Chapter 43: Sneezing

As soon as Natalie saw Justin, she quickly stood up from the sofa. "Let’s discuss something quickly before my grandpa arrives."

"What is it?" Justin asked, slipping off his shoes to change into home slippers.

"First, remember this is my home, and I’m the boss. Second, though we’re acting like husband and wife, you need to maintain a distance from me. No getting closer than one foot, and absolutely no touching me—touching is entirely forbidden..."

Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting her from the talk.

"Seems like Grandpa is here. We can discuss the rest later," she said, quickly stepping toward him and grabbing his arm like a doting wife as they walked toward the door.

"You said no touching," Justin reminded her, looking at where she had wrapped her both hands around his arm.

"The rules are for you, not me. Remember, I am the boss," she snapped back, plastering the brightest smile on her face as she opened the door. "Grandpa!" she exclaimed, clinging even more lovingly to Justin’s arm. "We were waiting for you."

The old man’s face lit up with joy at the sight of them together.

Natalie let go of Justin’s arm and moved to embrace her grandpa. "Please come inside," she said warmly, while Justin glanced at his now-empty arm, still feeling the lingering warmth of her touch.

Natalie guided her grandfather, Albert, into the home, as she heard him ask, "Are you alright, Nat? I hope your grandma didn’t bother you after Briena’s interview with reporters."

He was clearly aware that Sephina would force Natalie to take a blame for it, and it worried him.

"She didn’t," Natalie lied and pulled out apologetic expressions. "But I’m sorry for worrying you. I was so caught up in setting up this new home that I completely forgot to check my phone."

"It’s alright. As long as you’re fine," his eyes scanned the drawing room. "This place has a lively feel to it. It really looks like the home of a newlywed couple. I like it."

"Thank you, Grandpa."

Justin followed them into the living room, observing how naturally Natalie played her role, so convincingly that she could probably fool a lie detector.

Natalie helped Albert sit on the sofa, "Grandpa, I will get you water." She turned to fetch him a glass of water, only to see Justin already at the dining table, pouring a glass and bringing it over to her grandfather.

Natalie was momentarily taken aback by how seriously Justin was taking his role, but she didn’t mind it.

Albert accepted the glass with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Aiden. Come, have a seat."

Justin sat down in a chair nearby, his demeanor reserved as usual. Albert, noticing this, added, "I hope I didn’t trouble you in the middle of your work."

"You didn’t," Justin replied curtly.

By now, Albert had gathered that his grandson-in-law wasn’t much of a talker, but he appreciated the man’s maturity and understanding. Justin was someone who preferred action over words, and that reassured the old man.

Worried that her grandfather might ask something that Justin wouldn’t be able to answer, Natalie quickly spoke up as she sat back down next to him. "Grandpa, shouldn’t you be in the hospital? Did they really allow you to leave?"

"Who dares stop me? I’m perfectly fine now, so much so that I could spend a few more days at my granddaughter’s home."

Alarm bells rang in Natalie’s head. She glanced at Justin, who sat quietly, clearly leaving this mess for her to handle.

"Grandpa, let me first talk to your doctor. It might not be safe..." she began, trying to think of a way out.

"Just say you don’t want this old man in your home," Albert exclaimed, feigning offense.

"N-No, Grandpa! I’m just worried about your health. But if you’re sure it’s safe for you to stay, you can stay as long as you want."

She glanced nervously at Justin, who didn’t seem too pleased with the idea. If her grandpa stayed longer, Justin would have to stay too.

"Good! I left my bag outside the door. Could you get it for me?" Albert’s face brightened up, revealing that his earlier anger had been an act. He had clearly come prepared to stay.

Before Natalie could respond, Justin stood up and went to fetch the bag, making Natalie worry that this rich man who probably got water brought to him by someone else and his bag carried by others, was now doing these things for her grandpa like an ordinary man.

’Though he is infuriating, I shall thank him for all this.’

"Won’t you show me your home?" Albert asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "I’ll also check the room I’m staying in."

Natalie had anticipated this, and she was relieved that Justin had been smart enough to bring his belongings with him, ensuring her grandpa wouldn’t suspect anything.

Albert took his time observing everything in the drawing room before following Natalie as she led him toward the master bedroom.

"This is the master bedroom, Grandpa," Natalie explained as she stepped towards already opened wardrobe where Justin’s clothes were neatly hung. "Seems like I left it open," and closed the door, once she saw Albert had already taken a good look. Then she pointed to another door in the room. "This is the bathroom—a spacious one at that."

Albert looked around and hummed approvingly. "Not bad."

Natalie then guided him to the guest room. "This is the guest room. Grandpa, you can stay here."

Albert hummed again, but Natalie knew he was carefully noting every detail.

"And this is the deck. Isn’t it nice? The view from here is beautiful. I can even dry clothes here," she continued, showing him the outdoor space.

Albert hummed once more and focussed on the view ahead while Natalie noticed Justin’s clothes drying next to hers, including her undergarments.

"The view is indeed nice," her grandpa’s comment disturbed her train of unwanted thoughts. "Yes, Grandpa."

After taking a small tour of the home, they returned to the drawing room, where Justin was on the phone, looking serious.

"Anything the matter?" Natalie asked, making Justin wonder if she was genuinely concerned or just playing the role of a good wife.

"There’s an important meeting I have to attend," he informed them, "I’ll have to excuse myself for a while."

"Sure. I’ve placed your laptop on the desk in the bedroom," she replied, knowing that he often attended meetings via video calls, as he hadn’t yet made his appearance in the office.

He nodded to both of them and headed to the bedroom.

"He seems really dedicated to his work," Albert commented once Justin had left. "Mark my words, I see a very successful man forming inside him. You won’t regret marrying him."

Natalie thought, Her thoughts wandered to the real man who was supposed to be her husband.

’

"Achoo!"