My Love Was His Cure (Natalie and Blake) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Natalie stepped out of the place she had called home for over six years as if she were just going for a stroll.

She used to see Felix as her entire world and never imagined leaving him. But now that she was walking away, it wasn't as difficult as she once feared.

Her steps felt lighter as she sent her flight details to Liam.

Suddenly, a car screeched to a stop next to her.

Three strong men jumped out, threw a black hood over her head, and dragged her into the vehicle.

In just a few seconds, the car sped off, leaving her phone behind.

Natalie forced herself to stay calm. "Who are you guys?"

But no one answered. Throughout the whole ride, they said nothing.

Eventually, she was tied to a chair in an old, abandoned house.

Mabel sat nearby, also tied up. But instead of looking scared, she was smiling.

"Don't be so tense, Natalie. I just wanted to play a little game with you."

Natalie stopped scanning around and looked at Mabel. "You set this up? Why? What do you want?"

People around them began pouring gasoline all over the place.

Mabel's eyes lit up with a strange excitement.

"I'm already married to Felix, but you're still clinging to him. You'd rather be his hidden mistress than leave him. I had to give you a reason to stop chasing him.

"You're so irritating. Felix even kept our marriage a secret because of you. He never treated me like this before.

"I heard you're scared of fire. Want to bet on something? Let's see who Felix will choose when he gets here. The one left behind will be burned to death."

The house reeked of gasoline after several barrels were emptied inside. The strong odor made Natalie shiver.

"There's no need for this! I already bought the plane ticket—I was on my way to the airport when you had me taken.

"Please let me go. I won't fight you for Felix. He's yours—he never loved me anyway.

"Tell them to stop! Don't set it on fire. Please, don't—"

But her pleas were useless. The lighter was tossed, landing in the gasoline, and the flames quickly spread.

Natalie froze, her breathing ragged as she stared at the fire.

Mabel sneered. "Scared of a little fire, are you?

"Don't blame me for being cruel. I've always liked to grab what I wanted. I don't need anyone's hand-me-downs.

"The game's begun. Let's see how it ends."

Then, her face twisted into panic, and she suddenly started screaming for help.

Natalie, paralyzed by fear, instinctively followed suit.

She was just as helpless as she had been 17 years ago.

Back when Anna was saved, nine-year-old Natalie hid under a table. The roof collapsed around her, black smoke filling her lungs until she could barely breathe. Flames eventually reached the table as well.

Her world became a blur of heat and fear.

The firefighter said he'd be right back, but he never returned until she passed out.

She woke up in the hospital and stayed there for over a year. Even after healing from one operation, she had to go through another. It felt like the surgeries would never end.

"Mabel? Natalie?"

Natalie thought she heard Felix's voice. "Felix? Felix! I'm here—"

Flames were eating away at the old furniture. She was tied to a chair, unable to move.

Felix burst through the door. "Don't be scared. I'll get you out."

Tears streamed down her face as she nodded desperately.

But just as Felix reached for the ropes, Mabel cried out weakly, "Felix..."

He turned toward Mabel.

Natalie saw Mabel smile at her and then collapse.

Felix untied Mabel's rope and said anxiously, "Hold on, Natalie. Wait for me. I'll come back. Don't worry!"