Chapter 832 Reunion in Copenhegan, She is Four Months Pregnant 2
Clayton's words left Dorinda stunned.
Natalie was pregnant?
Dorinda didn't dare ask any more questions. She just followed Clayton's instructions.
He told her to buy some prenatal books and send them straight to Copenhegan.
"Mr. Percy, Ms. Devereux will definitely handle that. Besides, this isn't her first child. She knows what she's doing," Dorinda couldn't help but say.
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line. "I want to read them," Clayton finally said.
It wasn't his first child either. When Natalie was pregnant with Haven, he had read a lot, but he felt he needed to read more.
Dorinda nodded. "Alright, Mr. Percy. I'll be in Copenhegan by 8 PM tonight to meet you."
After hanging up, Clayton leaned back in his leather chair, resting his head on his arm, thinking about how Natalie looked earlier.
He had been in such a rush that he hadn't had a good look at her. She was four months pregnant, but she hadn't gained much weight.
Her face was still small and sharp, with only her belly noticeably rounded. He worried if the baby was getting enough nutrients.
Clayton had initially planned to stay in a hotel, but he decided to have Dorinda quickly acquire a property for him. He intended to stay for a while.
It was a small villa, about a five-minute drive from The Devereux Mansion.
The property wasn't large, and the yard was small, but there was a patch of grass big enough for Haven to play on.
Clayton spent the afternoon tidying up, making the place look presentable.
When Dorinda arrived with the documents that evening, she was amazed.
Men could be incredibly efficient when they wanted to be!
She also couldn't help but think, 'It's good to have money!'
In the second-floor study, Dorinda organized the company files, hoping Clayton would review them.
But Clayton was engrossed in a book titled "Baby Guide."
Not only was he reading it, but he also couldn't help but say, "In five months, the baby will be born."
Dorinda was happy for him.
Still, she cautiously asked, "Mr. Percy, is Ms. Devereux upset with you?"
Clayton replied softly, "Yes, she's angry with me. I don't know when she'll forgive me."
He knew deep down that even if he spent his entire life trying to make amends, Natalie might never take him back.
This thought brought a sense of melancholy.
Clayton fell silent.
Sensing his mood, Dorinda made less noise as she packed up.
After a while, she said softly, "The documents are all sorted. The fridge is stocked. I'll head back to the hotel now and come by tomorrow before noon to pick up the files."
Clayton nodded slightly.
Dorinda quietly left.
As she walked past the patch of grass, she smelled the fresh scent of cut grass. Clayton must have mowed the lawn that afternoon.
She thought, 'Clayton is a man who knows how to enjoy life.'
Just as Clayton had feared, even though Natalie was still carrying his child, she had no intention of reconciling with him.
He still couldn't see her.
He couldn't enter The Devereux Mansion.
Like in Syeattel, he could only wait outside, rain or shine, but it was futile. Once a woman's heart is broken, it's hard to mend.
In early May, Natalie went back to Syeattel with Chloe.
Syeattel's elite annual charity night was an event Gavin had to attend given his status. Molly didn't like such occasions, so Chloe attended every year.
This time, she brought Natalie along to help her relax.
Syeattel in May was rainy and gloomy. As Chloe and Natalie exited the airport, they saw Clayton.
He wore sunglasses and stood tall at about 6'2".
Even Chloe had to admit that her former son-in-law was quite the catch. He looked sharp as ever.
She glanced at Natalie with a complicated expression.
Natalie saw Clayton too, but she acted like he wasn't even there.
"Let's get in the car," she said softly.
Chloe sighed and helped Natalie into the car.
Natalie's belly had grown, but she moved with ease, indicating the baby was well-behaved.
Clayton watched quietly, not daring to approach. He nodded slightly at Chloe, unable to bring himself to call her "Mom."
Chloe put on her sunglasses and got into the car.
"Syeattel's rain is heavy today! And the thunder is loud. I wonder which heartless man is being punished," she remarked.
Clayton stood there.
Behind him, Dorinda couldn't help but laugh. But she quickly stifled it for the sake of professionalism.
Clayton shot her a look.
In the car, Chloe removed her sunglasses and asked softly, "Are you really not going to forgive him?"
Natalie looked out the window.
With a bitter smile, she said, "There's nothing to forgive. No one is indispensable. Remember Gina? She was crazy about him, but now she's married and doing just fine."
