Chapter 7

Natalie had named Luna, a name that suited the girl with eyes as pure and bright as a spring, yet as chilling as the moon.

Luna had everything in order before Natalie even arrived. “All set, Ms. Shawn,” she said, her voice as cool and crisp as the moonlit night.

With a nod of approval, Natalie gave Luna the next task. “Perfect. Now, make those calls for me,” she instructed before hanging up.

Today marked the anniversary of an incident in her previous life where she had been hurt and Jennifer had exploited the situation. This time, she was determined not to let Jennifer overshadow her.

Jennifer had unintentionally aided Easton’s business during that event, earning his deep gratitude and being cherished by him. But that appreciation should have been Natalie’s alone, and she wasn’t about to let Jennifer take credit for it again.

“Natalie, what are you doing here?” Jennifer’s voice interrupted her thoughts. Their encounter was happening sooner than it had in her previous life. Glancing over, Natalie saw Jennifer and Easton, now openly a couple after Easton’s divorce from Natalie, standing together without a care for onlookers.

Natalie raised an eyebrow at Jennifer. “What’s it to you?” she replied, her tone cool.

Jennifer seemed thrown off by the change in Natalie. “This is a VIP area. How did you get in without a card? It’s not good for the Simpson family’s image,” Jennifer said, trying to sound concerned.

Easton, standing nearby, looked at Natalie with curiosity. “Where have you been for the past three months?” he asked, his voice deep and probing.

Natalie, lounging in a white dress that contrasted with her cool demeanor, had transformed. She was no longer the dutiful wife; she was a woman with a captivating presence.

Natalie glanced at Easton, a playful smile on her lips. “Ex-hubby, my life is my own. You know what they say about running into an ex–it’s like biting into a sour lemon. So, stay out of my way.” She was untouchable now, immune to their games.

Easton frowned, not used to her sharp tongue. “Natalie, watch your step,” he warned.

She just laughed, her confidence shining through. “Oh, I’m way past watching my step. I was the one who was blind, thinking you were ever worth it.”

Easton’s frown deepened, but he couldn’t deny her new radiance.

Turning to Jennifer, Natalie smiled gratefully. “Thanks for taking the trash, Jennifer. Your being here just reassures me I dodged a bullet. Now, if you’ll pardon me, I’m off to find some hot guy.”

Jennifer’s eyes bulged at Natalie’s bluntness.

Natalie glanced at her watch and decided it was time to make her way to the swimming pool nearby.

Easton’s brow furrowed as he watched her walk away with an air of defiance, a feeling of losing grip on the situation settling in.

Jennifer, her voice tinged with worry, addressed Easton, “Easton, do you think the divorce has pushed Natalie over the edge? Why is she searching for some hot guy?” She made sure to emphasize ‘hot guy,’ watching as Easton’s eyes turned icy.

Easton’s body tensed, his hands balling into fists, his gaze masking a brewing storm. “Let’s move on. Don’t worry about her. Once she’s tired of her little games, she’ll go home by herself.”

Jennifer’s face lost color as she questioned further, “Easton, you’re divorced now. Are you hoping she’ll come back? You love me; we’ve known each other since we were… I’m the one you should have married.”

Easton’s face clouded over, but he stayed silent, dodging Jennifer’s question. He hadn’t wanted the divorce. The papers were signed, but the process wasn’t complete.

Jennifer, under his cold stare, didn’t dare to say more. Her thoughts whirled around her upcoming scheme, and her gaze was inevitably drawn to the swimming pool. After a brief silence, they headed towards the banquet hall nearby together.

As Natalie neared the pool, she timed her approach perfectly. The summer sun made the azure water inviting, and the luxurious, romantic setting was perfect for a swim. She headed straight for the pool she remembered from her past life.

“Help!” The cry rang out.

Natalie didn’t hesitate. She dove in, swimming towards the struggling figure and pulling the elderly woman to safety. As she gently laid the woman on the shore, she pushed off the bottom and felt a sharp pain in her foot–the same pain she’d felt before.

Her eyes widened in shock; some things, it seemed, were destined to happen, no matter how much she tried to change her past.