Ch. 201..210
A Cue for Love Chapter 201
Turning Misunderstanding To Her Advantage
Natalie clicked on a post. Someone analyzed the eyes of the mysterious pianist at the auction and found out that Yara’s eyes looked exactly the same as the eyes of the mysterious pianist.
Another netizen even posted a video clip, claiming that it was a clip of Yara during a piano competition six years ago.
In the video, the woman was dressed in light green. She looked as pretty as a picture as she sat at the piano, playing it gracefully and confidently.
Yara’s fanatical fans commented on the post and shared it around the internet.
YaraIsMyHubby: Yara Nichols is so pretty and good at acting. I can’t believe she plays the piano so well.
TheCutie: I’ve reached grade 10 in piano, but I can’t play as good as her.
Cloudy: Our goddess, Yara Nichols, keeps such a low profile. I’m worried for her.
In the comment section, everyone praised Yara for her beauty and piano skills.
Xavian pouted unhappily and said, “Mommy, this woman in the video is you, not her. Am I right?”
Natalie turned off the tablet screen and nodded.
Six years ago, the night before the piano competition, Yara brought a plate of fruits to Natalie.
Natalie then saw a cut on Yara’s right index finger, and tears were brimming in the latter’s eyes.
After questioning her, Natalie found out that Yara was going to join the final round of a piano competition the following day. However, she could no longer participate because she accidentally hurt her finger while slicing fruits for Natalie.
At that time, all Natalie cared about was her sister. Natalie also blamed herself, thinking that Yara would not have accidentally cut herself if it were not for her. Besides, she knew that Yara would be terribly upset for not being able to join the competition.
Therefore, when Yara hinted that Natalie could substitute for her, Natalie agreed right away.
Now that she thought of it, Natalie realized that she had fallen into Yara’s ploy.
Yara knew well that she herself could not win the competition. Hence, she deliberately hurt herself to gain Natalie’s sympathy.
At that time, Natalie was too naive and thought that she should do everything she could just to help her sister.
Six years went by in a flash.
When Natalie saw the video again, she realized that things had changed and that it was hard to fathom a person’s mind.
Even my blood-related sister could do this to me. I don’t expect people in society would treat me better than she does.
“Mommy…” Xavian called several times before Natalie snapped back to her senses.
He felt upset for his mother and added, “She looks like you, so it makes sense that the netizens have mistaken her for you. However, that woman clearly knows that she is not the person who played the piano at the auction, but she doesn’t clarify the truth on Twitter. She even posted nine photos of herself playing the piano. It seems like she’s trying to turn the misunderstanding to her advantage.”
Looking at the furious child, Natalie held his little face. “Silly boy, what’s real is real. What’s fake remains a fake. A fake never turn into a real one.”
“But… I’m so mad! I feel like I’m about to explode!”
Xavian would not even be that mad if he was the one who was being misunderstood. However, since his mother was the one involved, he did not want her to be wronged.
“I know you care for me.” She caressed his soft cheeks and laughed. “But, do you think that I am a pushover?”
“Mommy, you…”
“Sweetheart, I’ve had too many issues with her over the years. I’ll make her pay for them one by one…”
As she said that, a gleam of slyness flashed across her eyes.
At the filming set in Xenhall, Yara was scrolling through her phone. When she saw that she had gained millions of followers overnight, she was overjoyed.
Although the person who played the piano was not her, she was glad to be showered with praises and basked in the glory.
Just then, her phone rang.
It was Yara’s manager, Mona Brooks, who was calling her.
“Ms. Mona…”
“Yara, before you officially sign the contract, Hans Becker from Crown Entertainment has gifted you with a game endorsement which is worth thirty million.” Mona could not contain her excitement as she continued, “This time, the press conference for the new map of the game, Nation Glory, will be officially held three days later. In addition to introducing the new map, they will also introduce you as the new ambassador.”
Yara was extremely happy to receive such a high quality endorsement.
“All I have to do is to attend the press conference? What else do I need to do?” Yara asked.
Mona replied, “They want you to play the piano at the press conference.”
A Cue for Love Chapter 202
Shameless
“Me?” Yara frowned.
She had never played the piano since the last time Natalie played the piece, The Rain, six years ago.
“Mona, do I have to play the piano at the launch of the new map for the game? I can do anything else other than that. Can I not play the piano?” Yara asked.
