Chapter 30 Tension at the Table
Francis grabbed Clara’s hand as she tried to leave.
“Bang.“The door opened.
Natalie stood there. She paused, seeing them, then smiled. “Clara, you’re here too.”
Wesley ran to her, excited.
“Ms. Dawson, you’re finally here! Wesley’s tummy is starving,” he said as he hugged her leg, looking pitiful.
Finished
Natalie patted his head gently. “There, there. I’m here now. I’ll get them to serve the food. We Jcan’t let our Wesley go hungry.”
Wesley rubbed his face against her, thrilled.
Clara watched them. It felt ironic.
She thought, when I’d arrived, Wesley demanded an apology from me. How ridiculous.
Francis saw her smile. He worried she’d get the wrong idea. “Wesley, sit properly, it’s time to eat,” he called.
Wesley pulled Natalie to sit next to Francis. His eyes caught the bag in her hand.
“Ms. Dawson, is this for Wesley?” he asked, hopeful.-
Natalie nodded. She gave him a bag. “Wesley, this is from Ms. Dawson. See if you like it.”
Wesley dug in and pulled out a remote–controlled car, his favorite. He jumped up. “It’s a car! Wesley’s favorite! Ms. Dawson, you’re the best!”
He kissed her cheek hard. Natalie smiled and wiped the spot gently.
Then she handed another bag to Francis. “Francis, this is for you. See if you like it.”
Francis took it and glanced at Clara.
“Francis, open it,” Natalie urged, ignoring his pause.
Francis held the gift. He didn’t know if he should open it.
His eyes flicked to Clara nervously.
Natalie noticed. “Oh, I’m sorry, Clara! I didn’t know you’d be here. I didn’t get you a gift. I’m so sorry, I…” she said.
1/2
Chapter 30 Tension at the Table
He met her eyes. “It’s fine, Clara won’t mind. Don’t worry, she’s not petty,” he said.
Natalie’s panic faded. She smiled. “Thank you, Clara.”
Finished
“I heard you and Francis are divorcing. So, I only got gifts for Wesley and Francis. If I’d known you were coming. I’d have brought one for you,” she said casually,
Francis’s face darkened as he heard the word “divorce.
“Natalie, Clara and I aren’t divorcing,” he said.
Natalie covered her mouth. “I’m sorry, Francis! I didn’t mean it. It’s my fault for talking too much,” she said, eyes apologetic.
“You won’t blame me, will you?” She looked at him with big, careful eyes.
“Of course he won’t, Clara said, smiling.
Francis looked at her, searching her face.
Clara met his gaze openly. “We’ve already filed for divorce. What Ms. Dawson said was true. Of course he won’t blame you.”
She gave Natalie a soft smile, like none of it mattered to her.
“Clara, you know I didn’t want this. I wasn’t thinking straight when I agreed. Can’t you understand?” Francis said.
Clara looked confused. “Francis, I’ve been talking about divorce for a while. I thought you agreed after thinking it over. Didn’t you?”
She glanced at Natalie, almost by accident.
Natalie caught it. She felt provoked. Her resentment grew,
She decided she couldn’t wait. She had to make Clara divorce Francis. What if she changed her mind?
Clara saw her look and smirked inside.
“Sir, should we serve the food now?” the manager asked, knocking and entering.
Natalie stepped forward. “Francis, Clara might just be upset. She needs some coaxing. Let’s eat first. Don’t let the little things ruin New Year’s mood.”
She took the gift from Francis and set it aside. “We can check this later.”
