Chapter 1062

Natalie froze, her fork hovering above her dish. She turned rigidly toward the doorway and saw Jeremy standing there. Kate discreetly observed Natalie, noting the immediate shift in her expression. A silent sigh escaped Kate; it was clear Natalie hadn't forgiven him. There was no avoiding an invitation now that he was there.

Damon asked, "Jeremy, have you had lunch yet? We're just having lunch. Join us."

"Sure," Jeremy replied readily. He'd always felt at home with Damon and Kate; whether he'd eaten or not was irrelevant. He joined them as if it were perfectly natural.

When their eyes met, Jeremy looked deeply into Natalie's. Feeling the intensity, she quickly averted her gaze. He tightened his grip on the bag of skincare products he carried. Even after all this time, she remained unreconciled.

"I'll wash my hands first," Jeremy said, moving confidently through the Jakeman residence. He was intimately familiar with the house, as Damon and Kate were with him.

While Jeremy was in the bathroom, Kate leaned toward Natalie and whispered, "Nath, I can see Jeremy still has feelings for you."

"It doesn't matter," Natalie replied softly. "I've moved on, Mom."

Her words prompted a worried exchange of glances between Kate and Damon. The possibility of reconciliation, let alone remarriage, seemed remote.

Upon returning, Jeremy effortlessly sat beside Natalie, just as he always had. Her back stiffened the moment he sat down. Throughout the meal, she struggled to enjoy the food; it tasted bland. Unable to eat any more, she watched Jeremy chat cheerfully with her parents, sensing something was amiss. She quickly excused herself, claiming to be busy.

"Let me drive you," Jeremy offered firmly.

"No need, I drove myself," Natalie replied sharply.

Yet Jeremy followed her.