Chapter 9: Believe vs Trust

Freddy tipped toed out without Paulina and Tony noticing him. Freddy then went back to his room to rethink.

 “Clearly Paulina and Tony are having an affair but she's Natalie's sister and his….his..” He paused as he heard a knock on the door. 

“Who is it?” Freddy asked, wondering who it could be because no one usually looked for him, except when they wanted him to do one work or the other.

He got up and opened the door to see Harry, Natalie's father. 

“Can I come in?” He asked in a subtle voice as he examined the room. 

“Yeah sure, is there anything I can do for you?” Freddy asked, still surprised by the sudden visit. 

“Why are you here?” Harry asked suddenly. 

“Actually I was told by my grandpa that I am betrothed to…”

“No not that, I mean why are you by the dog house?” He asked. 

“Oh that, Natalie instructed I should be moved here.” Freddy replied.

“I see. Well why do you actually insist on staying here when you clearly see you are not wanted here?” Harry asked gently. 

Freddy, thinking of how to reply to him, decides to use his promise to his grandfather. 

“I promised my grandpa I will honor the agreement he made with his friend. Plus I also want to treat Mr. George.” Freddy added. 

Harry was a bit shocked by Freddy's last statement. 

“Do you want to treat my father-in-law? How on earth are you going to do that?

Aren't you a common doctor, we have experienced specialists taking care of him and yet they've not been able to do anything.” Harry said as he chuckled.

“Don't worry yourself Freddy. If I were you I'd be thinking of just leaving. You really have nothing to offer us. 

How much should I give you to leave my daughter and forget about the entire agreement?” Harry asked Freddy.

“How much? No, I am not actually here for money. I came to actually help Mr. George…”

“It's ok Freddy, no one will know. I will just give you 500,000 dollars first and if you need more I will send it to you.” Harry interrupted.

“No sir, I seriously don't want your money.” Freddy replied. 

Harry thinks Freddy is being arrogant considering the fact he believed that 500,000 dollars was the biggest money Freddy would ever have. He became angry. 

“What do you mean, you don't need the money? It will do you good to consider the offer now because you will regret this if you don't.” Harry said aggressively.

Freddy still refused to nod his head. Harry stood up and left angrily.

Whereas Tony went to Natalie to question why she would let Freddy stay at the Hardcastle mansion.

“Tony!?” she sighed in relief. 

“You didn't tell me you were coming.” she added. 

“Well, I wanted to surprise you. You didn't tell me you had another fiance either.” He said in a petty manner. 

“Tony, I can explain that…” 

“It's ok Natalie, Paulina explained to me. I can't believe your grandpa would arrange your marriage with someone else. 

I've tried everything for that man to like me but I guess nothing I do would impress him.” He said in a low angry tone.

 “Don't worry Tony. I am definitely not going to marry that man.” Natalie said as she sat on his lap. 

“So Paulina tells me he's been staying here since friday?” He asked. 

“Yes, that's also part of grandpa's instruction.”

“Look at Natalie. I understand that. I also understand your grandpa is almost dead and you are the living head of the house.” He added. 

“Don't say that, never make reference to my grandpa being dead or about to, he's just in a coma.” Natalie said a little pissed at his statement. 

“I know Natalie, but let's face the fact we still don't know when he's gonna wake up. You still have the final say.” He added. 

Natalie stands up from his lap and faces him.

 “I know but I must respect my grandfather whether he's awake or not. I have decided to wait till grandpa wakes.” She said confidently.  

“Which is when exactly? Look I didn't want to tell you this before because I know you would be worried but you leave me no choice. 

Paulina told me that he has been making advances on her.” Tony said as he avoided eye contact with Natalie knowing fully well he was telling a lie.

 Natalie stopped smiling and turned serious immediately. 

“What did you say?” She asked with a much more serious tone. 

“Paulina said she was scared to tell you because you might not believe her. So she told me instead. 

She said he's been going to her room every night.” He added, seeing Natalie’s expression he pulled a secret smirk knowing she was buying his lie. 

Natalie turned a bit speechless and confused before muttering out, “I am going to kill that bastard.” 

She said this and stormed towards her door, Tony stopped her on time. 

“Where are you going?” He asked. 

“To confront that idiot.” Natalie said in anger. 

“Calm down Natalie. Let's catch him red handed. If we do, you will have a very solid reason why you threw him out of the house to your granddad.” He added. 

Natalie saw reasons to what he was saying and decided to wait till evening. 

In the evening, Tony and Paulina had drafted a perfect plan to lure Freddy into Paulina's. 

Paulina had asked Freddy to get her something from the shelf that she couldn't reach.

While Freddy did that, Tony was on his way to the room with Natalie. 

“I can't see anything here.” Freddy said. 

“Please, check well Freddy.” Paulina said as she constantly continued to stare at the door. 

She noticed the shadows and figured out they we're almost near. She then dragged Freddy towards the bed and held onto his clothes. 

“What are you doing Paulina, have you lost your mind!” Freddy exclaimed, shocked by this gesture. 

Paulina started screaming and begging Freddy. 

“Freddy, please don't do this. You are betrothed to my sister!” She shouted as the door opened. 

“Freddy! Freddy you bastard.” Natalie screamed as shea nd Tony dragged Freddy from Paulina. 

Natalie landed him with a slap before he could alter a single word in his defense.