Chapter 806 Are You Living with Her?
Natalie didn't get to be alone for long.
Haven got sick. She caught a chill while playing in the yard that evening and developed a fever.
When Natalie got the call, she drove straight to the hospital.
The family maid, Selene Peterson, had been reliable. She had already registered Haven, seen the doctor, and given her a fever-reducing shot.
Haven's fever had gone down a bit, but it could still spike again during the night.
In the infusion room, Natalie took Haven from Selene's arms.
Selene apologized softly, "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Percy. I should've been more careful. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
'Mrs. Percy...' Natalie felt a bit dazed.
But she quickly snapped out of it and reassured Selene, "Hey, kids get sick. It's just part of life."
Selene finally relaxed.
Haven needed to be observed for another half hour, so Natalie held her and waited.
Haven, who had been feeling miserable from the fever, was now quietly nestled in her arms, softly calling, "Mommy."
Natalie had a lot on her mind, but she didn't let it show in front of her child.
She smiled gently and played with Haven.
Selene, always perceptive, rubbed her hands together. "Mrs. Percy, you haven't had dinner yet, have you? Let me get you something to eat."
Natalie felt it would be inconvenient to eat at the hospital.
She gave Haven some water and said softly, "I'll eat when we get home. I'm not very hungry right now."
Selene nodded.
Still feeling a bit concerned, she went and bought a pack of cookies for Natalie.
Selene then took Haven into her arms and said, "Haven had a snack at home earlier, so it's okay if she eats later. Mr. Devereux came by this afternoon and brought some strawberries. Haven ate quite a few; they smelled delicious."
Natalie opened the cookies and smiled. "Gavin really spoils Haven."
Selene was about to respond when she saw the cookies fall to the ground... they were strawberry-filled.
The cookies scattered, some breaking in half, others crumbling completely.
Natalie stood there, not picking up the cookies, but staring at someone in the distance...
Clayton, her husband, who had recently refused to come home with her.
Now, he was carrying a young woman in his arms.
A very young woman, in her twenties.
She was slender, with long, beautiful hair cascading down her back. Even from the side, it was clear she was quite attractive.
"Mrs. Percy! Mrs. Percy!"
Selene called out to her, snapping Natalie back to reality. She blinked lightly.
She whispered, "I lost my composure."
Then she started picking up the broken cookies, but her vision grew increasingly blurry.
Natalie reached up to wipe her eyes, but it was no use. Everything went black.
She fainted.
"Mrs. Percy! Mrs. Percy!"
Selene panicked and urgently called for a nurse.
Coincidentally, the nurse was attending to Clayton at that moment. Clayton looked up and saw Haven, and then... Natalie, unconscious on the floor.
Selene had seen his photo at home.
She was momentarily stunned.
Clayton immediately put down the person he was holding and quickly went over to pick up Natalie.
He gently patted her face, "Natalie! Natalie..."
Selene stood by, hesitant to speak.
Haven, with tears in her eyes, buried her head in Selene's shoulder.
When Natalie woke up, it was late at night.
Moonlight streamed into the hospital room, casting a cold light.
She sat up abruptly, holding her head, calling out for Haven.
"Haven is at home, being looked after by your sister-in-law."
In the darkness, Gavin's voice sounded.
Then a small nightlight turned on, casting a warm, yellow glow.
Natalie slowly leaned back against the headboard, her face pale.
Gavin picked up a bowl of chicken soup and offered it to her.
Natalie reached out to stop him. "Gavin, I can drink it myself."
Gavin looked at her. "I want to feed you right now. Open your mouth."
Natalie had no choice but to comply. After a few sips, Gavin casually asked, "Did you see him? He wouldn't come back with you?"
Natalie remained silent.
Gavin smiled faintly. "That girl from yesterday, her name is Gina Wells. She grew up abroad."
He paused, then continued, "Clayton started a winery business. Gina is his assistant. Whether there's more to it is up to you to decide."
Natalie was silent for a long time.
As she finished the bowl of chicken soup, she spoke softly, "The point isn't that. The point is Clayton's attitude. I used to think he only cared about me, but today I saw that he can be just as kind to other women."
"We've been separated for two years, and he still thinks it's not enough. He wants me to consider it for another two years."
