Chapter 31
After a while, Benjamin finally ended the hug and smiled, his eyes moist. “Welcome back, Natalie.”
Natalie felt emotional too. Even though she’d only been gone for free months, it felt like she hadn’t properly seen this city in three years.
She shouldn’t have needed to endure those three years of darkness If it weren’t for them….
Rage flashed through her eyes. Natalie pursed her lips, brows furrowing.
Benjamin took her suitcase. After saying goodbye to Shane, she go into the car.
The lights of Grendale illuminated the night.
Along the way, Natalie looked out at the night scene from the passenger seat as if she could never get enough of it. She wished she could make up for all the beautiful sights she had missed in those lost three years.
Just then, Benjamin said, “I booked us à table at a restaurant. I’ll drop you off at your hotel after dinner.”
Natalie had no objections to that. Benjamin had always been thoughtful like that.
Apart from reserving a private room in advance, Benjamin had also pre–ordered their dinner as well. When they arrived at the restaurant, the food was ready to be served, saving them quite a bit of time.
Every course was to Natalie’s taste. She ate much more than usual, savoring the food that she had been missing for a long time.
After dinner, she rubbed her full belly and sighed, “Good food is truly the only way to my heart. But no matter how good it is out there, it’s never as good as home.”
Benjamin poured her a cup of coffee and teased, “That’s what I like to hear. There’s no place like home, after all. Go on and eat up. We can order more if you want.”
Natalie rested her cheek on one hand and said playfully, “Are you trying to fatten me up for a roast? You can’t trick me into the oven, you witch.”
Benjamin burst into laughter. “Sharp–tongued as ever, Natalie! I prefer you like this—not that meek little wife you were three years ago…”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Benjamin realized what he’d said.
Damn it! He’d said the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Frustrated with himself, he carefully watched Natalie’s expression. Thankfully, there was no negative change in her expression. He took a deep breath and relaxed, relieved.
Benjamin straightened and cleared his throat, directing the conversation back to the main topic. “I’ve already arranged everything with Ms. Watson, Natalie. Do you want to find time to visit her in the next few days?”
Natalie paused, hand on her cup. The relaxed atmosphere shifted as soon as Benjamin mentioned Susan Watson, her biological
mother.
It had been ten years. She thought she could face the matter calmly now, but when she heard that name, her heart had clenched painfully.
Everything Susan had done was for the sake of securing a better life for Natalie. Her intentions had been good, but her actions had indirectly caused Sienna’s tragic childhood.
As the main benefactor of Susan’s actions, Natalie had no right to condemn Susan for what she had done. Yet emotionally, she couldn’t help but.resent Susan.
For ten years, Natalie had tormented herself with that knowledge, too cowardly to even see her. Admittedly, she’d been scared. Avoidance was the only way she could cope.
Chapter 31
+25 BONUS
After a few seconds, Natalie finally said, “No. Maybe another time
When Susan was released from prison after her ten–year sentence Natalie had asked Benjamin to pick her up and get her a place to stay in a town far away from Grendale.
That way, the Spencers would likely never run into her again, nor would they actively cause trouble for her.
Natalie figured it was the least she could–and should–do as Susan’s daughter, for now.
Her cold eyes drifted toward the window, her gaze deep yet hazy. She seemed calm on the surface, but her fingers were clenched tightly around the handle of her cup, betraying her inner turmoil.
Having grown up with her, Benjamin knew she was conflicted.
He pondered for a moment before offering comfort, “Natalie, I know what Ms. Watson did back then was wrong, but she’s already paid the price and done her time. She is your mother, afterall. It’s been so many years… Maybe it’s time to let go.”
