Chapter 11

And just like that, Natalie's resistance waned and her hands went limp. Taylor kissed her passionately once more. Just then, Natalie recalled Penny's advice from before. "It's not ideal to always handle it yourself.” Considering Taylor's undeniable appeal and her legal status as his wife, Natalie reasoned there was no harm in indulging a little. Hence, she returned his kiss. Their lips collided in a hungry clash, causing them to stumble onto the bed together. Sensing Taylor's change in demeanor, Natalie's cheeks flushed crimson. She looked exceptionally seductive and alluring. As Taylor looked down at the woman beneath him, his lips curled into a faint, patronizing smile. Natalie looked at him with hazy eyes. The intense desire that had previously burned in Taylor's eyes vanished. It was replaced by a cold, mocking smirk. "You claim you no longer love me, yet your body responds to me. Are you playing hard to get?" Taylor's hurtful words sent a chill down Natalie's spine. She pulled the blanket closer to conceal her embarrassment and pain. The next moment, she glanced at him and said calmly, "This is just a natural reaction for an adult woman. I've never attempted to seduce you. Mr. Jones, you're overthinking." Taylor's gaze lingered on Natalie's face before trailing down her neck. With a sardonic smirk, he said, "Your body is softer than your mouth." With that, he turned and left the room. Natalie rolled over the bed, her exhausted body devoid of any inclination for sleep. When would this harrowing chapter of her life come to a close? … The next morning, Natalie was stirred awake by a phone call. The caller ID read "Mentor". Her mentor, Matthew Quint, a partner at Goldstone Legal, was on the line. Two years ago, Natalie returned to the country without completing her master's degree in law due to family issues. With only an undergraduate degree, she wouldn't have been eligible for a position at Goldstone Legal. However, Matthew went against the norm and took her under his wing. She was deeply grateful for his support. Natalie sat up and cleared her throat before answering the call. "Mr. Quint, what's the matter?" "We've got a major case, and I'm considering assigning it to you." "Thank you, Mr. Quint. Should I head to the law firm now?" Matthew replied, "Yeah. You can have your breakfast first. The client won't be here for another hour. Take your time." "Understood." After getting out of bed, Natalie washed her hands and brewed coffee before attending to her morning routine. Next, she cooked an egg. Her actions flowed seamlessly as she had developed these habits during her two years of living alone. Natalie brought the breakfast tray to the dining room. Just as she was about to start eating, she heard some noise from upstairs. Natalie suddenly remembered that Taylor had spent the night. When he finally appeared, his dissatisfaction was evident upon seeing only her breakfast on the table. "Where's my breakfast?" he demanded. "You didn't mention wanting breakfast, so I didn't prepare any for you," Natalie replied calmly. "I want to have my breakfast here," Taylor insisted. Natalie sighed inwardly. He always seemed to find fault with her, never allowing her a moment of peace. In order to maintain harmony and prevent his unreasonable demands from interfering with her work later, Natalie patiently inquired, "Would you like to have my breakfast, or should I prepare another portion for you? Alternatively, would you prefer to order takeout?" Taylor met her gaze with a look that said, "I'm deliberately making things difficult for you." "Make the breakfast again," he ordered coldly.