After finishing her work, Natalie went to visit Albert in the hospital.
"You look tired," Albert comnted, observing her from his bed.
Natalie humd in response and placed the fresh flowers she had brought into the vase by the window.
"I saw the news and everything that’s going on," Albert said, bringing up the matter as he sensed it was the reason for Natalie’s quiet deanor.
She paused, not turning to face him as she adjusted the flowers. "Grandpa, this ti my decisions and actions might hurt the Ford family."
"I know. But I won’t bla you," Albert replied calmly.
Natalie turned to look at him. "Won’t you be upset if Grandma gets hurt when the truth cos out?"
"You’ve stayed quiet all these years—that was the best you could do. But if they keep harming you, I can’t stop you from retaliating," Albert said softly. "I know you’ve remained silent all this ti because of , but I can’t be selfish and ask you to keep forgiving them. I might not have much ti left, but you have a long life ahead of you, and I want you to live it with dignity and pride. Whatever happens to our family will be a result of their own actions."
Natalie set the vase aside and went to sit by the old man’s side, holding his hand as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Thank you for understanding , Grandpa."
He patted her hand with his free one, offering reassurance. "Before I go, I want to see you live a happy life. You’re destined to be with a man like Justin Harper, and I won’t let you be tainted when you’re innocent. Whatever you decide to do, I won’t stand in your way."
Natalie didn’t know how to respond to the part about Justin. Her grandfather clearly believed they would end up together, but she wasn’t certain what the future held.
"When you’re discharged, I’ll take you ho with ," she said, trying to change the subject.
Albert nodded, his eyes moist though he smiled gently.
Later, Natalie returned ho, where she was t with a sense of loneliness. Justin wasn’t going to return anyti soon, and she wondered if she had grown so used to his presence that she missed him now. She cooked dinner for two, even though the other person wouldn’t be coming.
Natalie dialed a number. When the call was answered, she asked, "Have you had dinner yet?"
"Not yet. But I’ll be having it soon," the person replied.
"Co upstairs. I’ve cooked for us," she instructed and hung up the call without waiting for his response.
John, who had been leaning against his car, looked at his phone in confusion. Did she just offer dinner? Well, it’s rare for to have ho-cooked food. He put his phone away and headed upstairs.
Natalie opened the door for him. "You can wash your hands over there, then co to the dining table."
John did as she said. When he sat down at the table, he was greeted by a spread of delicious-looking dishes. As he began to eat, he couldn’t help but be amazed by how tasty everything was.
"This is delicious. Thank you for inviting ," John said, breaking the quiet atmosphere.
"I’m glad you like it," she replied politely and continued eating.
"No wonder Mr. Harper refuses to eat out," John added.
Natalie glanced up at him. "Does he prefer the food I cook?"
"Noah once ntioned that he rushes ho to eat your cooking," John explained. "Mr. Harper doesn’t like outside food, so he learned how to cook. I’ve been lucky enough to try so of his dishes."
"He is a good cook," Natalie agreed, then asked, "Can I ask you sothing personal?"
John nodded, and Natalie continued, "Do you have any family?"
John shook his head. "I used to. I had a younger sister."
"Where is she now?"
"She’s no longer with us."
"Oh, I’m sorry."
"It’s alright."
"What happened to her?"
John stayed quiet for a while before finally answering. "She was killed right in front of , and I was too weak to protect her."
Natalie felt at a loss for words. "I’m sorry... It seems like I’ve reminded you of sothing painful."
John shook his head and continued. "She was two years younger than . We were orphans. I always did my best to protect her, like any brother would. But the place we lived in wasn’t much better than a nightmare. I was only seventeen when it happened."
His voice grew heavy as he continued with no remorse of whatever he must have done later.
"Afterward, I lost my mind with the need for revenge. I joined a dangerous gang and hunted down everyone responsible for her death. I gave them the most brutal deaths I could, making them pay for every tear, every scream, every bit of pain my sister suffered. After that, there was no turning back. I’ve killed more people than I can count."
Natalie listened quietly. Though he spoke of it as if it were just any other story, she could feel the deep pain behind his words.
"How did you end up working with Justin?" Natalie asked.
John hesitated, a silence hanging between them as if he didn’t want to answer. "I just happened to et Mr. Harper in a situation where he helped—or should I say he saved . Since then, I’ve vowed to dedicate my life to him."
Natalie humd in acknowledgnt, realizing John didn’t want to reveal more about his connection to Justin.
"If you’re his best man, shouldn’t you be with him on his business trip, protecting him?" she asked.
"I’m here to protect what’s important to him," John answered directly.
"Am I important to him?" Natalie couldn’t help but ask.
John t her gaze. "You know the answer already, Ms Natalie."
At this mont, it felt she was having a casual chat with a friend and couldn’t deny what he had said.
Natalie kept quiet, only to hear John add, "Mr. Harper is a good man. You’ll see it even more as you spend ti with him. You can trust him without hesitation."
Natalie humd, understanding that well enough. Even though she hadn’t known Justin for long, she felt a deep sense of trust in him, more than with anyone else. And now, she was already missing his presence.
That night, while lying in bed, she couldn’t help but stare at the empty space next to her. I wonder what he’s doing?
Just then, her phone rang. It was from the man she had been thinking about. The mont she answered, his voice ca through the line, "Missing ?"
She was taken aback by his question, freezing as if she had been caught doing sothing she shouldn’t. How does he know?
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