After leaving Vera's room, Natalie spotted Bethany walking around aimlessly. She walked up to the clueless Bethany and asked, "Why are you alone? Where's Victor?"Startled, Bethany asked, "Y-You know Victor?"Natalie nodded, following up with, "Are you lost?"Her face full of panic, Bethany asked, "Miss, could you call Victor for me? I can't find him, and I'm scared.""Okay," Natalie said, took out her phone, and called Victor.He picked up, sounding impatient. "I'm busy right now, so whatever it is you called me for, spit it out."Annoyed by his tone, Natalie said, "Bethany's with me. We're outside Room 1208."Having said that, she hung up before Victor could even respond. She glanced at Bethany. "Let's give him a few minutes to come get you, alright?"Bethany broke into a grin, her large eyes full of childlike awe, the likes of which Natalie had never seen before. "Thank you, pretty lady. You're a really kind person."Perhaps it was Bethany's endearing nature that made Natal
Judging by Victor's expression, he hadn't expected to run into Natalie at the hospital, either. His brows furrowed, and something like embarrassment and distress flickered across his face.He avoided Natalie's gaze, and he hurried past her, pulling Bethany with him.Natalie didn't stop him, either, perhaps to spare him the awkwardness.He quickened his pace and put enough distance between him and Natalie. Beside him, Bethany asked, "Victor, is everything alright? Are you upset? Did I do something wrong again?"Victor stopped in his tracks, then turned to look at Bethany beside him. He took in her naive, wide-eyed expression and swallowed whatever he'd been about to say.He took a deep breath and gently tousled her hair. "No, I'm not upset. Come on. Let's get you to the doctor's."Bethany nodded. "Okay."Victor stayed with Bethany through the consultation. After examining Bethany, the doctor peeled off the surgical gloves and declared, "She's healing just fine. Now, I know you yo
Natalie was surprised that the man had asked for her number. She gave him a faint smile. "Of course."They exchanged numbers, and while they talked, she learned that his name was Aaron Jespier. He'd been studying abroad in Falene and recently returned. His family owned a business in Velmont, and he was going to Grendale to learn on-site supervising and help expand the family business.Natalie eased into the latter part of the flight. At first, she thought Aaron was one of those stoic types, but after she got to know him better, she realized he was quite the conversationalist.When the plane touched down in Grendale, they disembarked the flight and retrieved their suitcases together. They then left through the same exit.Upon stepping out of the airport arrival hall, Natalie spotted Bella waving at her. She turned to Aaron. "My friend's here to pick me up. See you around."Aaron adjusted his glasses, the glare from the streetlights reflecting off them and obscuring his eyes from Na
Natalie instinctively turned toward the man who'd stepped in to save her. He was tall and had a rather dignified look about him, his gaze sharp and mutinous. "Bold of you to lay a hand on a woman."With that, he landed a kick on the leering man's chest, and the latter groaned as he hit the ground.At that moment, the cabin crew approached them after hearing the commotion. The creep scrambled to his feet and ducked behind the crew members, seeking their protection. "Save me! These two beat me up for no reason! The other passengers can vouch for me!"Natalie was the victim, so she immediately clarified, "I taught him a lesson after he groped me inappropriately. He was about to hit me when this man stepped in and helped me."The creep denied any wrongdoing profusely, "What a load of bull! Do you have any evidence to prove that I groped you? If you don't, I ought to sue you for slander!"It was a classic case of denial. He wouldn't admit he was wrong until the consequences hit him lik
Natalie, however, was different. She'd already divorced once, and going through the process again wouldn't make much of a difference.Her expression turned grim as she considered this, and her heart felt inexplicably heavy. She turned Rowan's offer over in her head but couldn't give him a straight answer. "I'll think about it."If she was considering the offer, there was a chance she might take it up. Rowan beamed. "Alright."Natalie dozed off unwittingly after that. When she woke up in the morning, she found herself lying in Rowan's bed. The space beside her was cold and empty. It seemed Rowan had gotten out of bed a while ago.She patted her face and took a deep breath. She slid her feet into slippers and padded out of the bedroom.The morning sun was warm and mild, adding a comforting, romantic touch to the atmosphere that reminded Natalie of seeing the sun break through the clouds after the rain. She cut a look toward the windows, where Rowan stood in his loungewear with his b
Natalie was aghast. For a second, she couldn't find her voice. She sat there, her mind blank like her system had shut down.Seeing this, Rowan immediately explained, "No, wait. I wasn't being clear. I meant to say that I wanted to adopt a kid."Natalie heaved a sigh of relief. Only then did she realize a thin layer of sweat had broken out over her forehead, and the same went for her palms. She'd been shocked—that much was certain. She thought Rowan had wanted to suggest that she bear him a child.However, she was curious why a man of his background and status would choose to adopt a child who had no blood relation to him instead of siring one.Natalie's gaze trailed down his torso and rested three inches below his abdomen. Could it be? Her eyes widened in both disbelief and amazement.Rowan followed her gaze and immediately understood what she was thinking. "I—"Before he could correct her, she interrupted him, "No need to explain. I understand perfectly. Don't worry. Your secret