With the intention of waiting for the rain to subside, she found an inconspicuous seat in the corner of the cafe and sat down.

It was then her phone began vibrating inside her bag.

Franklin’s haughty yet adorable voice rang out the moment she picked up the call. “Woman, the other time, my daddy got between our time together. He wasn’t really picking on you. In truth, he’s a misogynist. When a woman gets close to him, he becomes very temperamental.”

Natalie was rendered speechless.

This kid is so bad at choosing a time to complain about his father. Why did he choose a time when his father is in the same cafe as me? If I put him on speaker right now, Samuel will definitely punish him badly at home.

“Why are you not speaking? Have you forgotten who I am?”

“How’s that possible? You’re Franklin.”

“Why aren’t you calling me Mr. Franklin?” the boy questioned.

“Do you wish for me to call you Mr. Franklin?”

“Everyone else has to call me Mr. Franklin, but you don’t have to. I will only give you this privilege. Other women can only dream about it,” Franklin stated fiercely.

Natalie almost burst out laughing.

Tsk tsk. Indeed, he is Samuel’s son. He totally inherited his father’s domineering personality.

“The reason why I called you today is not just to apologize on behalf of my difficult daddy. It’s mainly because Sophia misses you. Can you speak with her? She’s right here.”

Natalie could not stop smiling when she thought of the adorable Sophia.

However, she still did not know what to say after racking her brains, so she could only say what she usually told Xavian and Clayton.

“Do not use electronic devices for too long as it harms your eyes. Remember to take breaks in between when you use them. Drink lots of milk and eat lots of eggs. You can’t only eat meat because you dislike vegetables. Brush your teeth well. Don’t eat too many sweets before bed, or your teeth will

rot.”

She paused for a moment to think before adding, “If you miss me, you can call me yourself. You don’t

have to call me through your brother. If you tap the phone thrice, I will know that it’s you who called me.”

Natalie wasn’t a very sympathetic person, but it was a different case when it came to Franklin and Sophia.

Her adoration for them was comparable to what she felt for Clayton and Xavian, so much so that even

she was surprised.

A warm and fuzzy feeling swept over her after speaking to them on the phone.

However, just when she was about to take a sip of her coffee, a large and rough hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her right out of her seat.

Her heart skipped a beat upon meeting the man’s sullen gaze.

Samuel?

She could feel his icy and emotionless gaze on her even through her sunglasses.

“Who were you talking to?” he asked, staring down at her.

There‘s no way he could have heard my conversation with Franklin and Sophia. “I was talking to my children. What’s wrong?”

“Why are you here?”

Startled and confused by Samuel’s question, Natalie did not even notice that he had removed her cap. and her luscious long hair had cascaded down in waves.

Subconsciously, she tried to cover her head, but he used this opportunity to remove her sunglasses and mask. Immediately, a stunning face with a layer of light makeup appeared before him.

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 17

Natalie’s eyelashes fluttered in shock.

Oh no! Samuel has seen my face! I can’t hide it anymore!

Furrowing his brows, Samuel asked, “Aren’t you filming in Xenhall?”

“Xenhall… Filming…”

Isn’t Clayton filming his drama there? Does this mean that he mistook me for that woman?

Her question was immediately answered the next second.

“Yara Nichols, are you following me?” Samuel asked coldly with a dangerous undertone.

Natalie calmed herself down and gathered her thoughts.

He mistook me for Yara, and he knows that she’s currently filming in Xenhall. This means that he’s close with her. If he realizes that I’m not Yara, Yara will know that I’m still alive. I mustn’t reveal my identity now! Since he has already mistaken me, I’ll have to play along with it.

She twisted her wrist around to release herself from Samuel’s grip, but to no avail. She sighed resignedly. “Samuel, can you let go of my wrist? It hurts.”

She had failed to realize how mellow her voice was and how her eyes were filled with grievance. She was like a hurt kitten, so soft and docile that he could stare at her forever.

Samuel’s gaze was still locked on her, but his grip had loosened.

I’ve never seen Yara so lively. In my memory, she has always been spoilt and weak. She carries herself in a sophisticated manner. Although her gazes and her smiles are all practiced and refined, they don’t stir my interest.