“Yara, let me be frank with you. The performance at the auction is lauded and trending recently. The organizer of the press conference saw the post that said you were the pianist, so they want you to play the piano. Besides, Mr. Becker has even invited the dancer who performed that day as well…”
“What?”
Mona explained, “Don’t worry. That dancer was the main focus of the video. However, you will be the main focus of this upcoming press conference. Mr. Becker invited her to become a filler. If the press conference goes well, with the help of the marketing on the topic, you will gain even more popularity.”
Yara was tempted to accept the offer, but she was still hesitant. “My skills have deteriorated. You know that I haven’t touched a piano for a long time…”
“You’ve practiced since you were young, so playing the piano should be instinctive for you. I’ve asked Mr. Sullivan to help to play the piece in advance. Then, I’ll record it and play the audio during the press conference. You just have to put on an act and don’t let anyone find out that you’re pretending to play it.”
Finally, Yara was convinced. “Ms. Mona, thank you.”
“Yara, there’s no need to be so polite. Trust me. You’ll be the star of the press conference,” Mona uttered proudly.
“Yes, I will.”
With that, Yara ended the call and was overwhelmed with joy.
After she walked away, Clayton, who was sleeping at the side, tossed his blanket aside and smacked his lips.
He had heard about the dance performance from Xavian the other day.
This woman doesn’t memorize her script and asks stuntmen to replace her in her scenes. Now, she even pretends to be Mommy, the one who played the piano in the video. Sheesh! How shameless!
However, since Xavian told him that Natalie had her own ways to deal with the situation, Clayton would only wait and see how the wicked woman would make a mess of herself.
In the blink of an eye, three days had passed.
The press conference of Nation Glory was grand, and the entire exhibition hall was beautifully decorated. Everything looked magnificent.
Nation Glory was a highly-rated game that almost all citizens in the country knew about.
The characters inside the game were exquisite, and the special effects of the characters’ skills looked fantastic and real. All of its players had an excellent gaming experience.
Two hours before the press conference commenced, the venue was already packed.
The reporters were ready with their cameras for the interview session during the press conference.
Meanwhile, Yara had put on a pink-colored costume. As she walked, the hem of her gown swayed, and the red flower drawn between her eyebrows made her appear more captivating.
Clad in a beige suit, Mona complimented, “Yara, you’re so beautiful today…”
Yara merely nodded in response.
Although she was satisfied with her appearance, she felt it was a pity that Samuel could not get there to watch her.
I won’t play the piano later, but I believe that Samuel will be attracted to me if he sees me on the stage.
As that thought crossed her mind, Yara said, “Ms. Mona, when I perform later, record it and send the video for me.”
“No problem.” Mona smiled. “I’ve arranged everything. Just perform at ease.”
“I will.”
Meanwhile, in a private room on the second floor of the place where the press conference was held, Natalie poured two cups of tea for Hans and Yana.
“Mr. Becker, are you sure you’re okay with letting me take over the matters tonight?” Natalie raised her teacup and said solemnly, “The press conference hasn’t started yet. I’ll have to apologize to you first.”
A Cue for Love Chapter 203
Came For Her
“Natalie, for years, I’ve been telling you that you have the power to decide everything related to Crown Entertainment. You can do whatever you want.” Hans held Yana’s hand and smiled. “All I care about is Yana. The rest is up to you. Do what you want, Natalie.”
Yana glared at him and pulled her hand away from Hans’. “Behave yourself. Natalie is here.”
Chuckling in response, Natalie rested her head on her hand as she took a sip of tea.
Looking at the couple in front of her, she felt inexplicably envious.
Although Yana was born with congenital heart disease, she found a husband who would never leave her. Hans was a person who would sacrifice everything for Yana.
It was obvious that they truly loved each other.
Even vicissitudes of life could not affect their love for one another.
Natalie could not help but sigh. “I don’t know what to say. Both of you are just too sweet.”
Yana took a sip of tea before she asked with concern, “Natalie, you don’t have a boyfriend yet? What kind of man are you looking for? Hans and I will help you to look for one.”
Hans then nodded in agreement. “Yes! Yana and I will do our best in choosing you a good man.”
Upon hearing that, Natalie choked on her tea.
Cough! Cough!
She quickly pulled several pieces of tissue paper and covered her mouth, trying hard to suppress her cough.