She admitted that at first, it was hard to let go.
In the dead of night, she would dream of that evening, of the things Clayton had said, of him leaving for abroad and not returning.
In her dreams, he was still her husband.
But dreams end.
Gradually, she dreamed of him less and less. Time heals all wounds.
Then, they moved on with their separate lives.
Originally, Natalie had planned to move the company to Copenhegan, but with Clayton aware of the baby, it was unnecessary.
She decided to return to Syeattel after giving birth and recovering. By then, Haven would be ready to start school.
The black SUV drove through the rain.
Behind them, a black Bentley kept a steady distance, following slowly.
Natalie knew it was Clayton.
He seemed very concerned about her and the baby. But what was the point?
The damage was done, and no amount of making up could erase the past cruelty.
An hour later, the car turned onto The Devereux Mansion's private road.
The driver, Manuel Bailey, spoke softly, "Ms. Devereux, Mr. Percy's car is no longer following."
"Okay," Natalie replied.
She looked down and gently touched her belly, feeling the baby move inside.
Chloe also touched her belly and asked softly, "Have you thought of a name yet?"
Natalie shook her head. "Not yet."
Chloe nodded. "A girl's name is important. We should think carefully. The other night, I told your dad to ask your uncle for a name. Do you know what your dad said?"
She mimicked Andrew's voice, "Frederick may have a sharp tongue, but what does he know about culture?"
Chloe snorted. "As if he's so cultured himself."
Natalie found it amusing, yet at the same time, she felt a bit envious of her parents' relationship.
Leaning on Chloe's shoulder, she said softly, "Mom, Gavin and I are so happy to be your children."
They were truly fortunate.
Most people don't have the luxury of making mistakes, but because of her background, even though both of Natalie's relationships had ended badly, she still had the means to raise two children well.
Chloe's heart softened.
She spoke softly, "Your dad and I love you very much... and Molly and the kids too."
Maybe she had felt a bit awkward when Gavin first got married, but over the years, she had come to see Molly as her own child, as if she had always been part of the Devereux family.
As they spoke, the car slowly drove into The Devereux Mansion.
The next evening, the charity gala was in full swing, with all of Syeattel's elite in attendance.
Besides Natalie, Chloe had also managed to drag Molly out.
"You're so busy with the kids' studies that you've lost your mind. And in your free time, you have to deal with Gavin. When do you ever have time for yourself?" Chloe had said.
Molly blushed.
She didn't dare look at Gavin, who glanced at her awkwardly and chuckled, "It's good to get out and relax! Besides, I have some free time too."
It was rare for Molly to get out, and Natalie couldn't help but think, 'Molly is really under Gavin's thumb!'
The black SUV stopped, and the hotel valet opened the door.
The Devereux family stepped out—Chloe and Molly walked side by side, while Gavin protected Natalie.
At the entrance, they ran into a familiar face.
It was Clayton.
He was standing in the smoking area by the entrance, dressed in a classic black suit, leaning against the wall with a cigarette, but it seemed like he was waiting for someone.
When he saw the Devereux family approaching, he immediately put out his cigarette and looked deeply at Natalie.
Natalie was pregnant.
Her dress options were limited, so she chose a nude-colored embroidered gown that not only flattered her figure but also added a touch of elegance.
Her hair was tied back, enhancing her graceful and gentle appearance.
Clayton watched her for a long time... Natalie saw him too, but she chose to ignore him.
As Clayton walked over, Gavin scoffed, "Mr. Percy, you're everywhere! What, no patients abroad to take care of?"
Clayton was mocked.
He couldn't argue back and softly called Chloe "Mom."
In public, Chloe couldn't strip him of his dignity, but she didn't respond either.
Molly, seeing Chloe and Gavin's expressions, didn't dare speak to Clayton.
Natalie said calmly, "Let's go inside."
Just as she was about to walk away, Clayton grabbed her wrist.
He had waited a long time for this chance. He whispered, "Natalie, we need to talk."
"There's nothing to talk about between us."
Natalie shook him off and walked into the hall.
Clayton, afraid of upsetting her, didn't push further.
Gavin patted Clayton's shoulder, "Mr. Percy, keep your distance and have some self-respect!"
Before going in, he glanced at Molly.
Molly quickly took his arm, following him closely... only daring to glance at Clayton.
