Chapter 82: Possessive, Red Flag Man

She was standing in front of the mirror adjusting her outfit when Justin emerged from the bathroom, his expression still serious. Her eyes followed him, sensing something off.

"Did something happen?" she asked, watching as he came over to the mirror.

Without answering, he stood beside her and checked himself in the full-length mirror, fixing his tie with a practiced hand. Then, without looking at her, he said, "You should learn to keep a proper distance from people."

"Distance? Yeah, sure," she replied sarcastically. "I keep my distance. Especially with you—"

"Not with me," he interrupted, his voice firm. "I’m the man you share your bed with, so you’ve already crossed that boundary of keeping a distance."

Natalie’s face flushed at the implication of his words. "Don’t make it sound ridiculous. It’s not like that. We’re just... it’s like roommates."

"I didn’t say anything wrong," he countered coolly.

She huffed, frustrated. "When have I not kept my distance with others?"

"Ask yourself," he replied, stepping closer, his eyes locked on hers. "Man or woman, don’t get too close to anyone."

Natalie gulped, instinctively stepping back. "A-Are you trying to control me?"

"I haven’t even started," Justin said, his voice low and calm.

She clenched her fists, glaring at him. "Don’t forget, this is all fake."

"Then tell that to your grandpa," he shot back. "And you won’t have to worry about being controlled by me."

Natalie gritted her teeth. "Mia is like my sister. You don’t have to be so weird about it."

"As long as it’s not me who’s close to you, I mind everyone," he replied coolly. "Don’t forget what I said—when I’m around, it’s my space, my rules."

"To hell with your rules!" she spat out, her temper flaring. "When it comes to Mia, I won’t listen to you."

Justin took another step forward, trapping her between him and the wardrobe, his gaze darkening. "Say that again," he challenged.

"You’re too much," she muttered, her voice tight with frustration.

"And you’ll have to bear with it," he said, his tone unyielding.

Natalie tried to calm herself, taking a deep breath. "It’s normal to be close with someone you consider a sibling."

Justin raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk. "Is it?"

Confused by his expression, she nodded. "Yes, it is."

"You have no idea what you’ve just agreed to," he said, his gaze watching her closely, his tone teasing yet cryptic.

"What?" she asked, feeling her irritation rise again.

He stepped back, his eyes still locked on her. "Just remember—keep your distance from others."

Her gaze narrowed as she glared at him. "You’re an overly possessive, red-flag kind of man. I pity whoever ends up with you."

"You’d rather envy her," he replied coolly, grabbing his laptop bag. "I am heading out of the city today for some important work, might return late at night or return tomorrow morning."

"What kind of work?" she asked, not knowing why was she even being curious about him.

"I am a businessman, what kind of work I might have, unless you think I am some mafia and going to lead my gang somewhere in the dark of the night to create a chaos."

She gritted her teeth. "I was just asking. You don’t have to be so sarcastic."

He turned to look at her and this time his gaze calm and assuring, "There are some important matters related to my company that needs urgent attention and might take time."

"Understood," she finally softened to get a genuine answer, "Take care."

he nodded and turned to leave before he reminded her again, "Make sure to maintain distance."

Natalie rolled her eyes at his retreating back and followed him out.

Justin had left for work, and Albert had returned to the hospital, leaving Natalie and Mia alone at home.

"Now spill it—what’s really going on?" Mia grabbed Natalie’s hand, dragging her toward the sofa. "Is truly your husband?"

"He’s not," Natalie sighed and began explaining everything that had happened from the start.

Mia’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Oh my god, and he agreed to act as your husband?" She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "And you two even share a bed? Come on, spill. What did you two do? Don’t tell me you’re still a virgin."

"Shut up!" Natalie shot back, rolling her eyes. "We’re just acting."

"A handsome man and a beautiful woman sharing a bed all night, and you expect me to believe nothing happens? You can’t lie to me, Nat."

"I’m not lying," Natalie insisted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "And anyway, I’m already a married woman—unfortunately. Now, stop talking about me and tell me what your ’bandit queen’ of a grandmother did to you this time."

Mia sighed dramatically, slumping back on the sofa. "Don’t even remind me of her. I wish I could just delete that entire character from my life. She had another marriage proposal for me. If not for my parents stepping in, you’d be receiving a wedding invitation right now."

Natalie laughed, shaking her head. "I’m glad I’m not the only one dealing with a grandmother who’s a total headache."

"Don’t laugh, it’s not funny!" Mia retorted, annoyed. "Do you even know what kind of marriage prospect she lined up for me?"

"As long as it’s not Steve Davis, you should be fine..."

Mia’s eyes widened. "Girl, how are you so correct?" she exclaimed. "In a world full of hot, handsome and deserving men, she brought me that of a man!"

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "So?"

"So what, I can marry a pig even, but not that jerk. Even if all men in this world are to be extinct this instant, I would rather accept a dying virgin that be with him ever again," Mia exclaimed. "Last time I saw him in that Masquerade party, I almost felt like puking on his face."

Natalie burst out laughing. "I can’t believe she actually thought was a good match for you."

Mia groaned, sinking deeper into the cushions. "Don’t remind me. I still have nightmares. What he put me through back then... I don’t have the energy to deal with that again. Being involved with him was the biggest mistake of my life."

Natalie, sensing her friend’s pain, gently caressed Mia’s hand. "Don’t worry. No one can force you into marriage. If they try, just come to me."

Mia mumbled, half-joking, "Yeah, maybe I should just switch from men to women and be with you instead. Not a bad idea, right? We two—"

"No!" Natalie exclaimed quickly, her mind flashing back to Justin’s possessive warnings.

She added, more seriously, "Please don’t say stuff like that in front of others, alright?"

Mia raised an eyebrow. "It’s not the first time I’ve joked like this. Why are you suddenly so uptight?"

"Just... please. Do as I say, okay?" Natalie pleaded, clearly on edge.

"Alright, alright." Mia stood up with renewed energy. "Now, let’s go shopping. We need to get you a dress."

"For what?" Natalie asked, confused.

"Are you seriously planning to wear business formals to tonight’s party?" Mia’s tone was incredulous.

"I was, yeah. I’m fine with it."

"Not a chance!" Mia grabbed Natalie’s arm, dragging her toward the door. "I’m going to turn you into a sexy bombshell tonight, one that even won’t be able to keep his eyes off."