Natalie let out a hiss of pain as she checked her bruised wrist.

Raising his brows, Samuel asked frostily again, “You have yet to answer my question. Why are you here?”

“Because I miss you.” She gazed at him innocently with clear, sparkling eyes. “I had some free time in my filming schedule, so I sneaked back to see you. But I didn’t want you to find out.”

These words should sound cheesy and straightforward enough, right? Just now, Franklin told me over the phone that Samuel is a misogynist. If I say such disgusting words to him, he will definitely be disgusted by me and tell me to get out of his sight, right?

Natalie squeezed her eyes shut in preparation for the man’s anger, but it never came.

She slowly opened her eyes a moment later and found herself staring straight into his mesmerizing, deep-set eyes.

“You missed me so much, huh, Yara?”

As she was still pretending to be Yara, Natalie decided to continue messing around. “Of course! I want you by my side every night! I can’t sleep well without you beside me.”

She was so disgusted by her own words that a layer of goosebumps rose on her skin.

Just then, a waiter carrying a steaming cup of coffee was walking past behind her when she took a step back unknowingly.

However, right before they collided, Samuel pulled her out of harm’s way and into his arms.

He lowered his gaze and stared at the woman in his embrace. A refreshing and alluring scent hung in the air, tugging at his heartstrings.

Has Yara always been this enticing? So enticing that I’m no longer able to form any rational thoughts?

Following such close contact with Natalie, a stream of desire coursed through him.

All it took for him to make his heart race was to lower his head and gaze at her.

His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he stared down at her soft and inviting lips. They looked as if they were luring him in for a taste.

Natalie tried to push him away to stand on her own, but before she could react, he had wrapped her in his arms, swooped down, and captured her lips.

“Mmph!”

Her eyes bulged in shock as she stared at Samuel in disbelief.

How the hell is he a misogynist?

Samuel grasped her waist so tightly that she could not escape his embrace. It was as if he was going to mold her into his flesh. In no time, her pitiful lips had turned red and swollen after being ravished by him.

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 18

Natalie felt as if all of her energy had been sucked out of her body. She could not escape from his

clutches and could only tremble in anger in his arms.

Although he had kissed her roughly, he did not do anything else.

When he released his hold on her, her mind was still dizzy from the lack of oxygen, and her eyes were unfocused.

Except for that night six years ago… I‘ve never kissed a man before. I was so drunk that night that I don’t even remember what that man looked like. Yet, this man here simply forced my mouth open and drove his tongue in roughly to take what he wants. He’s driving me utterly crazy!

Natalie only managed to regain her bearings after a long while. A sense of frustration and rage rushed over her upon recalling the kiss. She raised her hand to slap Samuel, but he caught her wrist effortlessly

“Aren’t you a misogynist?” she asked huffily.

“Should I remind you that you were the one who said that you missed me,” he whispered beside her ear as he leaned in abruptly.

His hot breath fanned against her neck, and her eyes immediately met his penetrating gaze upon turning her head.

Sh*t! I’m going crazy! I thought that I can escape this mess by pretending to be Yara, but all I got in return is this forceful kiss. Is he a dog? His kiss even tore the skin off my lips!

The rain had already subsided by the time Natalie and Samuel left the cafe.

When Billy drove a Hummer to pick up Samuel, he noticed Samuel sharing an umbrella with a woman wearing a long black dress. Upon seeing her face clearly, he was utterly stunned.

Isn’t that Yara? Why is Sir standing beside her?

Noticing that Billy had arrived, Natalie raised her chin and said, “My assistant will be here soon. Since Mr. Morin is already here, you should leave first.”

“Mm.”

Right as Natalie heaved a sigh of relief internally, the man pulled her into his arms once more.

Her body immediately tensed up, and she pounded him with her fists. Gritting her teeth, she reminded, “Mr. Morin is here…”

She was about to call him a pervert, but her voice trailed off when she remembered that she was supposed to be pretending to be Yara. She instantly fluttered her eyelashes and crooned, “We shouldn’t be doing this.”

Samuel smirked and leaned in even closer to sniff her neck.

Her clean and refreshing scent enveloped him. All of a sudden, he bit her round earlobe.