Even that made Gavin unhappy. "You looked at him! What's so interesting about a heartbreaker?"
Molly mustered her courage, "Gavin... you were a heartbreaker too!"
Gavin fell silent.
Molly's voice softened, "You were."
Gavin remembered how he had left her in the rain, how he had moved out of their apartment, saying he would never come back.
Molly had crouched there all night.
How could he forget?
But this wasn't the place to express emotions. He gently held her hand and said softly, "I won't leave you again."
Molly didn't say anything.
Her eyes were as pure and beautiful as they were over a decade ago.
Gavin couldn't help but kiss her on the corner of her mouth in the bustling hall, his gaze deep with affection.
Clayton was caught off guard by their display of affection.
Meanwhile, Natalie and Chloe had already taken their seats, with an empty one beside them.
Clayton had spent a lot of money to get that seat. He slowly walked over and sat down.
Sure enough, Natalie glanced at him.
She wasn't surprised. These seats could be bought for the right price. She just hadn't expected Clayton to be so childish!
She didn't bother switching seats with Chloe because it wasn't necessary.
Clayton was very close to her.
He could see her delicate skin, her curvy figure, and smell her faint perfume...
Natalie was flipping through the auction catalog when she heard Clayton softly ask, "Is there anything you particularly like? I'll buy it for you."
Natalie didn't look at him, nor did she respond.
Clayton didn't feel embarrassed; he continued to stare at her.
It had been a long time since he had looked at her like this.
After a while, Natalie closed the catalog and said calmly, "It's useless, Clayton. I don't lack anything... especially not a man!"
Clayton remained calm.
He didn't get angry. Instead, he adjusted her chair as if they were a loving couple.
Of course, Natalie ignored him.
Molly, watching from the side, was stunned.
She looked at Gavin, afraid he would be angry.
Gavin patted his pants, "I didn't want him wandering around, but you can't stop someone with two legs!"
He turned Molly's face towards him, "Don't look anymore!"
He had come partly to take care of Molly and Natalie, to accompany Chloe, and partly to buy Molly some jewelry... but tonight, things had taken an unexpected turn.
Clayton was spending big.
Anything Natalie looked at for more than a few seconds, Clayton would bid high and buy it without hesitation.
In half an hour, Clayton had spent tens of millions of dollars.
It was extravagant!
Gavin leaned closer to Clayton and said meaningfully, "Mr. Percy, being single means no one controls your spending. Must be nice!"
Clayton looked at the stage, expressionless. "Mr. Devereux, you sure know how to mock people! Is married life not treating you well?"
Gavin chuckled.
He wrapped his arm around Molly's waist, looking lazy. "Quite the opposite! I'm very happy, so gifts aren't that important. Molly is very frugal."
Clayton fell silent.
In the second half, Gavin bought Molly a set of blue diamond jewelry, dazzling and expensive.
Molly usually didn't like wearing such things.
But since Gavin gave it to her, she accepted it happily, not wanting to spoil the mood.
Their sweet interaction made Clayton feel a mix of envy and regret. If he hadn't messed up... he and Natalie would still be fine!
Natalie went to the restroom with Chloe.
When she came out, she ran into someone she knew, who asked Chloe for a favor.
Natalie washed her hands alone, planning to grab her bag and leave... Sitting next to Clayton was too much for her heart to handle.
After their breakup, she felt that the best relationship they could have was no relationship at all.
That way, maybe there wouldn't be any hatred.
As she left the restroom, she saw Clayton.
Their eyes met, and the atmosphere was tense.
After a moment, Natalie spoke first. "Clayton, stop showing up! Your presence is a disturbance, not some attempt at reconciliation or pursuit."
"We're over... spilled water can't be gathered, and words once spoken can't be taken back!"
Clayton's eyes were deep.
He looked at her and said hoarsely, "Then let's be friends! Let me take care of Haven, take care of the baby... at least give them a legitimate name, okay?"
Natalie looked up at him, tears in her eyes.
This was her most painful moment.
Her love life had been rocky. When they were together, she thought she had found her lifelong partner.
But for Gina, a stranger, Clayton had betrayed her.
His words had cut her like a knife.
Natalie smiled faintly. "Being a Devereux is the best identity for them! Clayton, there are plenty of single mothers out there... I'm not the only one!"
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