Taming The Cold Hearted Billionaire

Natalie's POV

"Nat, can you bring the donuts that are on the table?" my dad calls from outside. I grab the tray of donuts and head out toward the counter. I hand the tray to Dad.

"Thank you, Nat. Why don't you take orders now? I'll head inside," he says, arranging the donuts in the display case.

"Okay," I reply, positioning myself near the counter. My dad disappears into the back. I scan our bakery. Only a handful of customers are seated with their orders, enjoying their time.

It's been a month since I discovered the truth about Dominic. I haven't seen him since that day. I immediately resigned on Monday. I asked Jessica to collect my belongings from my office and deliver the resignation letter for me. I didn't want to see his face, so I left without a word.

I told Jessica everything I witnessed and heard once I calmed down from crying. She listened to every detail I shared. She admitted she knew something before, but she didn't have any evidence to show me, so she hesitated to mention it. If she had told me, I wouldn't have believed it anyway. Because I had such intense feelings for Dominic. It's my fault that I was falling for his fake affection he was displaying toward me. He called me numerous times, but I never answered. Eventually, I blocked his number.

Dominic didn't feel anything for me-he just wanted to use me. Thank God I didn't fall for his scheme. Now when I think about it, he'd been pressuring me to spend time with him at his place. But I'd always make excuses and avoid it. After a few months, I thought I'd gotten to know him better and decided to visit his apartment to spend some time-nothing more. But I discovered his true motives now.

My family didn't ask questions when I told them I resigned. Looking at my face, they knew something was wrong and didn't pressure me to explain. I love my family. I've been working with my parents, assisting them in the bakery. Until I secure a new position, I've decided to work here and support them. I've submitted applications to several companies, but there's been no response from them.

"Can I get a black coffee with no sugar?" my thoughts are interrupted by a deep voice. I look up and see cold brown eyes. I shiver slightly at his intense gaze. He's handsome, but his cold eyes and expressionless face make him even more striking. I might have encountered him somewhere before. I shake my head, dismissing the thoughts.

"Yes," I responded and moved to prepare his coffee. The entire time, his gaze burns into my back until I finish making his drink. I complete it, grab his cup, and place it on the counter.

"That'll be-" He cuts me off by placing a fifty-dollar bill on the counter.

"Keep the change," he says coldly and takes the cup. I stand there stunned as he settles into a chair. I don't like what he just did. I grab a donut, place it on a plate along with his change.

I approach his table and set the plate in front of him. He looks up from his phone with those cold eyes.

"We don't keep the change. We earn money for what we create. This isn't a charity to accept handouts," I say, placing his change on the table. I turn and walk away, but I stop and return. He's glaring at me, though his face shows amusement.

"Please eat this donut and try being kinder to others. Don't behave like your plain, boring coffee," I say, heading back to the kitchen. I instruct someone to clean the tables outside, and they leave.

"You came inside just in time. I was about to call you," Mom says, approaching me with a tray of cake slices.

"Can you arrange these outside?" she asks.

"Sure, Mom," I say, taking the tray back outside. I neatly arrange the slices in the display case and stand up. I look up and let out a small squeak, placing my hand on my chest.

"Oh God," I say, looking up again. "Do you need anything, sir?" I ask, staring into those same cold brown eyes.

"Can I get two slices of cake to go?" he says, looking directly into my eyes.

"Sure," I say, smiling at him. As I pack his order, I can sense his stare on me the entire time.

"That'll be five dollars," I say. He hands me the exact amount and exits, taking his cake. I watch through the window until he vanishes from my view.

"Can I get a coffee with a slice of chocolate cake?" someone asks in front of me. I turn back to the customer and prepare their order. It's ten in the morning, and I've been here since six.

I just want to erase the memories I shared with him. Since I've been working here, I keep myself occupied with various tasks. Even though I'm terrible at baking, I assist my parents with other responsibilities.

Soon evening arrives, and I'm still working in the bakery.

"Nat," my dad calls from behind me. I turn toward him.

"You've been here since six this morning. Why don't you head home and get some rest?" Dad says, wiping down the counter in the kitchen.

"I don't want to go home," I say, staring down at the cup I'm holding.

"Nat," he says, coming over and embracing me. I sigh, hugging him back.

