Chapter 174

The moment Natalie recognized Easton, his bloodshot eyes sent chills through her. It took her back to the day he pushed her down the stairs, looking at her just like he was now, yelling, “Natalie, just die already! Look what a mess you are now!”

Natalie’s body trembled uncontrollably. She pushed Easton away with all her strength and rasped, “What do you want? Don’t touch me.”

Easton took two steps back but didn’t miss the fear and glaring hatred in her eyes.

“Natalie, I need to ask you something. Was it you who saved me that day in the fire?” Easton’s voice was raspy, his gaze locked onto her.

Natalie froze. She said to herself, ‘Did he forget who saved him? After everything, Easton’s ruthlessness is something I’ve experienced twice over. It is painfully clear he has no feelings. Back then, he wasn’t completely unconscious. How could he not remember? Jennifer has saved him too, and while he always remembers Jennifer’s heroics, he has no idea I’ve been there for him as well.’

Jennifer’s life-saving kindness and their childhood bond drove Easton to help Jennifer obsessively. But Natalie didn’t need that; she was determined to fight them both on her own terms.

She shook her head firmly. “It wasn’t me.”

She didn’t want to get caught up with him again, especially not over a debt of gratitude. In this lifetime, she wanted no ties to this man. But why is he asking about this now? He’s never brought it up before, she wondered.

Easton watched her shake her head, taking in her flawless, porcelain skin, her captivating eyes, and those striking red lips—she was stunning; Jennifer’s delicate beauty paled in comparison.

Easton chuckled bitterly, “So, to divorce me, you’re denying that you saved my life?”

Natalie pressed her lips together, refusing to speak. She had been disappointed enough; she wouldn’t hold on to any hope for him.

Tears formed in the corners of her eyes as she managed a sad smile. “Do you think you’d appreciate it if I saved you? You didn’t spare me either.” He didn’t spare her child as well.

“So, Easton, I never saved you,” she stated, not backing down.

Easton stepped forward, knowing how fierce the flames had been that day, yet confused about why Jennifer had been at the house in the suburbs. Why was Natalie there too? Also, I’ve never seen her in a backless dress, he thought.

He grabbed Natalie’s hand, pulling her gently toward him, and, for a moment, a surge of unexpected satisfaction filled him. He didn’t want to let her go.

Natalie struggled against him. “Easton, what are you doing?”

His deep voice rumbled in her ear. “Don’t move if you don’t want to get hurt.”

He tightened his grip, feeling an odd sense of contentment, wanting to hold her like this forever.

Natalie froze. There was something in his voice that held her still, like a spell.

Suddenly, Easton pulled up her shirt, revealing the scars on her back. Some had faded to white, but a large scar remained. He gasped, thinking she must have been in so much pain back then.

With a tremor in his voice, he said, “Natalie… what is this?”

Chapter 171

She pushed him away, her voice cold. “It’s none of your business.”

“How can it not be my business? You saved me! Why won’t you admit it?” Easton shouted.

Natalie smiled suddenly and asked, “What if I traded my debt of gratitude for a divorce? Would you be willing?” If he agreed to the divorce, she could finally acknowledge it.

Easton’s gaze darkened, those eyes turning even redder. “So you really want a divorce? To be with Maurice?”

Natalie nodded. “Yeah! Maurice believes in me unconditionally; he’s sweet and funny, just my type. And the most important thing is my grandpa likes him. Grandpa was really against me marrying you, especially after the way you treated me.” Easton’s heart was made of stone; he wouldn’t suddenly fall in love with her just because she saved his life.

Natalie turned to look out the window, where Easton’s handsome face was illuminated in the reflection.

That year, when Easton was twenty, he always wore a white shirt exuding youthful charm. He was sharp and vibrant, a true prince charming in the hearts of countless girls. She had unwittingly stepped into his world at first sight.

Easton chuckled softly, “Natalie, I’ve told you before. I won’t divorce you, and I won’t let you run off to another man.” Natalie furrowed her brow, staring at him. His eyes were set, his attitude unwavering. She felt a pang of confusion. “Easton, you’re such a jerk! How can you scream for a divorce and then toy with me after I sign the papers?”

Frustration bubbled inside her. Why is getting a divorce so complicated, she thought.

Natalie went on, “You can refuse to divorce me, but I’ll expose Jennifer as the other woman and reveal that you gave her 1.5 million dollars a month while we were married. I won’t back down. I’ll take legal action. You’re not worried about hurting Jennifer? Then I’m not afraid of burning bridges either! I signed the divorce agreement without spilling any of your secrets to save face for everyone. And just moments ago, Vance stormed in here, yelling at me for not divorcing you, accusing me of destroying your relationship with Jennifer.”

She protested, “Easton, this marriage may have started because I had feelings first, but the Simpson family and you used me from the beginning. I know that because I loved you; I was willing to be used. When Jennifer and your—me back. I just wanted to prove my worth in your eyes. But after being betrayed more than eighty times, constant distrust, I’m completely out of hope. That’s why I want a divorce.”

Easton clenched his fists. More than eighty times, she cared for him, yet he never believed in her. All along, she knew he was using her for clout.

He had always been puzzled about why his grandfather forced him to marry Natalie. But he had to figure out who was behind Jennifer. Now wasn’t the time to confront her; that person looked just like him.

“Natalie, apart from being grateful that Jennifer saved my life, I’ve never been involved with her. The person you saw in those photos and videos wasn’t me.”

But Jennifer’s debt of gratitude was no longer on his mind. He would get back every penny he gave her. This wasn’t the first or second time she had lied to him.

Natalie was stung by his words. She understood he was grateful to Jennifer for saving his life, but if Natalie hadn’t pulled him out of the fire, would Easton even be here today?

She insisted, “I told you I never saved you. The one who did was Jennifer. You should just divorce me and marry her. That’s your best option.”

Chapter 171

Easton gazed deeply into her fiery eyes, feeling the weight of what he owed her. He realized he was the one who had failed her. The anger radiating from her was palpable.

“Natalie…” He opened his mouth to speak and then fell silent again, giving her one last look before hurrying away. She was smart; she’d figure it out eventually.