Chapter 874 I Am Not Mrs. Percy, We Are Not Legally Married
Natalie looked at him and said slowly, "We agreed on this!"
Clayton's voice was even slower, "You mean we should just keep living together without any clarity, like this is some kind of illegal cohabitation?"
Natalie didn't agree with that at all!
Illegal cohabitation? That sounded so harsh.
Clayton finally let her off the hook, leaning back on the couch with his eyes half-closed, "If we're buying a place, I'll be the one to buy it. No way am I letting a woman pay... Didn't you say you wouldn't support a man for free?"
Natalie looked at him.
Clayton's voice softened, "It's not a big deal. Whether you buy it or I buy it, it's the same. But Natalie, I'm a man. A man living in a woman's house just doesn't feel right. And if we argue and you kick me out, that would be so undignified. People would laugh at me."
Natalie countered, "So if we live in a house you bought, and we argue, are you going to kick us all out?"
Clayton laughed, "No, I'd leave! It's different if I leave on my own!"
He laughed so naturally that Natalie couldn't argue anymore.
Clayton gently patted her hand, "It's decided then! I'll have my assistant look for a suitable house, preferably close to Gavin's place. It'll be more convenient for your parents to visit."
Natalie said he had changed.
"Influenced by the company you keep!"
Clayton responded quickly, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do!"
Natalie leaned back on the couch, and Clayton turned to look at her, then gently held her hand.
They stayed in the hospital room, feeling at peace.
Natalie thought, maybe she couldn't feel the same way about him as she did years ago, but she had come to terms with it...
Because things were different now. Back then, she was young and carefree, loving and hating as she pleased. But now, she was a mother of two, and couldn't be as reckless as before!
Calmness was natural!
In the afternoon, Gavin made a special trip back to Copenhegan. He was incredibly busy and had to rush back to Syeattel for a meeting the next morning.
Andrew leaned against the headboard, "Why'd you come back? I'm fine, feeling great!"
Gavin sat by the bed, peeling an apple, teasing him, "You threw a fake medical report at Clayton before, and now it's come back to bite you! You should take it easy, take care of your health, and stop drinking so much!"
Andrew wanted to retort, but then he saw Chloe quietly wiping away tears.
He couldn't hold back!
But in front of the kids, he couldn't comfort Chloe like he would in private.
Andrew looked around and cleared his throat, "Gavin, I think you're right. I'm planning to quit drinking starting tomorrow. No more! So your mom won't worry all the time."
Gavin handed him the apple, eyes bright, "Really?"
Andrew gave him a sidelong glance, "When have I ever not kept my word?"
Gavin patted his pants, "I'll hold you to that for Mom! By the way, I heard from Natalie that you and Mom are planning to move back to Syeattel? Not staying in Copenhegan for retirement?"
Andrew's face turned red.
With Natalie and Clayton not around, he pretended to be nonchalant, "That Clayton, a man hanging around The Devereux Mansion all the time, it's not good. People will talk. It's better if your mom and I go to Syeattel, less gossip."
He added, "Clayton invited us to stay at his place for a while. Your mom and I will stay there for a bit, and when we get tired of it, we'll come to your place."
Gavin found it both amusing and touching.
Andrew was sparing the kids from running back and forth, choosing to retire in Syeattel even though Copenhegan had a better climate.
He couldn't help but say, "Thanks, Dad."
Andrew waved it off, "No big deal! That's where your mom and I first met. My mom's long gone, but your mom still has a lot of family there. She'll miss home."
Chloe was moved.
She had always thought Andrew was doing it for the kids, not realizing there was more to it.
Andrew softly added, "Quitting drinking is real too! So you won't worry!"
He held Chloe's hand.
He felt sentimental. Chloe marrying him wasn't the best choice; she had everything, and he was much older... He didn't want her to be lonely in old age. He needed to take care of himself.
Gavin sat quietly, feeling moved.
Molly leaned gently on his shoulder, holding his arm. Her dependence made Gavin feel at ease. He looked at her and smiled silently.
Andrew's health was fine, so Gavin took a private jet back to Syeattel that night.
Molly stayed behind, leaving later with the Devereux family. She wanted to help Chloe pack. This move meant they wouldn't be coming back often, so they had to take most of the useful things.
Clayton's assistant found a large villa, big enough for the whole family.
Even Max was brought in first to settle.
Just waiting for the owners to return.
The Devereux Mansion was bustling with servants, some worried about their jobs.
Natalie discussed it with Clayton.
Clayton looked at her, then smiled lightly, "That's easy! Half can stay to take care of the mansion, and the other half can work at the Syeattel villa. We need people there anyway, and it's better to use familiar faces. Your parents will be more comfortable with them."
Natalie agreed, "I think that's a good arrangement."
She was packing books.
Clayton came over, speaking softly, "It's rare to hear you praise me, Mrs. Percy!"
Natalie continued packing, pausing for a moment, "I'm not Mrs. Percy. We haven't registered our marriage."
Clayton wasn't upset, "I've already taken care of your parents. We don't need a title! Besides, our situation is pretty common now."
Natalie couldn't help but laugh, "You sure know how to make excuses! Afraid of losing face in front of friends?"
He didn't deny it, "Yes! Ms. Devereux, at least give me some dignity outside. Don't say we're illegally cohabiting!"
Natalie smiled, clearly in a good mood.
They were in her study, the kids weren't around, and the atmosphere was nice... He lifted her onto the desk, leaning in to kiss her. Natalie didn't resist, holding his shoulders and tilting her head to kiss him back.
They kissed deeply for a long time. Clayton whispered, "Is this a reward?"
Natalie shook her head, "No."
His voice grew huskier, "Then it's because you couldn't help yourself?"
Natalie lowered her eyes, "Don't push your luck! Put me down!"
Clayton didn't let go. It was nap time, and the surroundings were quiet... Her study had no bed, just a small sofa.
Clayton wanted to make love but didn't want to rush her and make her uncomfortable.
For a regular couple, making love on a desk could be fun, but their situation was different. He had to consider her feelings... Torn between desires.
Clayton couldn't help but whisper in her ear, "Can I make you feel good? Just keep your voice down, it's not soundproof."
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