Chapter 218

Easton looked at her without moving and said, "If you don’t like it here, we can live somewhere else."

Natalie sneered. "Living with you, I won’t like it no matter where we are. Stop fooling yourself. We can never live peacefully together in this lifetime."

Easton’s eyes suddenly darkened at her words. Her eyes were filled with hatred, unable to forget the things he had done to her in the past. But he…

"No way, and since we’re husband and wife, we have to live together." Easton knew she didn’t want to stay here, so they could live somewhere else.

He owned many properties, and since this place was close to the office, he decided to live here.

Natalie wanted to say something. "Easton…"

Easton paused. "Natalie, I made a lot of mistakes before. I’m sorry, but let’s try to make things work."

Natalie was a bit surprised. Easton wanted to make things right, but it was too late. "What gives you the right to say that to me? I told you last time not to apologize, because I will never forgive you."

In the future, he would push her, pregnant and all, off a high-rise building because of Jennifer.

She often had this nightmare; for a few days each month, it haunted her every night, and upon waking, the pain felt unbearable. For the rest of her life, she’d rather live alone than have any ties with him again.

Natalie’s eyes were filled with hatred. Easton furrowed his brows and softly said, "At least for now, you can’t leave."

Natalie asked in confusion, "What do you mean by that?"

Easton had a faint smile on his lips. People said a man who didn’t often smile looked especially handsome when he did, and it was true.

Natalie rarely saw Easton smile, but at this moment, he looked even more captivating.

Easton said, "Jennifer’s actions are all about separating you and me. If you leave, aren’t you just giving her exactly what she wants?"

Natalie was taken aback; that made sense. She thought, 'But… I don’t care.'

Natalie said, "Let her have her way. At least she’ll spend less time plotting against me and more time scheming against you."

She thought, 'Thinking he can fool me into becoming a housemaid—what a joke!'

Easton stood there, speechless. He laughed, "Why does someone as smart as you keep getting tricked by Jennifer repeatedly?"

Natalie said, "That’s because all of you trust her. You guys choose to turn a blind eye to her blatant scheming. With your own eyes, could you really not see it? You just don’t want to believe me, do you? Haven’t I resisted? Every time I stood up, you just refused to see it and pinned your failure on me. Honestly, meeting you has been nothing but bad luck for me.

"There’s no telling how much shady stuff Jennifer’s been involved in secretly. Do you think you can keep hiding it for her forever? There’s no way you’ll cover it up for life.

"Once I’ve gotten my revenge, I’ll have you both thrown in jail. Then, I’ll travel the world and maybe hook up with some younger guys. Life will be a breeze."

Easton stared at her for a brief moment, shocked by how much he despised him. He thought, 'Is she really considering going after some younger guys?'

After a long pause, he finally said, "Do you really think your misery is all my fault?"

Natalie was momentarily taken aback, understanding what he meant. Her eyes grew dim.

She said, "Sure, part of it was you guys, but most of it was me. I was chasing after a warmth I’d never have. So, it’s what I deserve. Honestly, if I weren’t willing, none of you could’ve hurt me. It’s my fault. Now that I’ve woken up, I don’t crave it anymore. I’m trying hard to distance myself from all of you. I refuse to let myself suffer because of you anymore."

She fully understood what Easton meant. The harm and the schemes from others were real, but it was her failure to fight back that was the most naive.

When resisting was pointless, there was no use in struggling. The only one who could save her was herself.

Easton’s whole body trembled. So she understood all along that she truly didn’t love him anymore.

She stood under the moonlight, cool and composed, independent and alone in the world.

Easton had a sneaking suspicion that one day, she would become a totally strong and independent woman who could do anything she wanted.

She tilted her head slightly, a faint smile in her eyes as if the starry sky was reflected in them. She was beautiful.

The night, despite its disharmony, had a strangely romantic vibe. The moment was abruptly interrupted by an unwelcome voice. "Easton."

Jennifer’s voice ruined the romantic atmosphere. "Natalie, what are you doing here?" Jennifer deliberately asked.

Natalie found it amusing. "This is my home with my husband. Is it strange for me to be here? Have you been the other woman for so long that you’ve forgotten who you are?"

Jennifer’s face turned pale; her eyes were filled with a burning fury as if she wanted to tear Easton apart. It was all because he refused to divorce, leading Natalie to call her the other woman.

Jennifer said, "Natalie, you…you’re lying. I’m not the other woman. You intruded between us. If you hadn’t come back, Easton and I would have been married by now."

Natalie had to admit, seeing Jennifer’s face twist with anger was really satisfying for her.

For the first time, Easton heard her call him "husband," and it stirred a strange feeling within him.

Easton had a way with words. If she played the role of a loving wife with him, it might just scare out the man supporting Jennifer.

"Then why did you run away? Have you ever thought about why I was brought back?" Natalie asked with a smile. Jennifer brought Natalie back just to marry her into a wealthy family, so Jennifer’d have another rich connection. Ignoring Natalie, she looked at Easton and said, "Easton, I came to talk to you about something. Now that my reputation is restored, I want to discuss investment opportunities." Her voice was soft, and she looked at Easton with anticipation.

Hearing her voice, Easton replied calmly, "You’re two-faced. Who knows what scandal you’ll cause next? There’s no point in discussing the investment."

Easton took Natalie by the hand and walked away. Natalie thought for a moment and then linked her arm with Easton’s, determined to annoy Jennifer.

It wasn’t enough to really infuriate her, but Jennifer definitely wouldn’t sleep well tonight.

Easton looked at Natalie’s hand on his arm, momentarily taken aback. Seeing Natalie's action, Jennifer felt completely stunned.

Jennifer thought, 'How could Natalie dare?' She quickly walked over and pushed Natalie away.

Natalie unapologetically slapped Jennifer. Jennifer never imagined Natalie would hit her at that moment.

"Natalie, did you hit me?" Jennifer’s face hurt. Seeing Easton not stepping in to help her, she felt a coldness in her heart.

Natalie smirked at her shocked expression. "Hit you? Why not? Do I need to pick a special day to hit you? Jennifer, who else throws themselves into being the other woman like you do?

"If I can’t keep my own man in line, that’s on me. But when you bring the drama right in front of me, do you think I won’t hit back?"

Jennifer was taken aback by Natalie’s fierce presence. She thought, 'Is it because of Easton that she has so much confidence?'