Chapter 8
Chapter 8
After Charles and Fred left, the house settled into a peaceful qui
Charles was the baby of the group. With his older brothers wat long out for him, he didn’t have a lot of worries, Plus, he was tight with Natalie, always finding reasons to drop by for a free mical.
Fred was the gossip king, but he’d never brought anyone home to meet the family. He always showed up looking sharp, the picture of a gentleman.
Aaron was the mature, steady one. He traveled a lot, so they didn’t see him often. But when he was around, his polite and well–mannered ways made everyone feel at case.
Hayden was the quietest. He’d just give a quick hello when they crossed paths. Charles mentioned that Aaron had a tough side under his refined exterior–he could be ruthless when necessary. As for Hayden, he was clever, someone you wouldn’t want to mess with. That was why Charles usually stuck with Fred for safety.
Natalie asked about Shawn
Charles replied. “Shawn bro is tougher than Aaron and Hayden. If he says jump, we don’t even think about looking
Natalie was curious about their fear of Shawn. Over the past three years, she’d seen him as distant but not too harsh.
Charles explained. “It’s been like this since we were kids. We all listen to Shawn. There’s trust and a brotherly bond that’s unbreakable”
Natalie never pried into Shawn’s business. She knew he’d started it with his friends, covering a lot of ground and always on the go. She figured Charles was using “ruthless in a figurative sense. Still, it was clear the bond between them was strong- closer than most real siblings.
That night, just before Shawn hit the hay, his phone rang. It was Hayden. There was a last–minute issue in Daharam, and Shawn had to hop on a plane. After a quick rinse, Shawn snuggled up to Natalie in bed, his arms encircling her. In his deep. soothing voice, he said, “I’ve got a business trip tomorrow.”
“How long will you be away?” Natalie asked, a tinge of concern creeping into her voice.
“A week if all goes well, but it might drag into two, he replied, keeping the mood light
“Is it going to be tough? Natalie was a bit on edge about Shawn’s rip.
“No sweat Hayden’s on the ground already. I’ll hustle to get back quickly,” he reassured her. “You should hang out at the Guzman manor while I’m gone. Keep Grandpa company.
“I was thinking of heading to my hometown, see Grandpa,” she murmured softly. It had been ages since her last visit. Jansburg was a haul from her hometown, but with Shawn away, she could spend more time there.
Understanding she meant her late grandfather, Shawn nodded. Sounds like a plan. I’ll get the car service to take you. When I get back, we’ll go together. He knew she liked to bring little presents for her village folks. He didn’t want her lugging stuff
around.
“Okay,” she agreed, accepting Shawn’s offer for the car service. With her pregnancy, a packed bus wasn’t an option. Shawn
s stepping up, doing the right thing as a husband, even if it wasn’t all hearts and flowers
Natalie knew she couldn’t force feelings. If love wasn’t there, it wasn’t. No need to belabor the point. Maybe Shawn was just
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The last time Tracy showed up, Natalie had made excuses to get rid of her, not wanting to face her husband’s “lost love.” She knew she’d have to let go one day, but every time she felt like she was standing in someone else’s sunshine, it stung
Still, she wanted to be a bit selfish this time Call it scheming or greed, but before Shawn could push her away, she’d hold her ground. She’ll wait until he got back from this trip to tell him about the baby–this time, she’d stand her ground in his life.
Shawn pulled Natale in tight, pressing soft kisses along her backgradually moving higher. With a gentle spin, he faced her, his lips finding hers, his tongue delving in to savor her breathi.
Worried about the little one growing inside her and not sure how to say no, Natalie let out a soft moan. “Easy, please.” It sounded more like a plea than a protest.
“Got it,” Shawn rumbled, his voice rough with restraint.
Shawn wasn’t the type to get swept
away. After losing his parents, he’d turned distant. With Tracy, he’d never let things go this far, believing that intimacy should come after marriage, a mark of respect. With Natalie, he’d figured these moments were just extras, not needing them before her.
But once he’d felt her, he was a goner, acting like a love–struck kid, unable to hold back. He knew it wasn’t fair to her. considering their marriage was more of a deal than a romance. But what’s done was done, no take–backs. He aimed to be the best husband he could be.
That night, Shawn was softer than she’d ever seen him, whispering sweet nothings, making Natalie feel like she was his treasure, held close to his heart. She felt like a tiny boat caught in the waves, going wherever he led
When it was over, they drifted off to sleep, wrapped up in each other’s arms.
The next morning. Natalie woke to an empty space beside her. The only sign of Shawn was the crumpled sheets, a testament to their night together. After a quick breakfast, she got ready for a shopping trip to gather gifts for her village friends.
Growing up in the village with her grandfather, Natalie had been surrounded by caring neighbors. Country folks were down–to–earth and generous; they’d always share things. She cherished these small acts of kindness and always returned the favor when she visited, though she kept it affordable since she was using Shawn’s card.
Shawn gave her a debit card to use as spending money.
Initially, Shawn had his assistant send over designer clothes and bags monthly. But Natalie rarely wore them. She asked him to stop because she enjoyed finding unique, online designer pieces that she could personalize. They were budget–friendly
and comfortable.
Natalie had always aspired to be a fashion designer. In the village, she’d sketch whenever she found the time. Her grandfather would always say, “Our Nat will be the top designer someday. Sadly, when he fell ill, she spent their savings on his treatment, but he passed away anyway.
Fortunately, she met Henry and Shawn. After her grandfather’s passing, they gave her a new home, and she was truly thankful for their kindness over the past three years
At the mall, Natalie picked out winter jackets for the village kids and collected school supplies. Then she hit the supermarket for non–perishable items and fruits.
The village was mostly elderly and children, the young ones ha novel away for work. Natalie carefully chose items that would last, filling two large boxes, which she had the driver take back to the villa, planning to have him pick her up the next
day
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It was getting late, and Natalie thought it best not to drive at night. She’d leave early tomorrow and decided to visit Henry tonight. With Shawn away on business, and her going back to her hometown, she knew she wouldn’t be able to see Henry for
awhile.
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