Chapter 1157
Natalie waited for her takeout after her call with Skylar, feeling bored. The past few days had been overly indulgent. She decided to look for a job tomorrow. She had initially considered starting her own business, but her current mindset wasn't conducive to entrepreneurship. She'd find a job first, then consider opening a café later. Lost in thought, the doorbell rang. "Just a second," she called, her stomach rumbling in anticipation. The delivery was late, probably due to the dinner rush.
Opening the door, she froze. "Mr. Powell?" Austin stood before her. She glanced around, but Hank wasn't with him. Austin's deep, dark eyes held a rare seriousness, even anger.
"Um… Mr. Powell, I know I left abruptly, but there were reasons. I wasn't feeling well, and I told Hank I didn't need my paycheck this month. So… please don't be upset," she said, forcing a smile.
Since meeting Jessica, she'd sensed something was amiss with Austin. He regarded her carefree demeanor with a mixture of emotions. He'd waited for her to reach out, but she'd disappeared, even blocking him and Hank on WhatsApp. He wondered if she'd never noticed his feelings.
"Mr. Powell? You… can you say something? I'm starting to feel anxious." His silence sent a chill down her spine. Quitting so abruptly had been impulsive, and his anger was palpable.
Suddenly, Austin moved. He pressed her against the wall, kicking the door shut. Natalie's mind went blank. "Mr. Powell, you—"
He kissed her. She froze, stiff with shock.
A knock echoed from outside. After a pause, it came again. Natalie stared wide-eyed at Austin, still kissing her, completely stunned. She couldn't fathom why he'd kissed her; they weren't even acting.
Suddenly, understanding dawned. The delivery person outside waited before calling her phone. The insistent ringtone cut through the apartment.
Austin finally released her, looking down. "Now do you understand why I came to see you?"
Still shocked, Natalie nodded, then shook her head. "Mr. Powell, please move aside. My food has arrived."
Austin chuckled. Stepping aside, Natalie quickly opened the door, her face flushed, grabbing the takeout.