Chapter 1027

Kate’s cooking wasn’t outstanding, though her baked salmon and some stews were exceptional. Natalie craved Kate’s cooking at that moment.

“Alright, when you get back, I’ll make your favorite dish. I’ll buy the freshest, biggest salmon at the market so you can eat your fill,” Kate replied with a smile.

“Mom, you’re the best.”

Kate laughed, but her smile faded. “Nath, I just got a call from Mrs. Hughes!”

“How is Mrs. Hughes doing lately?” Natalie asked, her own smile vanishing. Since her divorce from Jeremy, she hadn’t contacted the Hughes family, unsure of what to say. Eleanor had been like a second mother to her.

“Ah, people our age have health issues. She’s mostly worried about Jeremy. He’s been drinking heavily and calls your name when drunk. Mrs. Hughes can’t persuade him. Mr. Hughes Senior wants to arrange a marriage for him, but Jeremy refused. If Mr. Hughes Senior gets angry, Jeremy might lose his job at the company,” Kate said, her concern evident. Jeremy was like a son to her. For days, she’d wondered when he and Natalie might reconcile. She and Damon wouldn't be comfortable with Natalie marrying anyone else.

Natalie paused. “Mom, Jeremy and I are divorced. There’s no need to talk about him. We’re adults; we bear the consequences of our actions. He should know what he’s doing.”

“Ah, Nath, I know you won’t forgive him. Let’s not discuss this. Maybe one day you’ll understand each other. It’s late. Your dad and I are going to sleep. Please take care. When you return, I’ll make baked salmon,” Kate concluded, dropping the subject.

Relieved, Natalie sighed after hanging up. A mix of emotions washed over her. Seeing Jeremy’s downward spiral was hard. She couldn’t just stand by and watch him suffer. His heavy drinking worried her.

Lost in thought, Austin appeared. “What are you thinking about?”

Startled, Natalie stammered, “Oh, I–I wasn’t thinking about anything. I was just watching your act, and it felt surreal that this show is wrapping up so soon.”

Austin looked at her closely. “Are you really okay?”

“Of course,” Natalie replied, dismissing her thoughts about Kate. Smiling brightly, she said, “Mr. Powell, you were amazing in that scene. The leads’ parting broke my heart.”

The scene depicted a couple separating due to differing aspirations, neither willing to compromise. Their only choice was to break up. Even knowing it was a show, Natalie felt upset.

“Silly girl.” Austin chuckled. For him, emotional scenes were technical exercises.

Natalie defended herself. “This is the show where I’ve acted with you the most, Mr. Powell. It feels different. It’s like we’re really parting.” They’d rehearsed the scene days ago. She’d gotten emotional, hugging Austin while crying. She couldn’t remember what he’d said then—it wasn’t scripted.

“Natalie, do you have feelings for me?” Austin’s voice was low, for her ears only.