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Rhett paused for a moment, and this was not quite what he had expected.
Was she being tactful, or was she playing hard to get?
However, either way, it didn’t matter much. When he got married initially, it was to soothe Flora, who was critically ill at the time. Now that Flora had recovered and became healthier, their contract was about to end. He no longer needed to continue this.
“Alright, then let’s meet at Hillside Café on Shoreline Street tomorrow afternoon at two,” Rhett was always efficient, and he hung up the phone straight after saying that.
Holding her phone, Natalie felt a mix of emotions.
“Your husband?” Sadie cautiously inquired, leaning over.
Natalie lowered her hand and said calmly, “Soon, he won’t be.”
“What does that mean?”
Turning to face her, Natalie looked at her, surprisingly calm. “He wants a divorce.”
Sadie was puzzled.
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After a moment of silence, she finally spoke, “What’s going on with you two? I just don’t understand!”
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They got married, lived separately, and now they were divorcing after having sex?
“It doesn’t matter. We agreed on this two years ago. It is just fulfilling the contract,” Natalie said as she walked back into the
room.
When Rhett brought up the divorce, she admitted she was acting out of spite. However, she quickly realized that it was something she had been hoping for all along. So, why would she change her mind just because she slept with him once? She didn’t need to be angry over these matters.
Sadie followed her, still bewildered. “I know it is because of a contract, but why would he sleep with you if he’s divorcing you? What’s he playing at? This is so unfair!”
“We’re all adults. It’s okay.”
As Natalie searched through her closet for suitable clothes, she paused and turned to Sadie. “Moreover, you were the one who said I was lucky to sleep with him.”
Finishing her sentence, she winked at her.
Sadie was left speechless by her response.
Sadie was joking. How could Natalie take that seriously? Sadie felt like Natalie was losing out on two years of her youth! What
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was that man really up to? Wasting Natalie’s youth and then divorcing her? It was unbelievable, considering he looked like a gentleman!
Once Natalie had sorted things out in her mind, she felt less bothered. She rummaged for clothes and said, “Sadie, did you get my tie clip back?” :
“Got it!” Sadie rummaged through her bag and pulled out an elegant box, handing it over to Natalie. “Laliss was interested in the design of this tie clip. You refused to sell it. Turns out you wanted to keep it for your uncle Brian.”
“Yes.” Natalie took the box and opened it, glancing at the diamond. “My mom has been sick for the past two years. Thanks to Brian taking care of her, he also helped with the arrangements after her passing. I want to give him something special, unique.”
“Brian’s a good guy. But your aunt Maura and cousin Lilith…” Shaking her head, Sadie couldn’t hide her disdain.
When they were mentioned, Natalie thought of seeing Lilith at the hotel’s side entrance today. Although she seemed arrogant, her expression was somewhat anxious. Natalie didn’t know what she was afraid of.
The Lane Villa was in the old villa area in the southern part of the city.
It was one of the first villa neighborhoods in Tranquil City, but it had become quite run–down after many years.
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The wealthy elite had gradually moved to the new city arca, leaving the Lane family behind due to their declining business and financial situation. They remained in the old neighborhood.
When Natalie arrived by taxi, it was already noon.
Considering the time, she thought the Lane family should have finished lunch. She wanted to drop off the gift, exchange a few words with Brian, and then make it to Hillside Café by two.
Lilith opened the door, which surprised Natalie. Before she could react, Lilith had affectionately linked arms with her and announced, “It’s Natalie! Dad, Natalie’s here!”
Lilith’s enthusiasm caught Natalie off guard. She was led into
the house.
Inside, Brian put down his fork and stood up. “Natalie, you’re finally here. We’ve been waiting for you to start lunch.”
Natalie didn’t expect that they hadn’t eaten yet at this hour. Surprised, she handed over the gift, saying, “Happy birthday.”
“We’re family. You are too kind!” Brian laughed as he accepted the gift, waving his hand. “Come on, let’s eat!”
Natalie was about to decline, but seeing the joy in Brian’s eyes, she sat down.
“Are you busy with work lately? You’ve lost weight.” Brian introduced the dish while asking with concern.
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Holding her bowl, Natalic nodded, responding, “It’s been okay.”
“You shouldn’t ask, especially in the current situation. So many big companies have gone bankrupt, not to mention Natalie’s small studio. You’re just rubbing salt in her wound.” Maura Lane chimed in, smiling at Natalie. “He didn’t mean it that way.
Don’t take it to heart.”
“I know,” Looking down, Natalie said calmly.
Maura continued, “Natalie, I think you shouldn’t be so stubborn. If your small studio isn’t doing well, just close it. It would be much better for you to join the entertainment industry with Lilith. You’ll make money faster, gain fame, and even get to meet those wealthy young men. Don’t waste your pretty face.”
Brian’s fork slammed onto the table as she spoke up.
With a stern face, he said, “I told you not to bring this up again!”
Startled, Maura was quiet for two seconds and then mumbled, “I was just trying to help.”
“What! I am against Lilith entering the entertainment industry. It’s a den of vipers! Natalie is doing well on her own now. Stop mentioning these ridiculous ideas!” Brian was furious, even coughing.
Lilith was displeased. “Dad, why can’t you see that? How am I not doing well on my own? Besides, I can stay true to myself. Not everyone is prey to those unwritten rules. Why do you have
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such a bias against my job?”
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“I’m biased, so what! If you still consider me your father, then leave the industry now!”
“You’re being unreasonable.” Angrily, Lilith walked out, stumbling a bit as she left.
Maura glared at Brian, saying, “What are you doing? Lilith sprained her ankle yesterday. Why would you say that?”
She followed Lilith out of the room.
It was just Natalie and Brian inside the house, and the atmosphere grew awkward.
“Uncle…” Natalie said, trying to offer some comfort.
But Brian said, “Don’t try to persuade me.”
Natalie felt speechless.
“Do you still have no news about your husband?” Brian suddenly asked.
Brian had been strongly against Natalie’s rushed marriage. However, by the time he found out, they were already married, and he couldn’t blame his sister, Wren, who was on her
deathbed.
Later, to put Brian’s mind at ease, Natalie told him about the contract, which had somewhat relieved him.
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Facing this sudden question, Natalie hesitated. “He’s arranged to meet me this afternoon to discuss the divorce.”
“This afternoon?” Brian suddenly got excited. “That’s good
news! Settle it quickly and end this ridiculous farce.”
Natalie was about to respond when her phone rang.
