Natalie sighed.
It was her turn to placate Kayla. She knew her best friend would go on like this for as long as she could.
They had been best friends since high school, hitting it right off at the school cafeteria, and ever since, it was as though they were joined at the hip.
Kayla was her go-to person and confidante. They were soul sisters and would do anything for each other.
Natalie knew Kayla was unhappy at the fact that she was going through an emotional crisis and was looking for a way out so she could be happy.
As soon as the call ended, Natalie felt a sense of relief. She went on to send a message to her dad on WhatsApp, as she had missed his call earlier, and he would likely be occupied at the moment due to the time difference.
Then, she scrolled to her call log to call the man whom she had mistaken for her husband. She hurriedly ended the call after the first ring.
She looked at the time, feeling quite uneasy.
What if he were with a wife or fiancé or asleep?
She was overthinking so many ifs and decided to drop a simple message.
Thank you for the save earlier, Mr. Morton. I appreciate. She typed and drifted to sleep.
The door slammed, making Natalie jump with a start from the bed.
She looked towards the door with a frown creasing her eyebrow to see a scowling Daniel.
They stared at each other without saying a word as though it was a contest.
Daniel was the first to break the ice.
"You blocked me." It was more of a statement than a question.
Natalie stood up but didn't respond. She walked barefoot to the bathroom to wash her face.
Daniel looked at her as she walked past him. Shocked at her demeanor. He followed her still.
"I don't remember talking to myself."
Natalie patted her face dry, and she took note of the visible eye bags. She walked past him to the room, heading for the door, but he held her hand roughly.
"I've had enough, Natalie.' He shouted.
"And so have I!" she snapped, yanking her hand off as she stormed out.
Furious, he followed her out of the room.
"I am not done talking," He shouted, grabbing her so she could face him.
"How dare you walk out on me, uhn. Know your place."
"And what place is that, Daniel?" She screams in frustration.
"Tell me.' She nudged, shaking his hands off.
"What exactly do you want from me, my life?"
"Natalie," Daniel breathed her name, looking bewildered. This was not the woman he knew. She looked off, with her eye blazing like a crazy woman.
He stepped back.
The woman he knew was quiet, understanding, and would be on her knees, pleading with him to discuss. She always had something to talk about.
Natalie closed her eyes and inhaled slowly, and gradually opened her eyes and looked at her husband.
"Dan - When did we become like this, Daniel? Why do you treat me like you hate me?" She asked softly, raising and dropping her hands dejectedly.
Daniel scoffed at her,
"Another tantrum, I presume?"
"Daniel!" she cried out, looking at him with so much pain in her eyes, her tears choking her.
"Don't you see how much you hurt me?"
Daniel rolled his eyes and walked past her, leaving her.
She rushed after him, holding on to his shirt.
"Daniel, please,' She begged. "I need you."
He stopped. "No, Natalie,' he replied, his face coming close to hers. "You need help."
"Help?" Natalie was stunned. Shaking her head, she rambled, 'No, no, no.' Then screamed "No!!!"
"You don't get to flip this on me, Daniel. I saw you cheating on me, and I need help." She hit him on his arm.
Natalie, driven mad by his arrogance, began to hit his shoulders while hurling profanities and venting out the pain she had been forced to endure for the past years.
It was as though seeing Daniel's display the previous day opened up a floodgate of pent-up resentments.
The ruckus could no longer be contained; the chief maid of the manor had to rush in to get Julia from her room. Preparation was still ongoing for Julia's party, and who knew what guests could come in at a time like this?
"What is all this disturbance at this fine hour, Natalie?" She cried, rushing up the stairs. "Unhand my son you uncultured girl. Have you gone mad?"
"Yes, I've gone mad. Both you and your son have made me mad." She retorted, holding firmly to Daniel's shirt.
Daniel groaned and looked up in frustration.
"Do you honestly think your silly antics are enough to keep me here?"
"Let go of my son. What would my guests say when they get here?"
"That is none of my business. My business is with my husband." Natalie responded without taking her gaze off Daniel.
Julia was tired,
This lady is making me so mad. She thought
She then faced her son.
"Talk to her, Daniel. Give her what she wants. My designer and makeup artist will be here soon. I need to get ready before my friends arrive.
"That's not happening," Natalie replied, facing her.
All color drained from Julia's face, and Daniel's eyebrow was arched a notch at the sound of her tone.
"Says who? Both mother and son asked chorally.
"Because I say so," Natalie replied, releasing her hold on Daniel as she placed her hands on her waist.
"This is my house, and I don't want you here anymore."
"Have you gone crazy, you this girl?" Julian raised her hand to slap Natalie, but was stopped by Daniel.
"What do you want?" he asked her
She turned her attention to him.
"I want her to leave, and I need my husband back." She replied brazenly.
Daniel was momentarily taken aback, then he smiled.
She was being childish as always. He thought.
There was no way he was asking his mother to leave, nor was she going to do anything. She was too vested in their relationship and in her feelings for him. She loved him too much, and he always knew how to handle her.
Julian scoffed.
"My mother goes nowhere, Natalie." He replied to her, turning away to walk down the stairs while Julian trailed behind him.
"Then,' She replied quietly. 'For now, you choose."