Chapter 1083 Still As Straightforward As Ever
Chapter 1083 Still As Straightforward As Ever
In a flash, Kenneth's image inexorably appeared in Natasha's mind.
When he worked overtime at the office in the past, he must have also stayed until this time, right?
As she remained in the office he once occupied, sat on the chair he used to sit on, and looked at the documents and files he was supposed to handle, it was at that moment that she truly understood his hardships and difficulties.
Therefore, no one in this world had it easy.
Even though Kenneth was a business prodigy and his investments had never failed to profit, no one knew that his sacrifices were countless times greater than others.
In that instant, Natasha suddenly missed him deeply. She yearned to see him, to sit and talk with him.
As soon as the thought came to mind, she could no longer sit still.
She rose to her feet and snagged her bag, turning off the lights in the office and heading straight out.
At that moment, a few conference rooms in the entire building were still lit, but Natasha didn't bother to go and check on them. She simply took the elevator down.
Subsequently, she stepped out of the main entrance.
Right then, it was very quiet at the company's main entrance.
Suddenly, Natasha couldn't remember where the driver had said he would wait for her.
She was just about to take her phone out and make a call when the person in a car a near distance away spotted her. Immediately, he swung open the car door and got out.
With her phone in hand, Natasha was a moment from making the call when she suddenly heard footsteps behind her. She glanced down, and just as she was about to go on alert, the person behind her suddenly spoke.
“There are no taxis available at this hour. How about I give you a ride home?” Zachary asked, approaching from a stone's throw away.
Upon hearing his voice, Natasha turned to look at him. At that moment, she saw that Zachary had already changed into a new set of clothes of a light color, appearing just as refined and refreshing as the first time she had seen him.
She swept her gaze over him indifferently without uttering a word.
Zachary walked up to her before stopping in his tracks. He looked at Natasha and said softly, “What a coincidence. I didn't expect you to still be at the office.”
Natasha let out a soft chuckle. “Is it a coincidence, or have you been waiting for me?”
Zachary was slightly taken aback. “You're still as straightforward as ever. You haven't changed a bit.”
“But you're not your old self anymore. Even if you wear back your old clothes and return to your old style, you're no longer the same,” Natasha said lightly.
Upon hearing that, Zachary merely stared at her, unsure of what to say.
“You've noticed?” he asked.
“Some things are too conspicuous. It's hard to pretend not to see them,” Natasha replied.
Zachary pursed his lips. He knew such was her personality.
Even though everything has changed, she remains the same, still as beautiful, straightforward, and sometimes so direct that it leaves no room for ambiguity. Even so, she's still as wonderful as ever.
At least, that was how he perceived Natasha.
Taking a deep breath, Zachary held her gaze. “It's late. I'll drive you home.”
“No, it's okay. My driver is waiting for me.” Right after saying that, Natasha turned around and walked away.
“Nat!” Zachary suddenly called out at that moment.
Upon hearing that, Natasha halted in her tracks, her gaze shifting to him. Her clear eyes held a hint of chill.
“Mr. Lynch, I believe it's no longer appropriate for us to address each other so intimately. Please call me by my full name or... Mrs. Hamilton.”
Zachary stilled for a moment and looked at her. “Mrs. Hamilton?”
Natasha raised her hand outright, showing off her ring. “Yes. I've already accepted Kenneth's proposal. So, Mr. Lynch, please change your address!”
Zachary found it somewhat hard to believe. He stared at her. A long while later, he finally murmured, “Didn't you say you wouldn't turn back? Why have you done so now?”
Unexpectedly, Natasha merely smiled faintly. “Mr. Lynch, you jest. Haven't you ever done something that contradicts your own words?” she asked in return. “Moreover, I truly had no intention of turning
back at first. But who could tell for sure when it comes to matters of the heart? I'm simply being true to myself.”
Zachary clenched his fist tightly. A thousand possibilities ran through his mind, but he never imagined that Natasha would agree to Kenneth's marriage proposal.
“Yes, I have indeed done things that contradict my own words. But that's me. Natasha, you're different. You've always stuck to your word. How could you?” He looked at her, visibly agitated. “You can't change, Natasha. You can't agree to marry him!”
Contrary to his emotional demeanor, Natasha's gaze was extremely calm. “Why can't I? I am also human, with emotions, thoughts, and feelings. So, why can't I?”
“You can't! You simply can't!” Zachary exclaimed, moving to step forward as his emotions ran high. However, at that moment, Natasha suddenly retreated, her eyes flashing a warning as they landed on his outstretched hands.
Right then, Zachary suddenly stopped and looked at her. After a long moment, he asked in a disheartened voice, “Do you really detest me that much?”
“Not exactly.” Natasha was as calm as ever. It was as if nothing about him could evoke even the slightest bit of emotion in her.
“Is it really so, or you just can't be bothered to do so?” Zachary asked under his breath.
“It seems you understand me better than I thought. Since you get it, that's all that matters.”
“Natasha!” Zachary fixed his eyes on Natasha, his voice going up several notches and his gaze on her brimming with infinite resentment.
Natasha didn't want to provoke him but merely sought closure. However, he didn't give up because of her words. Instead, he grew increasingly emotional.
Taking a deep breath, Natasha said, “There's something I need to tell you, Mr. Lynch. It's not too late to let go of your hatred and live a good life now. But if you insist on doing something or other, you will regret it!”
Such was the way a wise person spoke.
Zachary knew exactly what she was referring to. A sneer played at the corners of his mouth. “So, you're warning me on behalf of Kenneth now?”
“It's not a warning exactly, merely a piece of advice,” said Natasha.
“Haha!” Zachary guffawed, his laughter filled with reckless abandon and disdain. “Well, thank you for your advice, then!”
Natasha quirked an eyebrow slightly, seemingly able to tell that he hadn't given up. “Do as you please.”
Having said that, she turned around to leave.
“Is Kenneth too afraid to show his face?” Zachary suddenly asked, looking at her retreating figure. “Is he so scared that he doesn't dare come out and look me in the eye, so he sent you instead?”
Natasha halted in her tracks with her back to him but remained silent.
“I had thought Kenneth loved you so much and you were so smart, but now, you're being used by a man yet willingly surrender yourself to his use,” Zachary mocked. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
Natasha took a deep breath, seemingly considering something in her mind.
“Tell Kenneth for me he should face me one-on-one if he's a real man, not hide behind a woman and be a coward. Also... no one can stop me from doing what I want!” Zachary enunciated, his eyes fixed on her back.
After much hesitation, Natasha inhaled deeply and ultimately swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue.
Sometimes, saying nothing at all left people unsure of what to do next.
That was precisely Natasha's tactic.
News of Kenneth's condition had to be kept secret. Otherwise, there was no telling the kind of storm it might stir up.
Therefore, as soon as his words rang out, Natasha promptly took her leave. Her back was ramrod straight, and she exuded an air of indifference to the world around her.
The more she acted such, the more it drove Zachary insane.