“That hurts! Are you a vampire?” Natalie complained as she rubbed her earlobe.

Samuel’s gaze darkened as he stared at her. “I’m leaving a mark. I’ll check it next time.”

Her heart dropped upon hearing his words. He pursed his lips and looked at her indifferently. However, a dark gleam flashed in his eyes, just like how a hungry wolf would look at its prey.

“Mr. Morin is still here!” she stated in embarrassment as her face flushed.

“You can treat him like he’s invisible. He wouldn’t look, nor would he dare to.”

Indeed, Billy did not dare to look at them. He was standing with his back facing them and gazing at the sky, wondering if he was dreaming.

Samuel took one final look at the bite mark on her earlobe in satisfaction before leaving on the Hummer.

Meanwhile, a cunning smirk graced Natalie’s lips as she stared at the car as it drove away.

If not for fear of revealing my identity, how can I do nothing while that jerk takes advantage of me? Since the Nichols family and Yara hate me so much, they will never allow Samuel to get hold of any information in relation to me.

After putting on her sunglasses and mask, she took a taxi home.

The minute she reached home, Xavian ran out on his short stubby legs to welcome her back. However, upon seeing her face without the mask, he knitted his brows. “Mommy, what happened to your mouth? Is it an allergic reaction?”

 

A Cue for Love Chapter 19

Natalie lowered her head upon hearing that. Guilt crawled over her as she met Xavian’s clear, innocent eyes. A-Allergic reaction?This clearly isn’t. However, I can’t possibly tell a five–year-old child what a kiss is. Besides, how do I explain the kiss with Samuel?

As she could not find a better explanation, she decided to go with the flow.

“Yes! I-It’s an allergic reaction…”

“I see…”

“Mhm. That’s all there is to it.”

Blinking his big eyes, Xavian asked in an anxious yet serious tone, “Mommy, what about your ear? Why is it bleeding?”

His eyes were pure and innocent, with worry written all in them.

Natalie choked on her own saliva upon hearing that. She cleared her throat before replying, “Sweetheart, thank goodness that you didn’t visit Granny’s grave on the mountain with me today. There were so many insects! My lips and ears were all bitten by them.”

“Mommy, I’ll get you some ointment.”

Despite his high intelligence, Xavian was still merely five years old. Hence, he did not find Natalie’s words suspicious.

Natalie felt relieved upon seeing the boy take her words for it. She then cursed at Samuel ferociously on the inside.

Tsk tsk! It seems like Yara failed to satisfy Samuel’s desire. I was dragged to this, thanks to her!

Xavian soon returned with an anti-inflammation ointment and his laptop.

After Natalie took the ointment from him, he placed the laptop in front of her and rubbed his tiny hands eagerly. “Mommy, I’ve found a man who’s identical to Clayton and me. Clayton agrees that we do look alike after viewing the photo | sent.”

Natalie rested her head on one hand and revealed Xavian’s true thoughts with a single sentence.

“Are you guys still searching for your ideal dad because you don’t believe that man is your father?”

After leaving Chanaea, she had asked someone to investigate the man who had slept with her six years ago. The intel showed that Yara had hired an outlaw named Jim Zarate.

He had vanished after receiving Yara’s money, and there was no trace of him at all.

The odds were that Yara had taken his life so that she could conceal her crime.

Hence, Natalie could not find any other evidence. Not planning to hide the truth about the children’s father’s identity, she had shown them the only photo she had.

To her surprise, her children denied her belief about Jim being their biological father and firmly stated that it had got to be someone else.

Owing to that, the two fellows walked their own paths, seeking their real father.

Clayton was scouted as a child actor. He had accepted the offer, hoping that his real father could see him on the TV.

Meanwhile, Xavian learned to code and hack by himself so that he could search for his real father on the internet.

“That man looks hideous and doesn’t resemble us at all! He can’t possibly be our dad! On the contrary, the man I found today looks more like our daddy!” Xavian pouted grumpily.

Fine. Xavian is persistent when it comes to this. It seems like I have no choice but to take a look at what he found.

“All right. Why don’t you show me the man? Let me see if you and he look alike.”