“There’s no need for that. Romance is not for me.” Natalie covered her mouth as she said sullenly, “Besides, it’s not easy to find a suitable partner that can stay with me forever. How many couples out there are as sweet as both of you?”
She was afraid to get hurt.
Therefore, she would rather not fall in love in the first place.
Natalie expressed her words emotionally. Since Hans and Yana had been through their fair share of hardship, they understood what she was trying to say.
Knowing that Natalie did not want to talk about love and relationships anymore, they changed the topic immediately.
After that, three of them continued to chat happily in the private room.
Meanwhile, Christopher sat down on a VIP seat at the press conference.
A group of investors saw him and quickly rushed toward him.
“Mr. Collins, what brought you here today?”
“Mr. Collins, are you thirsty? What would you like to drink?”
“Mr. Collins, are you interested in this game as well? Do you want to invest in this game with us?”
While those annoying voices rang beside Christopher, his eyes were locked on the beautiful venue.
“Do all of you have nothing better to do? Did I allow you to surround me like this?” he questioned furiously.
The investors were so terrified that they started shivering immediately.
Nicholas looked at them and explained, “Mr. Collins just wants to watch the press conference without any disturbance.”
“Y-Yes…” The group of investors quickly nodded and stepped back.
Other guests were supposed to sit beside Christopher, but the investors pulled those chairs away to make sure that no one would disturb him.
Sitting beside Christopher, Nicholas was rather confused.
After the Collins family cleared their name, they invested mainly in real estate.
Although commercial real estate involved department stores, shops, cinemas, restaurants, and other entertainment facilities, they had never been involved in the entertainment and gaming industry.
Therefore, he did not know why Christopher was interested in this game and even postponed his schedule to attend the press conference.
As Nicholas continued to rack his brain to find the answer, Christopher was staring at the woman on the game poster on the wall.
This woman looks exactly like that girl after the mask is taken off from her face. Is it her? Or is it someone else?
Christopher was uncertain. However, he could not help but want to know more about that woman who cured him of his illness.
A Cue for Love Chapter 204
Two hours later, the press conference officially began.
Natalie and the Becker couple were currently sitting in the private suite on the second floor while staring at the stage.
She stirred her coffee leisurely, picked up the porcelain cup and breathed in the fragrance before taking a sip of her beverage.
Two hosts, a man and a woman wearing matching traditional outfits, walked to the middle of the stage. When the colorful lights turned on, it illuminated the entire setup on the stage and the attendees felt as if they had traveled back in time at the mesmerizing sight.
The male host then began the introduction. “Thank you for honoring us with your presence at this press conference. Today, ‘Nation Glory’ announces the release of a new map that is being added to the game!”
According to the schedule, the most dedicated and experienced players got to try their hands on the new map first. The three-round warm-up match, a prelude to the official competition, was the perfect platform to show off the features of the new map to the other players.
The intricate designs, exquisite game effects, and the exciting twists of the competition built up the audience’s hype until it reached its peak.
“Aside from the release of a new map, this press conference shall also be announcing a new spokesperson for the game. However, prior to that, let us enjoy the show that she has prepared for us,” the female host informed and stepped away from the stage.
The stage was still shining brightly while the lights beyond it became dimmer.
The staff quickly pushed a piano to the stage before locking its wheels on a platform.
Yara walked over to the instrument and turned to Mona. “Don’t forget about the recording, Ms. Mona.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll record it in the best quality as I can so you can show it to your special someone.” Mona smiled.
“Thank you.” Yara then sat in front of the piano without examining it since it was just a decoration to her.
It turned out that Mona had secretly contacted the world-renown pianist, Kingsley Carter, beforehand and recorded his performance. It would be played during Yara’s segment. All she had to do was to move her fingers around the keyboard and pretend as though she was actually playing the piece.
After adjusting her posture, Yara placed her fingers on the keys.
Once the music started playing behind her, her fingers moved according to the tune.
The platform gradually ascended as mist made from dry ice flooded onto the stage. The impressive display and the lengths the production staff went to create a breath-taking performance awed everyone.
The mist partially obscured Yara’s hands, making it easier for her to pretend that she was pouring her heart and soul into the song.
Wendy and a group of dancers began dancing to the melody.
The audience was thoroughly immersed as the combined performances of song and dance mesmerized them.
