Chapter 150: Felt Nothing At All

Ignoring the gazes around her, Natalie continued walking, hoping to see the one face that would welcome her with all his heart—her grandpa.

Albert’s personal caretaker, Gael, approached her. "Ms. Natalie, this way, please."

Recognizing the man, she followed him. He led her directly to Albert, who seemed to be waiting just for her. He sat in his wheelchair, still unable to walk or exert himself too much after the surgery.

"Grandpa," Natalie greeted him with a smile.

"You’re looking beautiful, Nat," the old man said, holding her hand.

"Thank you, Grandpa," she replied warmly.

Just then, Sephina came there, casting her usual disdainful gaze at Natalie. "So you know how to dress properly. At least you didn’t embarrass us all today with your lousy fashion sense."

"Sephina, not today," Albert interrupted, his voice firm. "She is our granddaughter."

"There’s no need to remind me of something I’m trying hard to forget," Sephina shot back, then turned to Natalie with a warning. "You’d better behave yourself tonight. We’re still trying to make people forget the embarrassment you caused us at your wedding."

Natalie remained silent, knowing she was here for her grandpa. "Sure," she responded calmly.

Sephina huffed and walked away.

"Nat, don’t mind her," Albert said with a hint of apology in his voice.

"Grandpa, I am used to it now that her words pass by even without touching me," Natalie assured.

Albert gestured to the chair beside him. "Why are you standing? Sit here."

Natalie sat down, and Albert asked, "Is Aiden back yet?"

Even though knowing he was Justin, Albert and Justin had agreed to call him as Aiden. It was to keep his identity as Justin Harper from the world until he reveals himself as the global CEO of the Harper group.

Natalie shook her head. "Not yet."

"When is he returning?" Albert asked, his tone filled with quiet expectation.

Natalie realized she hadn’t asked Justin exactly when he would return, nor had he mentioned a specific day.

"I’m not sure, Grandpa. He didn’t say. He’s probably unsure of when he’ll finish his work."

"It’s been a few days since he left. You should ask him," Albert said, clearly displeased. "As a wife, you ought to know everything about your husband."

"It’s alright, Grandpa. He will..."

"Do as I say," Albert insisted.

With a sigh, Natalie reluctantly picked up her phone. "I’ll drop him a message. He might be in a meeting."

"Do it."

Natalie began typing, aware of Albert’s eyes fixed on her screen. She silently prayed Justin wouldn’t say anything that would reveal the truth—that they weren’t really husband and wife.

Moments later, a reply appeared:

She frowned, frustrated. Why couldn’t he ever answer directly instead of being so evasive?

She turned off the screen and set the phone aside.

Albert chuckled in amusement. "These little fights are good. They keep the bond strong."

Natalie forced a light smile, relieved that Justin hadn’t said anything that would raise suspicions.

Just then, the emcee captured the attention of the guests, his voice echoing across the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the stunning couple of this evening!"

The lights dimmed, and all eyes turned toward the top of the grand staircase.

A handsome man, dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, gracefully descended the stairs, his arm linked with a beautiful woman. The emcee’s voice continued to praise the couple, highlighting their elegance as they made their way down together.

The couple was undeniably eye-catching, drawing admiration from everyone in the room. Compliments filled the air as guests couldn’t help but praise them.

Natalie watched Ivan and Briena descend the staircase, but to her surprise, she felt nothing—no emotions stirred within her. She tried to recall a memory, any meaningful moment with Ivan that would make her feel something, but there was none.

The only precious moments she ever had with him was of those chats while she was living in Xyros City. There wasn’t a single shared experience in person worth remembering.

Ivan and Briena appeared genuinely happy, radiating joy as they celebrated their special day.

Albert glanced at Natalie and gently placed his hand over hers. "Aiden is far better than him. I regret ever allowing you to get involved with Ivan."

Natalie looked at her grandpa, noticing the guilt in his expression. "Grandpa, it wasn’t your fault. I was the one who chose him, and you only respected my decision."

Albert swallowed hard, as if wanting to say more, but the sudden burst of applause from the guests interrupted him.

On the beautifully decorated stage, Ivan and Briena exchanged rings to the sound of enthusiastic clapping. Confetti rained down, filling the air with magic and excitement.

The couple shared a kiss, sealing their engagement, and the emcee’s cheerful congratulations echoed across the hall. The room overflowed with joy, enveloping everyone in its warmth.

Ivan’s gaze lingered on Briena, who looked radiant. The warmth of her lips still clung to his, and his eyes softened as he admired her.

Briena smiled at him—a smile so beautiful it touched his heart. It was a smile Natalie had never given him. She had never looked at him with such love, never dressed or carried herself in a way that made him feel like the most important person in the world.

Ivan reached out to gently pull a piece of glittering confetti from Briena’s hair. "You’re incredibly beautiful today."

"And you," she replied with a tender smile, "are the most handsome man in the world."

Soon after, the five-tiered cake was wheeled in. The couple cut into it together, marking the official start of the celebration as guests cheered and music filled the hall.

Sephina and Clara congratulated the couple as they began greeting guests while making their way down from the stage.

"Grandma, where is Grandpa?" Briena asked, eager to find him. Knowing Natalie would likely be with Albert, she was excited at the thought of showing off in front of her sister.

Clara gestured toward the front row. "He’s right over there. Go get your grandpa’s blessings."

Briena took Ivan by the hand, and the two made their way toward Albert.