Joanna recounted the events of the previous night with plenty of embellishments, and then told her mother about Natalie being seen with different men.


    Jerome chimed in, "Mom, it''s all true. I went to confront her tonight, and she had another man with her. She called him ''Big Brother'' so sweetly. She never called me with that much affection. With other men, her voice is just dripping with honey."


    The whole way home, a dull ache had been spreading through his chest. If she would just stop fighting with Joanna over Sebastian, he could let her go and live a quiet life in the countryside. But she was constantlypeting for attention, refusing to give up the title of Mrs. Griffith even after Joanna had returned. Didn''t she realize she wasn''t worthy?


    "Mom, you have no idea. The Natalie now is so sharp-tongued."


    Wendy sneered inwardly. For so long, Natalie had humbly tried to please Sebastian and their family, only to be met with their indifference. Now that she was fighting back, Wendy had lost her daughter for good. She didn''t say anything. Given Jerome''s prejudice against Natalie, he wouldn''t believe her anyway. Let him learn the hard way. None of her precious sons were any good. She had tried to raise them right, but they were all useless.


    With a look of resignation, she said, "I''m tired. Just try to behave and stay out of trouble. Thepany is in a tight spot. If the stocks drop any further, the Don family is finished."


    Wendy gave them both a stern warning and went upstairs to rest.


    Afterforting Jerome, Joanna quickly sent a text to her father.


    [Dad, get back here now. Wendy''s home.]


    Nathan: [She''s back already?]


    Joanna: [Yes! Stop fooling around with my mom and get back here. Don''t let her get suspicious. We need to make sure she drinks her ''tonic'' tonight.]


    Nathan: [Alright, alright, I''m on my way.]


    Joanna breathed a sigh of relief. She was thrilled that Natalie had been dealt with tonight. She happily went to the kitchen to get a snack.


    At a beautifully decorated restaurant with a distinct international ir, Natalie and Wayne sat across from each other. In front of Natalie was a cheese and shrimp pizza, her absolute favorite.


    "Wow, I haven''t had this in years. It''s so good!" Natalie picked up a slice and took


    a bite. The sweet and savory vor was just as she remembered.


    Wayne had ordered a steak, shrimp, and a delicious seafood pae. Seeing Natalie eat with such joy, his eyes f


    filled with adoration. “Natalie, I haven''t been back here since I


    brought you three years agodt''s still


    just as good."


    "Mm-hm. I''lle with you more often from now on." Natalie''s life was finally free.


    If it weren''t for Sebastian''s interruptions, it would be even better.


    second


    It took a second life for her to understand that no matter what you''re going through, whether you''re happy or sad, the world doesn''t stop for your exhaustion or sorrow You have to keep moving forward to find true happiness.


    "Deal. We''lle more often. This steak is great, try some." Wayne used his own fork to offer Natalie a piece of steak.


    After she ate it, she put on a disposable glove and offered Wayne a piece of her pizza.


    Wayne, who wasn''t a fan of bread-based dishes, shook his head with a smile. "It''s delicious, but I prefer rice."


    Natalie''s smile was radiant, more beautiful than the sunset outside the window. Just as she was about to speak, a figure suddenly appeared beside their table.