Justin and Natalie returned ho. As they entered the bedroom, Natalie slumped onto the couch and closed her eyes. Justin sat next to her and spoke.
"Want a shoulder to cry on?"
With her eyes still closed, she sighed. "I’m afraid no tears will co out even if I try. I must have exhausted my quota of crying."
"That’s good then," he said and poured her a glass of water. She accepted it, and Justin observed her. "What are you thinking about?"
She took a few sips of water and shook her head. "Nothing. Just tired. Maybe a shower might help relax," she said and was already on her feet, heading to the bathroom.
Justin didn’t stop her and watched as the bathroom door closed behind her.
He had received calls from his grandmother but couldn’t answer them while he was with Natalie. Now, finally, he could talk to the old woman. He already knew why she had called him.
The mont he answered, Julia’s anxious voice ca through. "Brat, where have you been?"
"Calm down, Julia," Justin replied. "Natalie was with , and I knew what you would ask. She’s alright, don’t worry."
"I know she would be fine with you by her side, but won’t you ask how your father is?" Julia countered.
Justin fell silent for a mont before asking, "How is he?"
"He’s been inside his study since he saw the news, and I think he’s planning to co to the Imperial City to et Caryn," Julia said, sounding a little anxious. "I’m not sure what will happen when they et or how it will affect Natalie."
"You don’t have to worry about Natalie. And as for those two, it’s between two overly adult people. I have no desire to ddle in soone else’s private matters," Justin replied curtly.
"You... You’re just like your father. You two have no emotions at all, especially towards each other," Julia spat out angrily.
"Is that unusual?" Justin replied.
Julia couldn’t deny it and said, "I’m just worried about Jas. I don’t know what to do. Caryn and he are both stubborn people. I just don’t want Jas to end up hurt again. He’s been in pain for so long already."
"Then it’s better if they et instead of hiding from each other," Justin said gently, trying to coax the old woman.
"But if Jas finds out that Natalie is his daughter, then..."
"Isn’t that what you always wanted, Julia?"
"But then, you and Natalie..." Julia stopped as she realized Justin had yet to tell her about them.
Justin didn’t hide anything and said, "I have a way for it. Natalie will return to the Harper family, and she will be with as well."
There was silence on the other end before Julia spoke. "A-Are you going to revoke the adoption?"
"Yes," He replied without a tinge of hesitation.
Julia’s voice turned worried. "But then you will no longer be a Harper? You might have to give up the Harper Group once they know you are not Jas’ biological son. How would you..."
"I never wanted the Harper Group. Whether Natalie appeared in my life or not, I was going to give it up anyway. It was never mine to begin with. I have only been taking care of it to repay father for taking in," Justin replied calmly, his tone resolute.
"Then what will you do?" Julia asked. "Starting a new business is not easy..." she mumbled, then added, "Don’t worry. I have enough wealth to support you and help you build your own business."
Justin chuckled softly at the adorable old woman. "You worry too much, Julia. You don’t have to do that, as I won’t be taking anything that belongs to the Harper family—except for their daughter."
"You shaless boy! You’re already claiming our daughter," Julia remarked, but her tone was playful. "I won’t give my granddaughter to soone poor."
Justin laughed lightly, reassured that the old woman had no objection to him and Natalie being together. "Whether my na is Justin Harper or not, I will still be the most formidable man. You’ll see—no one suits your granddaughter more than ."
"You better keep your word," Julia warned.
"When have I not?" he asked playfully.
"Harper or not, you will always be my grandson. Understood?" Julia said.
"Yes, Julia...I an, Grandma."
Julia’s voice grew calm after the conversation, and she said, "I’m glad Natalie will be with a good man. I need nothing more."
"I may not be as good as you think I am, but to her, I will always be good—just as I am to you," he replied.
"That’s more than enough," Julia said.
"Don’t worry about your son. I’m sure he can handle Caryn Shaw," Justin reassured her.
The old woman sighed. "As usual, I can only trust your words."
After coaxing her enough, Justin ended the call.
He glanced at the ti. It had been a while, and Natalie had not returned from the bathroom. Worried, he stood up from the couch and knocked on the bathroom door. "Natalie?"
The sound of running water echoed, but there was no response.
"I’m coming in," he said, waiting a few monts before opening the door.
As he entered the bathroom, he saw Natalie standing silently under the shower, still fully clothed.
Justin walked toward her, first turning off the shower before standing in front of her. His hands gently wiped the water and strands of hair from her face.
"Want to fall sick?" he finally spoke.
Natalie didn’t reply and slumped against his chest. "I’m too tired, Justin," her low voice was muffled against his chest, her wet clothes soaking his as well.
Justin hugged her gently and heard her sad voice again. "I’m tired of everything... tired of fighting... tired of facing sothing shocking every day... tired of thinking about how everyone around just deceived ... tired of realizing that everything around has always been a lie..."
Justin let her pour her heart out. He understood her. Since she was a child, all she had done was fight against her own people, and even now, every day brought another painful revelation.
Natalie wrapped her arms around him. "All I want is peace for myself, but why can’t I have it? I’m truly tired... I don’t want to fight... I don’t want to do anything... I have no strength left in ..." Warm tears rolled down her cheeks. "I just want to go away. I want to leave everything behind and run away... I want to forget it all..."
After a mont of silence, he spoke. "Want to help you forget everything?"
As if registering his words, she asked, "Can you?"
"If you want to," he replied.
Natalie lifted her head to look at him, only to et his calm and resolute gaze.
His hand moved to her chin, his fingers caressing it gently. "What do you say?"
Natalie humd lightly, only to find him lowering his head and capturing her lips in his as he whispered, "You won’t be thinking about anything but ."
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