Chapter 10

Natalie’s pulse quickened, and she clutched her chest. “You nearly gave me a heart attack!” she declared, her lips a vibrant red as they formed a playful pout, her eyes dancing with a liveliness that Easton had never witnessed.

He was more accustomed to a Natalie who was calm and steady, always having dinner ready and waiting for him. This spirited version was a pleasant surprise.

Easton had been through the wringer when he’d lost his sight, and Natalie had been his unwavering support. If not for her conflicts with Jennifer, they could have had a peaceful life together.

Noting Easton’s silence, Natalie continued. “Ex, if you’ve got issues, maybe a vet can help. You had me sign those divorce papers at Jennifer’s birthday party, and I left with nothing. You signed them too, and now it’s final.”

She gave a scornful laugh and continued, “You want me to come back home? You must be joking. I’ve made space for you and your perfect partner. Now, please, just leave me alone.”

As she spoke, the memories of their arguments over Jennifer came flooding back, and Natalie was reminded of how she always had to be the one to apologize. Overwhelmed by the recollection of her humiliation, she slapped herself sharply.

Easton’s eyebrows knitted together in concern as he asked, “Why hit yourself?”

Natalie scoffed, “To snap out of it, to stop loving a jerk.”

This seemed to strike a nerve with Easton, his eyes darkening as he started, “Natalie, you-”

“Natalie, your five minutes are up,” James interrupted, leaning against the doorframe with a playful grin. His casual charm was a breath of fresh air compared to Easton’s more mature appeal.

Natalie reached out, cooing, “Pick me up.”

James, with a doting smile, replied, “Arms might give out, but I can give you a piggyback. You’ve got some heft to you.” Natalie slapped his shoulder playfully. “Watch it. Saying a woman is heavy is asking for trouble.”

James was silent, genuinely worried that her words might come back to haunt him. “Alright, let’s get you home. Your foot is badly hurt, and with the anesthesia, you won’t be able to taste anything for a while,” he said.

“So what’s the point of cooking lobster for me when I can’t taste a thing?” Natalie questioned, finally realizing why her mouth was numb, a sense of dejection setting in.

“Come on.” James patted his broad back.

A warm feeling washed over Natalie as she lay on his back, her voice choked. “James, let’s go home.” In her previous life, her brother was murdered by a hitman sent by Jennifer. She hoped that by avoiding Easton this time, she could prevent that tragedy.

James sensed the strangeness in her tone and felt a pang in his heart as he thought about how much his sister had suffered. Easton looked at them in anger. “Natalie, are you going home with him?”

Natalie steadied herself, her voice shaky but sweet from the comfort of her brother’s care. “My dear ex, why do you care where I go? We’re divorced, just like you wanted. Although your looks are refreshing, I’m tired of them.”

James chuckled at Natalie’s words. He admired this side of her—the spirited, tender-hearted girl he had looked after since she was a child.

Easton stared at Natalie for a moment, then left in anger.

Once he was out of sight, Natalie breathed a sigh of relief. “James, let’s go.” She leaned against James’ back, feeling the warmth of her brother’s back.

“Alright, we’re heading home,” James said as he carried her downstairs, surprised at how light she was. She had seldom reached out to them since she married Easton. He was glad that his sister, who had been blinded by love, had finally come to her senses.

Natalie lay quietly on him, her heart aching as she said, “James, I’m sorry!”

James stopped in his tracks, his voice deep. “Natalie, why are you saying sorry?”