Chapter 14
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The check–up was a breeze, and the best part was two lule ones riving in there instead of just one.
The doctor gave Natalie the lowlown. “Now that you’re hitting the three–month mark, the babies are stearly enough for you to get cozy with your husband. But with twins on board, take it sy and don’t let hubby get too carried away.”
Natalie blushed something fierce as she stammered, ‘O–Okay… Got it, Doc”
Today’s check–up’s a wrap. See you next month for another round“:
Walking into the waiting area, Natalie found her hand on her belly. It was incredible to think of two little lives tucked inside, growing bit by bit. Soon, she might even feel them kick
Just as she stepped out of the elevator, Natalie spotted two figures that looked oddly familiar. She blinked, thinking it was Shawn, but by the time she hit the exit, they were gone.
Shaking her head, she told herself it was a case of mistaken identity. If Shawn was back, he would give her a heads–up. Seeing him at the hospital seemed way out there.
She pulled out her phone and called a ride back to the villa. Stepping into the quiet house, a pang of sadness hit her for the first time. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones, making her fed all mushy.
Even though she’d spent years on her own, ever since Tracy showed up, Natalie started to fret. She was fret that Shawn came back one day and said, “The three–year deal’s up. Let’s call it quits. It felt like the joy she’d briefly grabbed was slipping through her fingers.
Later that night, Natalie thought about calling Shawn to get the scoop on when he’d be home so she could whip up dinner. After a shower, she sat on the bed’s edge, phone in hand, and punched in his number,
After a few rings, a female voice she didn’t recognize answered, Hello, Ms. Wilson. It’s Tracy. Shawn’s in the shower. Can I take a message?”
“No… it’s cool,” Natalie said, her voice tight as she hung up. She stared at her phone.
So, Shawn was back, with Tracy, hanging out. Tears started to roll, soaking the sheets.
She thought she could handle it. Even if Shawn said their three years were up and it was time to split, she believed she could smile, thank him for the memories, and walk away. But it stung Her so bad.
The next morning, Natalie woke up late after a lousy night’s sleep. Downstairs, she found Shawn on the couch, elbows on his knees, lost in thought. She had no clue when he’d rolled in or how long he’d been there. She hadn’t heard a peep.
When he heard her on the stairs, Shawn looked up, his eyes red med
Natalie walked over and asked, “You’re back. Have you eaten? I can whip something up
Shawn leaned back on the couch. “Never mind that. Just come sit with me.” His voice was a bit gravelly.
Natalie took a seat across from him, sitting up straight.
Shawn gut straight to the poim. “We need to talk
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She sat there, frozen, trying to guess what was coming. After a night of tears, her eyes were still puffy. With just two weeks left on their three–year pact, tine was both flying by and dragging its feet.
Shawn noticed her red eyes. He thought, Are they from those sappy shows she likes?‘ He felt uneasy, unsure how to start. With a bit of irritation, he loosened his tie and undid his collar and cuffs.
Not wanting to make things worse, Natalie finally asked, “Is it… about the divorce?”
A beat of silence, then Shawn replied softly, “Yeah.”
Even though she’d braced for it, hearing it was like a stab in the heart. Breathing got tough, like the world had suddenly closed in.
Clutching the couch, she took a deep breath and fought the pain. “When do we sign the papers?”
Her happiness felt like it was being ripped away. In a marriage without love, she was just excess baggage. Shawn was a man of his word; once he said something, it was set in stone. She didnt want to hold the title of Mrs. Guzman if it meant keeping him from Tracy.
Shawn frowned as he said. “It’ll be in the next few days. I’ll have the lawyer get the papers ready for you. You’ll get a fair deal: this villa, plus a downtown apartment. Plus an extra 30 million dollars on top of our deal. If you have other requests, just say the word.
Natalie turned to look out the window. The sun was glaringly bright, almost blinding, making her eyes smart. She tilted her head back to ease the sting, and then turned back to Shawn.
“I don’t want anything. I don’t need the house. I might head back to my hometown, where it’s peaceful I don’t need that much cash; 30 thousand dollars is good. I had been looking after my grandpa, so I’m jobless. Let’s call it a loan, and I’ll pay you back.” she said lightly.
“If you’re going home, that’s fine. Since you don’t want the house I’ll turn it into cash. This isn’t a loan; it’s part of our deal. You’ve earned it.”
Just get your lawyer to draw up the agreement and hit me up. I pack up and bounce as soon as I can.”
“No rush. I won’t be back for a bit. Stay as long as you need, he said, getting up and walking away.
After Shawn left, Natalie zoned out on the couch until her phone rang, yanking her back to reality. It was the Guzman manor on the line. She took a deep breath and answered, hearing Henry’s warm voice.
“Natalie, you’re back from your hometown? How about dinner tonight? I miss having you around.”
Hearing Henry’s voice lifted her spirits. She was on the brink of leaving, but she needed to see him one last time. “Sure, Grandpa. Il grab a cab right over.”
“Is Shawn not back yet? He shouldn’t leave you along,” he grumbled, a bit ticked,
“Grandpa, Shawn’s just swamped with work. I’ve got tons of veggies from home; I’ll cook up a storm later.”
“That sounds great! Need a ride?”
“No, Grandpa, I’m good. I got this
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“Alright, just be safe.”
Wed, Ja
Chapter 15
Chapter 15