On the second-floor suite, Yana pursed her lips and scoffed, “I would be fooled if I didn’t know it was a pre-recorded performance.”
Natalie poured herself another cup of coffee as she smiled plainly. Yet there were no emotions flashing past her eyes. “She should try to pretend she’s better, so it’ll be more painful for her when she falls.”
Once the cup was full, she picked it up and gave it a sip. I think it’s about time now. This is going to be fun to watch.
Suddenly, just as Yara was pressing the keyboard, the heavy cover above the keys fell on her fingers.
She immediately stopped the performance as she smothered the bruises on her hands.
The audience gasped.
While they were concerned about what happened to Yara, what really surprised them was the fact that the music didn’t stop even though she had.
Yara stared at the piano in disbelief. Why did the cover suddenly slam down? I was careful with how I was playing the piano… This is so embarrassing!
Her mind blanked out as she could only stare in the back stage’s direction with dread. Why aren’t they stopping the music yet? Stop the music! Quickly!
Everyone was panicking as they scurried around to obey Mona’s orders.
“Where’s the control panel? Shut the music off right now! What do you mean you can’t shut it off? I’m ordering you to turn it off right now! How is not possible to turn it off? If you don’t do it right now, you’re fired!”
Despite their attempts, the music just wouldn’t stop. By the time Mona rushed to the control panel to do it herself, the song had already ended.
A Cue for Love Chapter 205
Support From Boss
The audience exploded with speculations and comments about what happened.
“So Yara’s a fake?”
“How could it be anything else? The music was still going even after the cover fell and she stopped playing!”
“Maybe the person in the video wasn’t her at all, and she’s just trying to ride on the popularity of the video. I bet she’s intentionally misleading her fans so they’ll think of her as some kind of skilled pianist.”
“I can’t believe she’s such a pretender. I’m not going to be her fan anymore.”
Those who were praising her breathtaking performance just a second ago started denouncing her.
Yara’s fingers were bruised quite badly.
Her face turned pale as she bit her lip with so much force that it started bleeding. Why did the piano cover fall down? Why did it have to happen while I was playing? I’ve utterly embarrassed myself in front of everyone!
The production staff quickly arrived at her location and helped her leave the stage. However, her staggering made her look like she was escaping in disgrace.
Upon arriving backstage, she lifted a random object and threw it to the ground to vent her frustration.
It shocked the staff to see her violent reaction, but none of them dared to speak up against her actions.
Mona stepped out of the control room and hugged Yara, who was trembling with fury.
“It’s all right, Yara. Please calm down. You’re still the spokesperson of the game, so you need to prepare yourself to go on the stage again.”
“I’m… still the spokesperson?”
“Of course you are!”
Mona and Yara were still convinced they were on track with their plan, but the people in the second-floor suite had other ideas.
“This game is still Wendy’s first endorsement. Therefore, as her boss, I shall show her my support.” Natalie put her cup down and smiled. “I shall head down to prepare.”
The Becker couple exchanged a look.
Yana asked, “Hubby, what kind of man do you think can win Natalie’s heart?”
Hans gave it some thought before shaking his head. “I have no idea, Yana.”
She laid herself down in his embrace and sighed. “I believe few could win her heart. Many will end up hurt if they try.”
The chaos on the stage had finally died down.
The two hosts, while holding their new cards, took the stage as if nothing happened. “There was a small accident in the performance earlier, but the night is still young, and we’re only about to enter the main show of the press conference. Enjoy.”
The lights beyond the stage dimmed again.
Wendy listened to Natalie’s advice and entered the stage with a scarlet attire.
The sound of drums was heard as she danced like a fluttering butterfly on the drums. Each of her leaps and spins was elegant and beautiful.
As the sound of a harp joined the drums, the audience felt as if they had traveled a thousand years back in time and arrived at the desert of an ancient dynasty.
It was as though they could see soldiers huddling around the campfire to share a drink before they journeyed across the vast land for the doomed expedition. Alas, none returned. The golden sand buried the bones of the unfortunately fallen.
The person playing the harp was Natalie, and she was wearing the same scarlet outfit as Wendy.
There was still a veil covering half of her face, but the red cloth only made her look even more mysterious and beautiful.
The new map of “Nation Glory” was indeed a desert.
