After he left, Natalie copsed into her chair, burying her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Damn these stupid tears, she thought. Why do they always fall when I don''t want them to?


    Just then, Luna came in. "Ma''am, your eldest brother is here. He brought cake."


    As she spoke, Wayne''s tall, elegant figure appeared in the doorway. Bathed in the warm sunlight, he looked regal andposed, his features perfectly sculpted.


    "Natalie, I''m here," he said, his voice full of affection.


    Natalie quickly wiped her tears away and ran to him with a bright smile. "You''re here!"


    "Yes." Wayne noticed her red-rimmed eyes, and a cold glint appeared in his own. "I saw Sebastian on my way up. Did he bother you?"


    "No, he can''t bother me anymore," Natalie said, her smile watery but genuine. "I was crying tears of joy because I''m finally free of him."


    Wayne looked at her, his heart aching for all the years she had suffered. "Sweets help when you''re sad. This is your favorite, chocte cake. The cream from this bakery is the best, and it''s fresh out of the oven. Sit down. I''ll feed you."


    Natalie happily sat beside him, ready to be pampered. Luna brought in two cups of tea and left with a knowing smile. Natalie watched Wayne''s hands as he opened the box-they were long and elegant, like a work of art. The office was quiet and warm in the afternoon sun.


    Wayne picked up a spoon, scooped up a piece of cake, and held it to her lips. She ate it happily. "Delicious!" she said, her eyes curving into crescents.


    "Yes. Jared ising back for your birthday, by the way. He told me he''d be here."


    Natalie was thrilled. Her birthday was October 1st, the day her grandfather found her, not the same day as Joanna''s. She had been abandoned in the woods by Nathan, who had then, ironically, been the one to "find" her. From the very beginning, he had never wanted her. But she still couldn''t understand why he had brought her back into the family yearster it was a quest that had gued her in her past life and remained unanswered in this one. Was it really just because he didn''t love her? A familiar ache spread through her chest.


    "What are you thinking about, Natalie? Eat up," Wayne''s gentle voice brought her back.


    "Nothing. Just that being fed by you is the best thing ever," she said, opening her mouth for another bite.


    After she''d had her fill, Wayne put the rest of the cake in the fridge. "Natalie, have to go on a business trip for two weeks. Be good while I''m gone. If you need anything, call my assistant. Don''t let anyone push you around." He gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.


    She smiled and nodded. "Okay! Travel safe, and don''t forget to eat properly."


    He chuckled and ruffled her hair. "L know, you silly girl. Grandpa is also going on a trip with Mr Monroe Sr. If you get lonely by yourself video call you every night."


    "What? Grandpa''s going too?" Were he and Mr. Monroe Sr. really that close?


    "Yes. He said he''s going to find you a birthday present."


    Natalie was so moved she could feel tears welling up again. Wayne told her not to


    cry and then left. Natalie returned to her work.