Natalie was nonplussed but her body was honest. She hugged Shane's neck.
Shane noticed the cue. He lifted her up in his arms to throw her down onto the couch and climbed on top of her.
The next morning, Natalie took the children downstairs. They ran into Jacqueline on the second floor.
Jacqueline did not appear to have had a good night's sleep. Her eyes were puffy with massive eyebags. Her mental
state was visibly poor too as she stood swaying on the spot as if she was going to collapse any second.
At the sight of Natalie and her two children, A faint smile appeared on Jacqueline's pale face. “Good morning, Ms.
Smith. Good morning, children.”
Connor pretended not to have heard her. Sharon merely grunted.
Jacqueline's smile froze as her greetings were left hanging awkwardly.
As an adult, Natalie could not display her dislike as openly as her children did.
“Good morning, Ms. Graham,” returned Natalie with a nod.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe color returned to Jacqueline's face. “Ms. Smith, about last night...”
“Ms. Graham, the children are hungry,” Natalie interrupted. “I have to bring them downstairs for breakfast and
send them off to school.” She pulled both children by the hand and headed downstairs without another word.
Jacqueline bit her lip as her eyes glinted malevolently.
She thought that Natalie and her children were being very snarky to be refusing to accept her profuse apologies.
If this was how I am being received, then I won't bother trying anymore.
After breakfast, Natalie left with her children in her car.
Shane had already departed earlier that morning before having his breakfast. Mrs. Wilson had mentioned
something about an important client.
As a result, Natalie had to be the one to send the children that morning.
After depositing the children at their kindergarten, Natalie headed off to her workplace.
As soon as she stepped in, Joyce appeared before her. “Nat, you got here just in time. There is a jewelry designer
looking for you.”
“Is it a Ms. Cohen?” Natalie asked.
“That's right.” Joyce nodded.
“Got it. Please bring two cups of coffee as I attend to our guest. Where is she?” Natalie asked as they walked to her
office.
“She's in the guest room,” Joyce answered from behind.
“Okay.” Natalie nodded.
She left her bag in her office and walked to the guest room.
Lina Cohen was stretched on the couch with a cup of tea in her hands. Peppa Pig was on TV which she seemed to
be enjoying. She chuckled every now and then.
Natalie raised her eyebrows at the sight.
She did not expect someone who looked as confident and professional as Lina to enjoy watching cartoons.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Ms. Cohen.” Natalie knocked lightly as she entered.
Lina turned the TV off and gazed up as soon as she heard her name being called. “Natalie, you're here.”
Natalie nodded and strode over to Lina in her heels.
The latter stroked her chin and nodded agreeably as she surveyed Natalie up and down.
Natalie was uncomfortable being looked at this way. “Ms. Cohen, is there anything on me that had caught your
attention?” she asked courteously, examining her attire.
“Not at all.” Lina waved a hand. “I'm just admiring your outfit today which looks lovely, by the way. As expected of a
designer.”
Natalie smiled. “You're not so bad yourself, Ms. Cohen. The jewelry and fashion industries are not so different from
one another. If the jewelry designer does not dress well, how could she do the gems that adorn her justice?”
“Natalie, you're a smooth talker,” Lina smiled, her amusement evident.
The two women exchanged pleasantries a little longer before Natalie made a hospitable gesture to Lina. “Ms.
Cohen, please have a seat.”
Lina rearranged her skirt before taking a seat as Natalie plopped down on the seat across from her.
At that moment, the door leading into the guest room swung open as Joyce appeared with two mugs of coffee.
“Here are the coffees you asked for, Nat.”