Xavian fiddled with the laptop upon hearing that. Soon enough, a photo appeared on the screen.

In it, the man had a refined silhouette, a pair of eyes that looked like the dark abyss, and exquisite facial features.

Even though he wasn’t the only one in the photograph, he looked outstanding among the crowd. Everyone would instantly lock their gazes on him at first glance.

“Mommy, what do you think? He’s handsome, right?”

Samuel Bowers?Natalie sucked in a breath when she recognized the man in the photo.

It was none other than Samuel, who had pressed her against the bookshelves in the cafe and kissed her forcefully earlier.

A Cue for Love Chapter 20

Staring at Samuel’s face, Natalie was dumbfounded, unable to utter a single word.

Right then, Xavian switched the computer screen to another interface. He then pointed at it.

“Samuel Bowers, the head of the wealthiest family in Chanaea. He’s thirty years old and has tens of billions of net worth. Doesn’t he look identical to Clayton and me? Clayton doesn’t look exactly the same as this man. But, Mommy, take a good look at me. Don’t Samuel and I look alike?”

Natalie cupped Xavian’s face and took a good look at him.

Oh my goodness! He does look identical to Samuel! The thought of comparing their looks never crossed my mind, for Samuel’s facial features are sharp, while Xavian has a chubby face. Now that Xavian mentioned it, he does look like he‘s a replica of Samuel.

“You guys do look a tiny bit alike, but he isn’t your and Clayton’s father.”

With his cheeks pinched by his mother, Xavian explained with a muffled voice, “Mommy, I look totally the same as him. H-He must be Daddy!”

“Sweetheart, don’t waste your time on him. Anyone can be your father but him.”

“Why?” he asked in astonishment.

“There’s no why.”

Having closed her eyes for a brief moment, Natalie turned around and closed the laptop. She then carried the boy to the bedroom. “Let’s go to bed.”

It was evident to the child that she was deliberately changing the subject. Afraid of upsetting her, Xavian stopped probing any further.

Quieted down, he wrapped his arms around Natalie’s neck and kissed her on the cheek. “Good night, Mommy.”

“Good night.”

After closing Xavian’s bedroom door, Natalie slumped against the wooden door, feeling a tight squeeze in her heart.

Over these five years, even though I’ve been doing my best as their mother, I could never substitute their yearning for a father’s love. Clayton and Xavian do indeed look identical to Samuel. However, it’s impossible that Samuel is their biological father. Yara would never have let him be involved with me. On top of that, Samuel isn’t someone who allows people to manipulate him either. He’d never fall for Yara’s scheme. It’s better to get the pain over with than to prolong the agony.

She knew that her words could break Xavian’s heart. However, all she wished for was to stop the latter from having false hopes.

In the meantime, Xavian was clutching onto his blanket in his bedroom. It seemed like Natalie’s words had no effect on him at all.

I must continue to look into more information about Samuel Bowers. Even if he isn’t our biological daddy, we’ll think of ways to make him our stepfather!

Clayton and Xavian had reached a consensus that only a man like Samuel was worthy of their intelligent, enchanting mother.

The next day, Samuel was having a meeting at Bowers Corporation.

Billy went to the waiting room to greet Steven, who had arrived at the office early.

He then told the latter regarding the incident between Samuel and “Yara” the day before.

Steven spat out the coffee he just sipped upon hearing that.

Billy handed a piece of tissue over to him without revealing his disgust. “Mr. Steven, please use this.”

“That’s impossible! No way! It can’t be happening!” Steven was in denial.

Billy shook his head in response. “Mr. Steven, initially, I didn’t understand why Sir and Ms. Nichols would have Mr. Franklin and Ms. Sophia together either. However, I get it now. Yesterday, I saw with my own eyes that Sir was watching Ms. Nichols passionately.”

Steven could not hold himself back and spat out the coffee once again.

How could it be possible? Sam, who has never had any sex drive, stared at a woman with burning passion in his eyes? However,after knowing Billy for so many years, I can tell that anhonest man like him will never exaggerate.

Nonetheless, Steven still found something amiss about the incident.

Wait a minute! Isn’t Yara filming in Xenhall now? Did she come back secretly in the middle of filming?