Compared to Yara’s performance on the piano earlier, the current one was much more of a cohesive introduction to the new map.
Wendy’s dance, even though it was graceful and undoubtedly feminine, still managed to capture the essence of warriors who went on an expedition to an uncaring desert.
The audience was once again immersed in the performance as the memory of Yara’s terrible act was washed away from their minds.
Christopher, who was sitting at a VIP spot below the stage, held his chin as he stared intently at the woman playing the harp.
Even though she was sitting at the very back of the stage, he could see her clearly from his seat. Yara wasn’t that woman. The one currently playing the harp with a veil over her face is the woman I’m looking for.
Back on the second floor again, Samuel was also staring at the woman sitting at the corner of the stage.
There were profound emotions swirling in his eyes.
A Cue for Love Chapter 206
Fortune Telling
Samuel’s eyes were glinting with desire as he stared at the scarlet figure for what felt like ten thousand years.
He knew she had great aspirations and that she didn’t want to rely on anyone else to shine brightly. That was why he was surprised she hid herself so carefully, as if intentionally holding back her brilliance. I wonder what kind of tragic past she had that made her aim so high and desire so much. She continues to treat everyone as kindly as she could, yet she never truly trusted anyone. I doubt even a girl from a poor family lived a life as difficult as hers. Her charm is captivating, yet I can still see the pain hiding behind her veneer.
The song finally ended.
Wendy leaped and landed on the drum as if the king’s army had died in the battle in the desert.
The glory that was once possessed by the great dynasty was instantly buried beneath the golden sand.
Yara’s song had an archaic vibe that somewhat fitted with the new map, but Wendy’s current dance truly captured the spirit of the game.
There was a dead silence from the audience.
They were still entranced by the magical performance, unable to pull themselves back to reality.
As much as the glamorous outfits awed them, only a truly magnificent performance of both song and dance could move their hearts.
No one knew who was the first to clap their hands, but when it woke the rest of them up from their trance, the audience immediately gave the performers a standing ovation.
A thunderous applause echoed within the venue. Even some of the attendees even began to cry.
Wendy stepped away from the drums and bowed before leaving the stage.
Initially, she didn’t really understand why Natalie had forced her to practice the dance until they could see bruises all over her body. She didn’t complain about it because she was grateful for Natalie’s kindness. Nevertheless, it still perplexed her.
It was a surprise to her that the dance came in handy.
After meeting up with Natalie, she couldn’t help but ask, “Do you know fortune-telling, boss?”
“Do you want to take a guess?” Natalie winked.
“I think you do. If not, how else would you know what occurred? Yara’s piano just so happened to malfunction, and that forced the host to find a new performance to cover for her. It turned out to be an opportunity for me to perform the dance you made me practice, and it coincidentally happened to fit perfectly with the game’s new map.”
“If you think I know, then I know. Even though I didn’t tell you why you should practice it, you did so without question. The respect you have garnered tonight is thanks to your own hard work.”
A sudden realization hit Wendy.
She suddenly felt that each step she took following Natalie’s decisions was meant to put her in the spotlight at this exact moment. “Boss…”
“Did Yandel assimilate you?” The latter pinched her cheek slightly. “You still need to go back on stage.”
“For more dance?”
Natalie chuckled. “No. It’s because the company will be announcing you to be their new spokesperson later.”
“Me?” Wendy was flabbergasted. “Why is it me?”
“Why wouldn’t it be you? Did you hear how loud they were clapping earlier? You poured your heart and soul into the dance. You deserve to be the spokesperson.” Natalie smirked confidently.
With Mona’s consolation, Yara finally composed herself as they watched Wendy finish her dance. “It was just an accident earlier. I bet this dance has helped the audience to forget what happened. It’ll be fine.”
Yara bit her lip.
She didn’t like the dance at all, but she couldn’t deny that it probably helped to lessen the impact of her blunder earlier.
Her mind couldn’t stop thinking about how she should present herself later to recover from her failure.
Mona adjusted her clothes and encouraged, “Cheer up, Yara. I know you’ll do great once you reenter the stage.”
“I will, Ms. Mona.”
When the host invited the company’s CEO to announce the spokesperson of the game, Yara was already standing at the edge of the stage.
However, the spokesperson that the CEO gleefully announced turned out to be Wendy.
