Shane nodded and said, “That’s right. There will be others who will ask about how long we’ve been married. We can’t lie every time, right?”
Natalie’s lips moved, but she couldn’t find the right words to say.
Shane stepped forward and got close to her again. He pointed out, “Our lies will be exposed sooner or later, and there are people out there who already know that I am the kids’ dad. Those same people know that we’re together as well, and they will think less of the kids and regard them as b*stards if our lies got exposed one day.”
Natalie was stumped when she heard that.
He’s right. Many already knew that Shane is their father. That is especially true for our neighbors and the people we know from kindergarten. If they discover that Shane and I aren’t married, they might assume that I am scheming to marry into a rich family. I mean, letting the kids call him Daddy before we’re married… that does sound eager…
Shane could tell what Natalie was thinking when he saw how her eyes glowed. He reached out to part her hair before saying, “That is why it is the best option for us getting married. Wouldn’t you say so?”
Natalie couldn’t refute his words. She took a deep breath and said, “Shane, I still think that this is moving too quickly. I love you, but we just started seeing each other, and I’m not ready to get married that quickly. Please let me think about it.”
After saying her piece, she shifted her gaze downward.
Shane was disappointed that she didn’t say yes, but he was so quick to hide the disappointment away that no one could notice.
He lifted her chin and forced her to look into his eyes before reassuring her in his deep voice, “You can take some time to think about it, but I won’t wait for long. As you know, I’ve never been one to take things slowly, and I truly am eager to marry you. It doesn’t matter what your decision is in the end. I will remain firm in my stance. I mean it when I say I want to marry you!”
Natalie could see how sincere he was, and her heart thumped faster. She instinctively wanted to say yes that very moment.
In the end, her rational side stopped her and prevented her from giving in to her impulses. She calmed down and nodded before she replied, “Okay. I will give you an answer as quickly as possible.”
Shane grinned a little, but stopped talking.
Natalie seemed a little uncomfortable when she massaged her neck a little. She reminded him, “Shane, you can let me go now.”
Her red lips were full, and her voice sounded sweet and soft. It was as if she was being coquettish.
Shane stared at her moving lips and inhaled the fragrant scent exuding from them. His throat suddenly felt dry, and lust got his gaze to turn wild. Before anyone knew it, Shane had already tilted his head down and kissed her lips.
Natalie was surprised because she didn’t expect him to do that. However, she didn’t need much time to register what was going on and started kissing him back.
Perhaps Shane was angry because Natalie didn’t agree to marry him right away, but he kept biting her lips a little and was blatantly punishing her.
He didn’t let her go until Natalie moaned a little in discomfort.
By then, Natalie’s lips had already turned all red and swollen. Her lipstick was all but smeared by the man in front of her.
“You…” complained Natalie as she covered her lips with her hand. Tears welled in her eyes as she glared at Shane with displeasure in her eyes.
I honestly don’t know what this guy is up to. I can’t believe he bit me!
Shane ignored Natalie’s silent complaint. It was as if he couldn’t see them at all. He used his thumb to wipe the lipstick off of his lips before he said in a slightly amused tone, “Alright then, you should leave now. I have a video conference to attend to.”
Natalie’s lips twitched.
He’s going to chase me away immediately after we kissed? Is it just me or is he acting like one of those heartless men who abandoned their lovers in those online novels?
“What’s wrong?” asked Shane with his brows raised when he realized that there was something off with the way Natalie was staring.
Natalie waved her hand dismissively before saying, “It’s nothing. I should head out. Tend to your conference.”
After saying her piece, Natalie turned around and left.
The second she exited the room, she became the centre of attention. The children’s innocent gaze and the adults’ amused gaze were all on her.
Sally was especially amused. She grinned as she stared at Natalie’s red lips and teased, “Nat, did you and Mr. Shane…?”
Ahem. Natalie cleared her throat while blushing hard. There is no need to share these kinds of details with anyone.
