Chapter 368

Natale glanced behind Jeremy as he approached. "Did you leave first?"

He nodded. "Yes. I did. Come on, let's get in the car."

Seeing Natalie, he felt panicked, a premonition that she would leave him. He abruptly sobered. Why had he seemingly forgotten her lately? He realized he'd subconsciously avoided returning to her.

Natalie had no idea what Jeremy was thinking, but she sensed an invisible shift in their relationship. She didn't say anything as she got into the car; she didn't know what to say. She wondered when they'd last had a meaningful conversation.

"I've been too busy lately," Jeremy said, suddenly taking Natalie's hand. "Are you angry with me?"

Her hand was soft and small; he could easily encompass it. It was time to stop his foolishness. He needed to avoid hurting her feelings because of others.

Natalie shook her head. "No. I understand you're busy supporting our family."

Jeremy softly reminded her, "Why did you run away when you saw me? We're married. If you have questions, ask me. Don't make assumptions. Understand?"

She wasn't angry, but a strange feeling lingered. Despite trying to dismiss it, she knew it was there. The man before her was the same Jeremy she'd known for years, but…

"I thought you had something to discuss with your friends," Natalie offered. "I didn't want to interrupt."

Jeremy held her hand tightly. "Remember, no matter what happens, or what anyone says, don't believe it."

"Why did you say that?" Natalie was stunned.

Had someone said something inappropriate? Jeremy's seriousness confirmed her concern. He realized his anxiety had made him blurt it out.

"It's nothing," he corrected himself. "I just… worried you might overthink things, given how much I travel and am away from you."

Natalie thought he understood her perfectly. "To be honest, I did overthink things. I thought about things I shouldn't have. But after calming down, I reminded myself you're busy working hard."

Her unwavering trust tightened his heart. What had he been doing? He'd been out of his mind! He couldn't lose Natalie. If she knew about his recent actions, she wouldn't forgive him.

After they arrived home, they talked for a while. When Natalie showered, Jeremy went to his study and made a phone call.

"Submit your resignation tomorrow," he said. "I'll pay you. Don't appear in front of me again. And don't have any delusions. Keep this a secret."

His heartlessness was evident.

Annabelle, initially pleased by his call, was shocked into silence. She paled, thinking she'd misheard.