A Cue for Love Chapter 207
Not So Foolproof
Yara’s palms curled into fists as shock replaced the smile on her face.
When she snapped back to her senses, she looked at her agent in disbelief. “What’s going on, Ms. Mona? Didn’t you say I’ll be the spokesperson?”
Mona wasn’t looking any better, too. Her eyes appeared as though it was about to pop out of her skull. “I… I don’t know.”
As tears streamed down her cheeks, Yara ran back into her dressing room.
Mona followed right behind. When she entered the room, she quickly shut the door so no one could see Yara’s tantrum.
“Who the hell is Wendy Xander?” she spat through clenched teeth.
“She must be a newbie,” Mona answered. “I’ve never heard her name in the industry before.”
“A newbie without any work under her name dares to steal my place as the spokesperson?” Yara swept her arm across the table and threw all her makeup on the floor before glaring at Mona with boiling hatred. “I told you I can’t play the piano, but you insisted I do! You told me it was a foolproof plan! It’s not so foolproof now, is it?”
Mona was speechless.
“I embarrassed myself in front of everyone! How am I supposed to show my face in public again?” Yara, in her anger, picked up her makeup mirror and threw it at her assistant.
Jeanne tried to dodge when she realized a mirror was heading right for her, but she was too slow. It broke into pieces when it hit her shoulder. “Ouch!”
“What’s with that look?” Yara held her tears back as she pinched her assistant’s chin. “You don’t like it? I’ll have you know, the only reason I allowed you to become my assistant was that you’re obedient! If you look at me like that again, I’ll make sure you won’t be able to stay in Dellmoor!”
Jeanne was so terrified by Yara’s bipolarity that she had trouble breathing.
Even Mona was shocked by how the woman was acting. She was usually a good speaker, but she found herself unable to muster any word at all.
Wendy was invited to stand under the colorful stage light.
While she didn’t have any work under her name in the industry yet, that dance of hers was more than enough to show everyone her experience with the craft, as well as her alluring smile.
If that one dance could mesmerize the audience, there was no doubt in their minds that once she made her official debut, she would become an overnight superstar.
Her talent was undeniable.
Natalie knew Wendy would get nervous, but she believed the latter had the capability to stand her ground.
To her surprise, when she was about to leave, a lot of reporters and fans were waiting for her at the exit.
On the stage earlier, Wendy was the main star while she was just a side character who played the instrument. That much was true.
However, the music she played with the harp had pierced through the sounds of drums and into the hearts of many.
The audience sitting behind a screen didn’t notice she was playing the harp in the background as the camera focused mostly on Wendy. However, everyone who was at the live performance could see her.
They could tell at one glance that the woman who played the harp earlier was the same person playing the piano in the video.
After all, she was wearing the same veil, and her style of playing both instruments was similar. It was as if she was trying to evoke people’s imagination while keeping her identity a mystery.
While Wendy was still going to get the most attention during the night, the mysterious woman who wouldn’t show her face was also getting her time in the spotlight.
The more people gathered around Natalie, the more determined she was to keep her identity hidden.
However, that only served to pique the crowd’s curiosity.
Natalie lowered her head and tried to cover her face. I knew Wendy’s going to have a huge reception, but I didn’t expect so many people are interested in me as well. What do I do? Great, now security guards in their black suits are pouring in as well. This is turning out to be a headache. Will my identity be revealed tonight? I guess I’ll just have to cover my face as long as possible and hope for the best.
Suddenly, a black coat shrouded her head from an unknown direction.
A Cue for Love Chapter 208
Natalie froze. “Who is it?”
“It’s me.” A familiar voice she hadn’t heard in a long time rang in her ears.
“S-Samuel?” She blinked in disbelief.
“Yes, it’s me.”
“What are you doing here?” Her voice was tiny and sullen.
“Didn’t I say not to draw attention to yourself when I’m not around?” he questioned her in a deep voice. There was a tinge of resignation mixed in it. “You really turned a deaf ear to my words.”
“I didn’t.”
He pressed his large hand on the top of her head. “In that case, why are there so many people waiting for you, hmm?”
Despite the accusation, his voice was filled with an indescribable sense of affection.
“Not all of them are men-”
“Women are off-limits too.” Samuel pursed his lips. “You belong to me, and me alone.”
