"I am certainly not her husband Aiden Handrix and we do not know who he is," Justin spoke. "Natalie and I got together to find that man. But then situations made her introduce me as her husband to you. You were not well and she was just worried you would be worried to know her situation that someone had tricked her into a marriage she is not aware of. At that, there is no way to find that man. If there was, we would have brought him to you."
Albert’s expression shifted, his brows furrowing with concern.
"I know you’re worried about her, but I’m here to assure you—nothing will happen to her as long as I’m by her side. I give you my word," Justin said firmly. "Will you trust me on that?"
Albert studied him in silence for a long moment, before he nodded slowly. "I trust you."
Though they had been deceiving him, Albert could see Justin was not a bad man.
"Now about the part when I said I have something to confess about," Justin spoke.
Albert was surprised to hear it. Didn’t he already confess about his true identity and not being Natalie’s husband.
Justin’s expressions turned serious. "I’ve told you the truth about who I am and my relationship with Natalie. But there’s something else—something personal. I’m not sure how you’ll take it, but regardless of your response after hearing it, my decision remains unchanged."
"What is it?" Albert asked.
----
Meanwhile, outside Albert’s room, everyone waited anxiously. It had been a while since Justin went in, and he hadn’t come out yet.
Julia sat beside Natalie, gently trying to comfort her. Though she had managed to stop crying, Natalie’s eyes remained fixed on the door, waiting desperately for Justin to return. Sephina, on the other hand, was growing increasingly impatient, pacing back and forth.
"If your husband says something to upset Albert, I swear I’ll have both of you thrown in jail," she growled at Natalie.
Natalie said nothing, biting her lip to keep herself from breaking down again. Julia shot Sephina a disapproving look but held her tongue, understanding that Sephina’s anger stemmed from worry about her husband.
Just then, Briena arrived, rushing over and putting on her best worried face. "Grandma, what happened to Grandpa?"
"That wretched girl did something to make him have another attack!" Sephina spat, her voice dripping with venom. "I wish I could strangle her with my own hands."
"Grandma, calm down," Briena soothed, taking Sephina’s hand and settling beside her. "Grandpa is strong. He’ll pull through. Once he’s recovered, we’ll take him back home and make sure he doesn’t go anywhere near Natalie’s place again. I’ll personally look after him."
Clara’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she watched her daughter handle the situation skillfully. Good, she thought. If we can use this opportunity to bring Albert back home, we’ll have Natalie exactly where we want her. That old man is the perfect thing to use against her.
"But Albert never listens to me," Sephina sighed helplessly, shaking her head.
"He’s just unwell right now, Grandma. He doesn’t know what’s best for him," Briena replied gently. "But as his family, we have the right to make decisions that are in his best interest. Once he’s better, we’ll take him with us—no more running off to Natalie’s house. Don’t worry."
Sephina nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing as they shifted back to Natalie. "You’re right. I won’t let that wretch get near him ever again."
Natalie’s heart sank to hear it as she looked at Sephina with teary eyes. She wanted to get on her knees and beg her to not separate her from the only person she had as her family.
Julia gently patted Natalie’s back, trying to comfort her. "Don’t listen to them. Albert loves you, and he would want to be with you. They can’t stop you from meeting him."
Natalie lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper. "Maybe staying away from me is the best thing for him..."
Who is this man? she wondered, curious to know about him, her heart pounding wildly inside her chest at the sight of him.
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