"I don't know what occurred, but you need to spend some time outside. You can't remain here forever. When was the last time you took Buddy for his walk?" he asks, pulling back. He places his hands on my shoulders.

"I don't know," I mumble, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt.

"That poor guy is missing you. Why don't you take him for a walk? It'll also help clear your mind," he says, smiling at me.

"Okay. But should I leave with everything like this?" I say, gesturing at the mess.

"It's nothing I haven't handled before. Now go," he says, turning me around and gently pushing me toward the back door exit.

"Okay, okay. I'm leaving-no need to throw me out," I chuckle, saying to him. He releases me and returns to cleaning, chuckling to himself. I exit after saying goodbye to Mom, who's at the counter.

I walk back to my house. It's only a fifteen-minute walk. As I enter the house, Buddy attacks me, making me tumble to the ground.

"Buddy," I giggle as he licks my face, wagging his tail frantically. He's a border collie who's been with us for four years now. He's my sweetheart.

"I missed you too, boy. I'm sorry if I haven't spent much time with you," I say, rubbing his back. He just appears sad.

"Wait here. I'll freshen up and come back," I say, getting up. He barks as I head to my room.

I wash my face and change my clothes since they're messy from the bakery. I put on a grey sweater with black jeans. I go downstairs, grabbing Buddy's leash. I attach the leash to Buddy and take him outside.

We begin walking toward our favorite park in the neighborhood. I've been taking him there for nearly two years now. We enjoy spending our time there. I look up to see dark clouds gathering. I hope it doesn't rain just yet.

I stand at the park entrance and look at Buddy. He also looks at me with his mouth open, as if we both know what we're about to do.

"Let's see who wins this time," I say, releasing his leash and sprinting into the park. I hear Buddy's bark behind me as he chases after me. We know dogs win easily, but it's enjoyable to play anyway.

We run around the park as Buddy chases me. I laugh loudly as I dodge Buddy from side to side. He barks, trying to catch me. The park isn't crowded today-only a few people scattered around.

Soon I grow tired and collapse on the grass, catching my breath. Buddy comes beside me, licking my face.

"I missed this. Sorry, boy, for not taking you out for a month," I say, rubbing his neck. He barks in my face. I chuckle, kissing his head. I smile at him as I pet him. Buddy glances around and dashes off for a run.

I sigh, looking up at the sky. I lie back on the grass and gaze at the clouds. It's peaceful here-no crowds, no disturbances. I adore this place so much. I forgot to come here when I was feeling down. This seems blissful, but too peaceful-it allows your thoughts to spiral in your mind. After a few minutes of lying there, I sit up and wipe away the tears that have fallen.

I don't want to cry, but these thoughts keep returning to me. I'm crying because I miss Dominic. Even though I meant nothing to him, I cared for him deeply. I thought someone would be there to love me and care for me, and I thought it would be Dominic. He made me feel that way. And I was foolish enough to fall for his act.

I search around for Buddy and spot him standing by a tree, looking slightly upward.

"Buddy," I called out. He just barks at the tree. I stand up and walk toward him. As I approach the tree, I notice a figure standing behind it.

"Buddy, come on, boy," I call out, stopping in my tracks. Buddy just barks again at the figure. I feel a water droplet land on my hand. I look up at the sky and feel another drop fall on my face. I smile at the sensation. Soon, drop after drop, it begins raining. I smile even more as I feel the rain.

I raise my hands and close my eyes. I spin around, laughing as I enjoy the rain. I'm completely soaked, just savoring the rain, ignoring everything else. Soon Buddy comes barking at me, mimicking what I'm doing. I run as Buddy chases me.

I stop running when I notice a figure watching me from a distance. He's wearing a black hoodie with the hood pulled up. His face can't be seen. He's standing near the tree where I spotted Buddy earlier. Is he the same person Buddy was barking at?

"Nat!" I hear a voice behind me. I turn around to see my brother running toward me with an umbrella.

"What are you doing standing in the rain? Come on before you catch a cold," Derek says, reaching me and covering me with his umbrella.

"I like the rain," I say. He simply puts his arm around me and guides me to walk out of the park. I glance back at the figure, only to see he's vanished. He's nowhere to be found.

Buddy barks behind us as he follows. Soon we're in my brother's car, heading home. But I'm thinking about one thing.

Who was he?