Natalie's POV

I wasn't ready.

Suddenly, I felt I didn't want to do this. I couldn't.

I stared at him wide-eyed as he waited for me to move or act. The atmosphere in the room was heavy and full of desperation.

"Raf!" This was the tenth time I called him, but he didn't respond, as if he were in another world, unable to hear me.

“Raf! Stand up, please!” All he replied was, “I’m ready for my punishment, ma'am.”

"What punishment, for God's sake?!"

The silence continued, lifting the tension even higher.

I gulped, feeling very hesitant. Why did I even ask him to do this? Yes, I wanted to...