"It'll be okay. You'll have to put up with me for only a month."
"I don't know if the month with or without you will hurt me more."Oh, baby!
Chapter Fourteen
Isabel
We slept poorly, or it would be better to say that we didn't sleep at all. My heart is beating for Nate, and I'm afraid this pact of ours will backfire.
Returning to London is like stepping out of a bunker after an apocalypse. Our parents have informed the press of our engagement, and the vultures are always on the lookout for gossip. Unfortunately, we will not give them material. We have decided to be reserved and not give interviews. Surely, Nathan's mother has already thought about doing them in our place.
Each headline is more interesting than the last.
There are endless headlines in every newspaper, from the smallest to the largest.
We have breakfast with Dad, who is delighted about the good news.
We go to Nathan’s father’s house for lunch and discover that preparations have already begun.
Nathan takes me home to get ready for dinner. The more distant I am from him, the more I miss him.
It's 6 pm. In an hour, he comes to pick me up to accompany me to the event. However, I decide to send him a message:
'I miss you. Okay, let's move in together.'
'Apartment or villa? City or countryside? '
'Home is where you are!'
'It's not fair. I'm not there to kiss you. And that's the best answer you could give me.'
The evening is a success, albeit boring, endless. I know for sure that our presence is not necessary but obviously, Dad wanted to make sure they were still talking about us.. Nathan is lovely throughout, always by my side, affectionate and gallant.
Once back in the limo, Nate and I breathe a sigh of relief. I am exhausted. I’d like to sleep for a week but the thought of sleeping alone tonight saddens me.
Nathan raises his arm and I rest in his arms. He always does that and I love to take advantage of it, snuggling up to his chest. It is my secret refuge, the place where I’m most safe.
Nathan clears his throat, catching Dad's attention.
"Mr. Barlow, I’d like your permission to steal Isabel from you tomorrow."
"Steal Isabel from me? May I know what you two are up to?"
"Tomorrow we’re going to see some houses. I’d like us to move in together so we can work on the details of the wedding. Since, unfortunately, they anticipated the mission, I may have to leave at any time. I’d like to spend more time with her."
"I understand. In that case, of course."
I remain speechless. He has to leave first.
