hapter 625
Chapter 625
After putting away his phone, Joe looked at Skylar, who was sleeping peacefully in his arms. The coldness in his eyes immediately melted away.
Kate arrived at Natalie’s apartment carrying a thermal container.
“Nath, I’ve made clam chowder for you. You’ve always loved my clam chowder. I had some free time today and thought I’d bring it over. Try some.”
Seeing Kate more concerned than usual, Natalie’s eyes filled with tears. “I was just craving your clam chowder, Mom.”
“We’re on the same wavelength. I woke up this morning and felt it was a good day for clam chowder since the weather has turned cold,” Kate said with a warm smile as she walked in.
She scanned the apartment as she changed into her slippers. It was better than she had imagined. She had expected Natalie to be in a worse state these days.
But the home was clean and tidy.
Seeing Natalie’s improved condition eased her worries somewhat. In recent days, both she and Damon had been deeply troubled. They constantly worried about Natalie.
Both Natalie and Jeremy were hurt by the situation. Though Natalie had suffered more, she had to accept it. However, knowing Natalie’s personality well, they were even more anxious. They cared for her deeply.
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Yet, they understood Jeremy very well. They knew he would take good care of Natalie and would never let her suffer.
They couldn’t bear to watch the two of them part ways.
“Mom, I’ll get some bowls. We can share. I can’t eat that much on my own,” Natalie said.
“Alright,” Kate replied.
Watching Natalie walk toward the kitchen, Kate felt a pang of sadness. Natalie was visibly thinner, and it was heart–wrenching to
see.
Kate sighed deeply.
Once they sat down, they started eating the clam chowder.
As they quietly ate their chowder, Natalie could tell Kate must have had a lot to say. After all, she had come such a long way to visit. The situation with Jeremy had undoubtedly worried both of her
parents.
The issue was like a problem with no solution, yet it had to be resolved.
“Nath, you must be struggling these days. No, you’ve been struggling for a while, haven’t you?” Kate asked gently.
Natalie looked up and smiled at Kate. “Mom, sorry for worrying you and Dad these past few days.”
Seeing Natalie’s forced smile made Kate’s heart ache even more. Natalie was probably trying to avoid adding to their worries by putting on a brave face.
“Your dad and I are fine. We’re just worried about you. Nath, be honest with me. After learning the real reason behind Jeremy’s
Chapter 625
affair, haven’t you been deeply hurt?” Kate’s eyes welled up with
tears.
Thinking back to her own youth, Kate recalled the deep affection she had shared with Damon. If he had been unfaithful during those days, she knew she would have been heartbroken.
Even if there were reasons beyond his control, the pain from such a betrayal couldn’t be easily smoothed over.
Natalie didn’t hide her feelings. “These past days have been very hard. When I first found out about Jeremy’s affair, it felt like my entire world collapsed. I always believed our relationship was strong enough that even if he fell out of love, he would still care for me and never cheat.”
“Nath, he didn’t want to cheat. It wasn’t something he wanted to do. He wasn’t in control of the situation,” Kate said softly. She tried to explain Jeremy’s actions.
Natalie nodded. Her eyes were red. “I know, Mom. He was
manipulated and under the influence of those negative items. His judgment was compromised.”
“I know it’s hard for you. If you want to cry, just cry,” Kate said. Her heart ached to see her like this.
It was too hard. For Natalie, it was truly too hard.
Natalie bit her lip and lowered her head. After a long pause, she said, “Mom, I don’t think I can get past this.”
She felt incapable of pretending everything was fine.