Chapter 5 Running from trouble

MICHELLE's Pov

My chest tightened as I read the message again. We didn't get to see each other again today.

My fingers hovered over Nathaniel's phone as the message replayed in my head over and over again, I went ahead to unlock the phone, but it had a passcode that I didn't realize until now. A slight pang of frustration coursed through me. Of course, it was locked.

I wanted to confront him at once, but something held me back. I placed his phone down, my gaze drifting to the window, completely absorbed by the city lights as it blurred through my vision.

"Hey, you okay?" Nathaniel's voice echoed faintly, breaking through my thoughts.

I turned to face him, seeing him in a towel, revealing his perfectly toned body, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

His gaze drifted to his phone right beside me, before settling on mine "What's the matter?"

"Who's Hailey?" I asked, my tone sharp.

The question hung in the air for a moment, and his brows furrowed "I can explain."

That statement I can explain, I always heard those words in movies, but I never imagined how that statement felt in reality, they carried an entirely different weight, especially when the person is aware of the pain he caused. I could feel the well of tears clogging the corner of my eyes, but I held them back, refusing to let them fall.

I crossed my arms, "Start," I demanded, my tone sharper.

He moved closer to the bed, lowered himself onto the edge of the bed, and sat down, "Hailey is my ex, Michelle," he said cautiously.

I smiled bitterly and my chest tightened further.

"Nathaniel, I know all your exes and even if she is, why is she asking about meeting you?"

"I don't know," he said, his voice low, "she came by the office earlier today. I told her I was married. I wanted to clear the air-to let her know I've moved on."

"Nate, I don't know her, why? I know all your exes," I questioned.

"Michelle, it doesn't matter, can you trust me?" he replied, his voice steady.

"You're making it hard for me Nate," I said, crossing my arms, "why do you have your phone locked?"

"It's always had a lock Michelle, and you know it. What are you talking about?"

His question hit me like a slap like I was just some stupid over-thinker blowing things out of proportion. I couldn't be overreacting right? The way he'd left me hanging after our wedding, and now this-a message from a girl asking to meet him.

I clenched my fists trying to suppress the sudden tide of emotions that threatened to show.

"Why does she want to see you? How did she get your number?"

He ran a hand through his hair, "fuck" he muttered.

"I messed up. I never should have given her my number. I only did it to get her out of my office. I know it was wrong, and I'm truly sorry, my love."

"I can't handle this," I said, turning toward the door, and taking a deep breath.

Before I could take a step, Nathaniel grabbed my arm, rising to his feet His eyes locked with mine, a mix of desperation in his gaze.

"Let go of my arm," I said, trying to wiggle my arm free but his grip only tightened, his proximity forcing me to tilt my head slightly.

I sighed in defeat, the fight draining out of me as I stopped tussling, still breathing heavily until it finally settled down, leaving the room quiet.

"We're married, Michelle," he said, his voice steady but soft. "We're one. We don't run away from our problems."

His grip loosened slightly, his eyes still fixed on mine "I love you. You know that" he continued. "If you want to, you can go through my phone. There's nothing to hide. I promise you that."

My mind softened a bit, and the weight of his words hit me off-guard, but the memories of the message I saw on his phone came rushing back reminding me of the anger about the serious conversation that we were having. But slowly, that anger shifted, and I couldn't help but think of his body against mine.

Solid. Warm. Intoxicating.

His hot breath mingled with mine, sending a shiver down my back, his hair damp and messy in a way that made him look effortlessly sexy.

I folded, and I could tell he knew but I couldn't care less.

I just wanted to stay like this, to enjoy this moment while it lasted, even though I knew I needed to speak-to say something.

Anything.

"I don't want you talking to her again. No calls, no texts-block her," I said, the words finally slipped out of my mouth, sharper than I intended.

"Okay," he replied warmly, his tone filled with understanding. His gaze was soft but steady. "I'll block her. You have my word,"

I felt a mix of relief, along with lingering tension in my chest. I took a step back, needing some air, "I mean it, Nate. No excuses."

"I know," he replied, taking a step closer, filling the gap again as he reached out gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, making me freeze.

"Good," I whispered, sidestepping him and heading for the door.

As I stepped out of the room, I felt the anger swelling up again, I felt angrier than I should have, and it lingered in my chest like an ache I could not relieve.

It wasn't just about Hailey or the locked phone-it was everything. The ditching, the deflection, everything.

Each little thing piled on top of the last, building into something too big to contain. I realized I had been stacking up all my frustration and now it became unbearable.

I made my way to the wine cellar, pulled out a bottle of chardonnay, and poured myself a glass. The first sip barely registered. I took another sip, drowning in my thoughts and appreciating the buttery taste of the wine.

The next thing I remembered was the faint sound of the door opening, as Nathaniel entered. His footsteps echoed softly in my ears, and then I felt his arms slip beneath me, lifting me effortlessly. I barely stirred as he carried me back to our room, while I stayed firm in his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He laid me down gently, adjusting the covers over me before dimming the lights, leaving only the faint glow of the bedside lamp. I felt the mattress shift as he slid in beside me, his arm curling around my waist to pull me close.

I woke up to the savoring smell of pancakes and scrambled eggs filling my nostrils.

I turned seeing a tray of food set aside on the table with a note next beside its corners slightly curled.

I'm sorry for last night, baby. I'll be home in the evening.

A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I read it, Nathaniel was truly the sweet husband I never thought I'd have. I read it again, feeling a pang of annoyance from last night before I brushed it off.

I pushed the thought aside and swung my legs over the side of the bed, I promised myself I was going to stick to my career goals this year.

I always dreamed of becoming a professional psychologist. There was something about talking to people about their deepest fears and desires that made me feel warm inside.

Most of the time, I could relate to their thoughts, no matter how messy or complicated they seemed. It always surprised me how much I understood them.

I opened my laptop and started searching for psychology jobs online. I didn't want to tell Nathaniel because I knew he would make it happen easily, thanks to his millionaire status. But this was something I wanted to do on my own. It was my career, and I needed to take control.

I scanned the job listings until one caught my eye-Goodlife. I clicked on the link, which took me to a website with a big 'G' and a blue logo.

I had spent nearly the entire day on my laptop, searching for jobs and watching funny videos online. Then, I heard the door open suddenly. I turned and saw Nathaniel standing there looking so handsome and tired at the same time.

I turned on my phone, noticing it was past six, and blinked as I faced Nathaniel again.

His expression seemed curious, "hey, baby," he said unsurely.

A twinge of embarrassment hit me as I realized I hadn't showered and had been in bed all day.

"Hi," I mumbled, not knowing how to react.

Was it just me, or did I notice his jaw tightening? Either way, he looked as attractive as ever.

He finally took a step closer, "what are you doing?" he asked casually.

After a moment of deliberation, I finally decided to share with him.

"I was just uh looking for job applications online, you know I told you about taking this seriously this year."

His nose scrunched up as though he perceived something, he moved closer to the bed, sitting right next to me, brushing the tip of his nose with his fingers.

"But baby, I thought we talked about this."