Chapter 5
Natalie carefully applied ointment to Shawn’s forehead, oblivious to the thoughts churning in his mind. “All set, let’s go downstairs for dinner. We shouldn’t keep Grandpa Henry waiting too long”
“Sure thing. Shawn replied.
They left the study and made their way to the dining room. Henry was already seated at the table, and when he spotted them, his face lit up with a broad smile. “Nat, come on over and have a seat! Let Mary bring you some soup first; you need to keep up your strength.”
“Alright. Natalie replied with a sweet smile, taking a seat next to Shawn.
Henry truly doted on Natalie. It wasn’t just because he’d made a promise to his old friend to look after her. He knew Shawn well; Shawn was sensitive and easily wounded, often getting taken advantage of. Natalie was pure and kind, but she also had an inner strength that shone through
Henry hoped Shawn would soon see how extraordinary Natalie was. If they could settle down together and start a family, Henry would have no regrets.
“Why don’t you two move back here and live with me? Nat’s all alone at home, and it would be nice to have her keep me company. Henry suggested.
Tm time with it, Shawn said Henry had a point; if they moved back to the manor, Natalie wouldn’t feel so lonely. Unbeknownst to Shawn, he was already starting to think about what was best for her.
When Natalie heard Henry’s proposal, she felt a bit hesitant. She didn’t relish the idea of staying alone in their house, but with her pregnancy, moving to the manor might raise Henry’s suspicions.
“Grandpa Henry, it’s okay. I’m used to it. Sometimes, Shawn comes home late, and it might disturb your rest. It’s better for us to live on our own,” she said.
Shawn was taken aback by Natalie’s refusal. After all, if they moved to the manor, Henry would definitely support her. He didn’t understand why she said no, but if that was what she wanted, then so be it.
Henry was concerned about their relationship. He was worried that Tracy would stir up trouble. If they moved in, he could keep an eye on things. He knew sweet Natalie often got taken advantage of. But since she had declined, he didn’t want to push her any further.
“Well, that’s fine. I respect your decision. But if Shawn ever does something that upsets you, just let me know, and I’ll set him straight, Henry said, giving Shawn a stern look.
Shawn kept eating calmly, as if he hadn’t heard Henry at all.
“It’s all good. Shawn treats me really well,” Natalie said.
Shawn raised an eyebrow and looked up. He didn’t understand why Natalie, who had been married to him for almost three years, felt the need to defend him to his grandpa. She could easily complain, and Henry would definitely take her side.
Noticing Shawn’s reaction, Natalie felt a bit embarrassed and focused on her food instead.
“Since you don’t plan on moving here, how about staying the night? It’s getting late, Henry suggested.
Seeing that Shawn didn’t abject, Natalie replied, “Okay, Grandp Henry
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After dinner, instead of working. Shawn sat in the living room with Natalie and Henry, watching TV together. Henry soon got tired and asked the butler to help him to bed, leaving just Shawn and Natalie.
With Henry gone. Natalie thought Shawn didn’t need to pretend to keep her company anymore. “You can go back to your work. I’ll just watch a bit longer and then head to my room.”
“I’m not busy tonight, Shawn said.
Natalie figured maybe he was finally taking a chance to unwind, reality, he had been playing on his phone and not really paying attention to the TV.
Since she was okay with it, after Henry went to rest, she snuggled up on the couch with a pillow, focusing on a drama that had just released its season finale.
It was a period drama with a sad ending, where the main couple was torn apart. As Natalie got lost in the story, she couldn’t help but shed tears during the heartbreaking conclusion.
Shawn was sprawled on the couch, idly scrolling through news on his phone. He wasn’t sure why he was killing time like this when there was a mountain of work waiting for him.
Normally, he wouldn’t be caught dead watching sappy dramas. But glancing over at Natalic, curled up quietly on the sofa, he suddenly felt that watching TV together created a warm, homey atmosphere.
As he kept scrolling, he heard a few sniffles. Shawn looked up and saw Natalie crying, tears streaming down her face like a string of pearls come undone, her eyes red and swollen. Not knowing what had set her off, he quickly sat up and handed her a lissue. What’s the matter?”
“I’m fine. It’s just the show
it’s so sad. The main character died, Natalie said, her voice quivering as she tried to steady her breath. It felt a bit awkward for her to be crying so openly in front of Shawn. After all, it was just a TV show, but it had really gotten to her.
Ever since she was pregnant, her emotions had been on a rollercoaster, and she found it easy to get worked up over small things.
Shawn felt an odd sense of relief. So it was just a show. “Alright, alright, dry those tears. Grandpa might think I’m picking on you,” he said gently, his voice taking on a softer tone without him even noticing.
Natalie was still sniffling, unable to compose herself just yet.
He gently patted her back, murmuring comforting words. Gradually, Natalie began to calm down, but she felt a little self- conscious about being so close on the couch.
“All right, that’s enough tears. The show’s over. Let’s get you to your room and some rest, Shawn said.
“Okay” In that moment, Natalie felt drawn to Shawn’s kindness, But it also frightened her a little. He treated her with such care, yet deep down, she knew that Tracy was the one who truly held his heart.
She tried to reassure herself, thinking he was just concerned about upsetting Henry.
Natalie felt herself being guided upstairs by Shawn, her thoughts a bit muddled. As soon as they reached the room, Shawn’s phone buzzed. When he pulled it out, she caught a glimpse of a series of numbers she didn’t recognize.
“Go ahead and take a shower. I need to take this,” he said..
“Sure,” Natalie replied. She turned to fetch her pajamas from the closet and made her way into the bathroom. Once she
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Chapter 3
closed the door. She leaned against it, deep in thought..
Just moments ago, his tenderness had sparked something within her–a glimmer of hope that she probably shouldn’t be feeling. She wouldn’t help but wonder, What if I told Shawn about the baby? Would he want me to stay? He’d make a fantastic dad
Henry had once told her. “Nat, after Shawn’s folks died, he had a real tough time. He kept it all bottled up, never shedding a tear. I know he’s a softie at heart, which is why he’s been patiently waiting for Tracy even after she left. She’s not the right one for him. All these years, he’s yearned for the coziness of a family. You two getting hitched and starting a family–Shawn’s a man of his word. Once you’re married and knocked up, you wont grow apart.”
Those were Henry’s words: get pregnant to anchor Shawn to her But even if she could keep him by her side, she knew she couldn’t truly win his heart. She sincerely wanted Shawn to be happy and would do whatever it took to support his happiness.
Her gut feeling told her that the call was from Tracy.
She pondered. What will Tracy say? Will Shawn go rushing off to her and not return? Even if he did leave, what claim did I have to stop him? After all, our marriage is a contract, and the three–year term is almost over. If it weren’t for my unexpected arrival and Grandpa Henry pushing us to get married, Shawn maybe would still be waiting for Tracy!
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