With the jacket in the way, Natalie couldn’t see the man’s face as she listened to him. However, for some reason, she would feel at ease when he was around, as though he could solve even the most terrible problems that plagued her.
While she was engrossed in her thoughts, he asked again, “Do you want to leave?”
“Yes.” She nodded subconsciously.
“I won’t bother to look at something that doesn’t belong to me. Remember, I only take what’s mine with me,” he paused before continuing, “And I’ll do so properly.”
As his words played repeatedly in her mind, he grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the crowd.
Natalie could see nothing but darkness since the jacket was still covering her head.
All she could feel was that big hand holding her tiny one. It felt warm and comforting as if he was her entire world at that moment.
With no other way to navigate her surrounding, she followed him.
However, that sense of peace he gave her also made her feel a little lost.
Natalie was so zoned out that she accidentally tripped herself. Thankfully, Samuel caught her in the nick of time.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk…” Suddenly, he scooped her into his arms.
“If you don’t want to fall, you better hold me tight and don’t let go,” he cautioned in a whisper before resuming his steps.
She instinctively wrapped her arms around him as a faint blush surfaced on her cheeks.
If it weren’t for the jacket around her head, he would’ve seen her blushing like a teenager.
With that, he whisked her away.
The security guards were blocking the attendees and the reporters, so they couldn’t see what exactly had happened. They only caught a glance of Samuel carrying a woman in a red dress with a jacket over her head.
When Christopher went backstage, he saw a glimpse of Samuel’s silhouette carrying a woman in a scarlet dress. Is it her?
“What’s wrong, Mr. Collins?” Nicholas asked curiously when he saw him stop suddenly.
“Investigate who that is.”
Nicholas didn’t know what was the point of the investigation, but he wasn’t going to question it. “Will do.”
Christopher didn’t go further backstage.
“Mr. Collins? Is something wrong?”
“They’re gone.” A hint of loneliness flashed across his eyes. “Let’s go back.”
After three days of continuous bathing and consuming his medications, the coldness in his body had completely vanished. He never had a cough late at night anymore, and he could sleep like a baby.
She didn’t lie about being able to treat him.
However, as much as he wanted to treasure her, he wasn’t the only one doing so.
His fists tightened as he vowed to himself. I will have her. I must.
A Cue for Love Chapter 209
Lose Control
Natalie didn’t know how long Samuel had been carrying her until he put her in a seat.
Once she made sure she was in the car, she pulled the jacket on her head away.
It made her panic a little when it didn’t come off because it was tangled up with her hairpiece. Is this jacket… also going against me? No, I refused to believe in my luck.
She yanked the jacket away even harder, but it only made her scalp hurt more.
“The jacket doesn’t have a grudge against you, woman. Can’t you be a little gentler?” Samuel grabbed her hands to stop her from peeling his jacket away from her head forcefully.
Natalie felt her hand being moved away before she felt his hand tugging the jacket away with ease.
“See what I did there? It’s that easy.”
Light finally reentered her sight. As she raised her head, a pair of eyes as dark as ink met hers.
The two of them stared at each other.
Her face, still covered by the scarlet veil, was inches away from his.
Her eyes glinted with unparalleled brilliance while her makeup enhanced it.
The man’s coarse finger touched her eyebrows before sliding downward.
With the veil pressing against her face, his finger rubbed past the space between her eyebrows before continuing down to her nose, then to her lips, and finally her chin.
He only saw her playing the piano on a video before.
However, earlier in the night, he got the chance to see her play a song with his own eyes.
“Do you think you can cover everything with this veil?” Samuel narrowed his eyes and questioned in a deep voice.
Can’t I? Natalie’s eyes shimmered as she kept the words inside her head. I wonder if it’s possible for a person to notice another in a sea of people with their bare eyes?
Feeling they were getting too close, she subconsciously tried to move further into the car. Before she could put some distance between them, he wrapped his arm around her and forced her into his embrace.
“Samuel, let me-” The man’s abrupt kiss ended her sentence prematurely.
Her brown eyes widened in disbelief at the handsome face in front of her. I still haven’t removed my veil, yet he just… kissed me?
The scarlet cloth might’ve separated them, but Natalie was still able to sense the heat on his lips.
The kiss was initially restrained and gentle.
However, when he pulled her veil away, it became more obsessive and intense.
Under his attack, her body gradually softened, and she could do nothing but look askance at the man with panting breath.
