Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 264

Chapter 264 So Scared

Natalie’s POV:

+20 Free Coins

“Me? I’m fine,” I said, pausing before I understood. “Oh, sorry, I was just on the phone with Uncle Matthew.”

Leonardo still held his phone, the dial screen glowing.

We’d hung up so suddenly earlier. Once I reached the doorstep, I decided to talk to Matthew for a bit. I never thought Leonardo would get so worried in just a few minutes. I could feel his heart pounding hard against his chest-a werewolf’s natural reaction to stress or alarm.

Hearing my explanation, Leonardo finally relaxed his clenched hand.

A flicker of embarrassment crossed his face before he pulled me into a brief hug. “Next time, let Aaron pick you up.”

“I’m a grown woman. Besides, are you trying to work Aaron to death?” I smiled.

Warmth spread through my chest, but my voice sounded caught between a laugh and a sigh.

Especially now, with everything going on, Leonardo needed to give orders at a moment’s notice. He relied on Aaron for everything, big and small, calling on him dozens of times a day.

“Well then,” Leonardo said, realizing his own oversight, “someone else.”

I didn’t want him talking in the doorway draft, so I quickly shut the door and led him back inside.

I saw Leonardo already had his shoes on. The car keys were on the entryway table, but he was still wearing the pajamas I’d chosen for him.

“Were you really about to go out looking for me like that?” I asked.

“Yes.” Leonardo nodded, his expression calm, as if it were perfectly normal.

I sucked in a sharp breath. “Leonardo!”

“What?” His voice was gentle, his face still neutral.

This time, I was truly angry. “I’m really not talking to you anymore!

“I told you to focus on recovering. Why don’t you ever take care of yourself? Do you even realize the shape you’re in right now? Do you have to make me worry like this?”.

I stared him down, my tone serious, all trace of playfulness gone from my face. For the first time, I gave him a real glare.

Leonardo immediately looked flustered. “Natalie,” he said, and his voice held a rare note of uncertainty.

But I ignored him. I strode into the living room and planted myself in a corner of the sofa, determined to give him the silent treatment.

1/3

Chapter 264 So Scared

+20 Free Coins

“I’m sorry,” Leonardo said as he slowly followed. His injured nerves meant his right leg was still healing, so he couldn’t walk fast.

From the corner of my eye, I saw him moving with difficulty, and my heart ached again.

But the thought of him constantly neglecting his health made my anger flare.

Leonardo sat down beside me. He looked at me earnestly, his brows furrowed, his voice low and heavy. “I’ll remember. From now on, I’ll listen to you. Okay?”

I didn’t answer.

So he kept trying. “I’ll follow the doctor’s orders. No moving around unnecessarily. Complete rest.”

My plan was to let him stew a bit longer, to teach him a lesson. But after he finished his second sentence, he broke into a fit of coughing.

“Where does it hurt?” I immediately reached for my phone. “I’ll tell Aaron to call the doctor!”

“No,” he said, a sly glint flashing in his eyes as he quickly pressed my hand down. “Didn’t you say we shouldn’t keep bothering Aaron all the time?”

“Okay, fine,” I said, caught between amusement and exasperation. “Then I’ll call someone else.”

“I already changed the bandage before you got back.” He still didn’t let go of my hand, just kept looking into my eyes. Then he leaned over and lifted the hem of his shirt to show me.

The gauze did look freshly changed.

“Did you take your medicine?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said.

I asked again, “What did the doctor say? Are you in any pain today?”

“No, nothing. Everything’s fine. Just…” Leonardo deliberately trailed off. His eyes shifted, seeming hesitant.

“What is it?” My breath hitched in my throat. My hand twitched, wanting to reach for him, but I was too

nervous to move.

“Just,” Leonardo said, smiling almost imperceptibly as he leaned close to my car, his voice dropping to a whisper, “I missed you so much.”

“Leonardo, don’t scare me like that!” I was speechless, feeling both annoyed and fond.

Leonardo’s POV:

The moment her chiding words faded, her eyes reddened again. I’d only meant to tease her-I never expected her to actually tear up. I panicked, and my own face darkened.

“Silly, why are you crying?” I reached anxiously for her cheek, but she wrapped her arms around me first.

2/3

19:46 Mon, Jan 19 G

Chapter 264 So Scared

Her touch was feather-light, as if afraid I might break.

+20 Free Coins

“Leonardo, I’m so scared. I’m not strong. I’m scared of goodbyes, scared of losing people, scared I’ll never see you again.” Her voice was thick with tears, her breath warm and damp against my shoulder, seeping straight into my heart.

I opened my mouth but found no words. A wave of guilt washed over me.

I moved, lifting a hand to wipe her tears, but she wouldn’t let go.

19:46 Mon, Jan 19 GT.