"Gavin, if Haven were his child, I wouldn't have to choose. I could fight for it."
"But as things stand, I can't... I can't do anything! Just like now, waking up without him by my side. Gavin, I really have no choice!"
Natalie gave a bitter smile and said no more.
She turned her head to look at the moonlight outside the window. She thought she knew what she had to do.
Gavin patted her head and smiled. "You've grown up. You can make your own decisions."
He told Natalie to get some sleep and settled himself on the couch for the night.
But Natalie couldn't sleep.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Clayton holding that young woman.
She thought, if he really cared about their marriage... at the very least, he should have been there to explain when she woke up.
But he wasn't.
The next morning, Natalie was feeling better. Gavin arranged for her discharge.
She had only stayed one night, so there wasn't much to pack.
Sitting on the couch, she texted her lawyer to draft a share transfer agreement.
Just as she sent the message, a pretty young woman appeared at the door. It was Gina.
What an ironic name.
Clayton's dog was also named Gina. Yesterday, she had naively said she wanted to be Gina's mom.
Natalie found it truly ironic.
Gina looked innocent and kind, much like Natalie had been ten years ago.
She didn't even come in, standing at the door and speaking softly, "I really like Clayton. I know you don't live together. If you don't love him, could you let me have him? I'll take good care of him."
Natalie slowly put down her phone.
Honestly, the girl's straightforwardness made it hard for Natalie to lash out.
She thought for a moment and realized Gina had a point.
Clayton had already suggested a two-year separation. Wasn't that just a prelude to divorce?
It was only natural for someone to challenge her in this situation. Clayton's kindness had given Gina the confidence.
Natalie forced a smile. "Where's Clayton? Where is he?"
Clayton appeared at the door.
Natalie stared at him, her eyes welling up, but she fought back the tears.
She mustered all her strength and said to Gina, "I'm sorry. He's still my husband right now. I'd like to talk to him alone, if that's okay."
Gina turned and saw Clayton, looking surprised and a bit scared.
Clayton patted her shoulder and told her to go back to the room. Gina obediently nodded.
Clayton watched her leave and then walked into the room.
By this time, Gavin had arrived. He saw Clayton and the tears in Natalie's eyes. He chose to stay in the hallway, smoking a cigarette.
He had looked into Gina. She was the daughter of an oil tycoon from abroad, and she had saved Clayton's life.
In the room, Clayton gently closed the door. He spoke calmly, "She's my employee. She has nothing to do with our separation."
Natalie continued to stare at him.
After a long time, she walked to the window. There was a pack of cigarettes on the windowsill, left by Gavin the night before, with a lighter on top.
Natalie took one out, her hands trembling as she lit it.
She brought it to her lips and took a puff.
She didn't know how to smoke and soon started coughing, tears streaming down her face.
After a moment, she turned her head and smiled. "I've never smoked before. It's not a pleasant experience."
Clayton watched her the whole time.
Natalie put out the cigarette, pressing it hard. Her voice was slightly stiff. "Is she living in that villa with you?"
"Do you go to work and come home together, like a married couple, cooking and eating together, even taking evening walks?"
Clayton frowned slightly. "Natalie!"
Natalie was still wearing yesterday's clothes. She adjusted her blazer and smiled gently. "You even have a dog named Gina."
"Clayton, does that dog sleep in your bed too? Isn't it awkward calling it Gina?"
Clayton didn't deny it.
Natalie lowered her gaze, staring at her toes for a long time before looking up at him again.
She said, "Clayton, you wanted me to think about it, right? Well, I can tell you now, there's no need to think anymore..."
"We don't need a two-year separation. Why make it so complicated? You have a new love, so I'll wish you well."
"We've known each other for so many years; there's no need to become enemies, right?"
At this point, Natalie paused.
She smiled slightly. "The lawyer is on his way. He'll bring the divorce papers. Once we sign, you'll be free."
She wasn't unaffected. She loved Clayton, but what could she do?
Her situation was too humiliating... So, she would say what Clayton couldn't.
She would propose the divorce that Clayton couldn't bring himself to mention.
If there had to be an end to their story, she would rather it be regret than resentment.
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