“This red outfit of yours looks like a wedding gown.”
“Nonsense.”
Samuel chuckled as his eyes were filled with love and affection.
He advanced again. His lips pressed against hers as he gently untied the red satin ribbon around her waist.
As the seconds passed, the man gradually removed each layer of her clothing with great patience and care.
Even though it had barely been a month, the separation was unimaginably painful for him.
However, all of his longing melted away as their kiss continued.
Right as he was about to take another step further, the door to the driver’s seat suddenly opened.
The air felt like it was frozen as Billy went into the car obliviously. “Where should we go-”
Before he could fully turn his head around, his gut was already telling him that something was wrong. Oh crap! Did I ruin the moment for Mr. Bowers?
His lips trembled for a second before he escaped the car with a blushing face.
Due to Billy’s interference, Natalie was woken up from her daze.
She promptly tightened her clothing as her white teeth bit her lip. “You said you won’t force me, Samuel.”
A Cue for Love Chapter 210
The Answer
“Yes, I said that before.” Samuel’s gaze swept past Natalie’s face. “I only did it because I thought you wanted it.”
She bit her lip even harder.
If it weren’t for Billy’s sudden arrival, she would’ve thought she really wanted it.
After all, the lack of her usual refusal came across to him as her silent approval.
The thought of being intimate with any men never occurred to Natalie. Yet, at that moment, she was like a fly that had landed on Samuel’s spider web.
The more she wanted to escape, the tighter his web became, and the harder it was for her to run away.
Only after Natalie calmed down did Samuel let Billy return to the car to drive.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, Billy’s face was pale and flushed at the same time. He didn’t even dare to look in the rearview mirror as he forced himself to focus on the road.
After a long while, they arrived in front of a building.
“We’ve arrived,” Samuel declared.
“Here? Why have you brought me here?” Natalie glanced perplexedly at a building that had obviously been built nearly a century ago.
“Are you sure you want to wear this home?” His eyes brushed past her disheveled appearance, which was something he was responsible for. “Have you thought about how to answer the children’s questions?”
She glanced at her clothing and calmed down. He’s right! How should I answer the kids when they asked about the state of my clothing, my swollen lips or the hickeys on my neck?
After some consideration, Natalie pushed the door open and stepped out of the car.
An old woman exited the building when she heard the sound of a car. “Is that you, Mr. Samuel?”
Her eyes were wide open, but they were cloudy. She had to rely on her shivering hands to feel her way around.
Natalie was afraid that the old woman would fall, so she stepped forward and held her arm. “Be careful.”
Ida Heath furrowed her eyebrows when she touched Natalie’s hand. “Your voice is unfamiliar to me. Who are you? Why have you come here?”
“Ms. Heath, it’s me, Samuel.” Samuel arrived at the old woman’s side. “Her name is Natalie Nichols. Na-ta-lie. I brought her here.”
“Na-ta-lie… That’s a good name!” Ida mumbled as she smiled. “Since Mr. Samuel brought you here, I need to welcome you properly. I’ll go and brew a cup of coffee now. Wait for me.” She turned around excitedly and headed back the way she came.
Natalie wasn’t willing to let a feeble, near-blind old woman do things for her, so she followed closely behind Ida into the building. “Be careful, Ms. Heath.”
“No need to worry about me, Ms. Natalie! Even though my eyes are failing me, I’m as healthy as an ox!”
“Please let me help you, Ms. Heath.”
“Okay, all right.”
Samuel’s lips curved upward as he saw Natalie followed anxiously behind Ida in her scarlet dress. That woman. Even though she’s capable, she’s not proud at all. While she shields herself from the rest of the world, she still treats the ones around her with kindness. The more I observe her actions, the more I fall in love with her…
When he turned back, Billy looked as if he wanted to dig himself a hole.
“Billy, how long have you been working for me?” he asked callously.
“Eleven years, sir.”
“There won’t be a next time. I’m canceling your end-of-the-year bonus and all paid leaves.”
Billy felt as if his world had crumbled. “Mr. Bowers-”
“If it weren’t for your eleven years of service, I would’ve sent you to another continent immediately.” Samuel glared and pointed at him coldly.
Whenever he thought of that scene from earlier, his blood would start boiling. If this buffoon in front of me hadn’t interrupted us, I would’ve gotten my way with her.