Chapter 437

Jeremy read Natalie's text. A cruel glint flashed in his eyes when he saw the pictures. Natalie seemed to enjoy working with Austin; they appeared to share many interests. Jeremy's face fell.

Annabelle texted: "Mr. Hughes, I met an actor I like at a university film set. Why is Natalie Austin's assistant? I've liked you for years."

Jeffrey didn't respond. He turned off his phone. Annabelle waited, but he didn't reply. She waited another half hour. His silence felt cruel. He hadn't responded to her texts for days. How could he be so merciless? It was an extraordinary feat of avoidance. And he was doing it for Natalie, who, in Annabelle's opinion, was inferior in every way.

Annabelle inhaled deeply. Did he want her to disappear? That was impossible.

When Natalie came home from work, she saw Jeremy. He'd been coming home early for several days, something she was still adjusting to.

"You" she began.

Jeremy smirked. "What? I've been coming home every night recently. Is it hard to get used to?" He felt a moment of nervousness. If Natalie found out about his past actions

Natalie nodded dumbly. "Right. For the past few months, I've been used to your frequent business trips—seeing you only once or twice a month. But you've been home nightly for the past few days. We've seen each other more this past week than in the last two months combined." She wasn't used to it.

"It's my fault," Jeremy said with a smile.

Natalie nodded. "Of course it's your fault. You have no idea how hard these past two months have been! I've been bored to death. Hey, why do I smell Mom's clam chowder?"

She recognized the scent instantly. No one could replicate her mother's recipe.

Before she finished her question, her mother walked in with a pot of clam chowder. Natalie's eyes widened. "Mom, why are you here?"

Larissa Zimmer rolled her eyes. "I haven't seen you in months! I miss you. Am I unwelcome?" Her daughter was a constant worry, but fortunately, she had a wonderful son-in-law.

Natalie said sweetly, "Of course you're welcome! I was just thinking of visiting you and Dad by the end of the week. How could you leave Dad home? Why didn't you bring him?"

Larissa glanced at Jeremy. "Your dad's going fishing with his friends. He didn't have time. Where have you been? You're so tan, you look like you've emerged from a coal mine!"

Natalie protested, "A little tan is healthy. I don't think I'm that dark, am I?"

Larissa sighed. Natalie had given up her comfortable life as Jeremy's wife to become an actor's assistant. Who would believe it?

They sat down to dinner. Larissa suddenly asked, "I didn't see you when I arrived. Jeremy said you're working as a celebrity's assistant."

Natalie's heart skipped a beat. She feigned nonchalance. "That's right. It's very interesting. I like it."

Jeremy's gaze turned cold, unnoticed by the others.

Larissa said, "Quit fooling around! Resign. Your responsibility now is to have a child. Why would you become a celebrity's assistant? Don't go to work. If you're bored, Jeremy said he can open a café or a flower shop for you. Flexible hours, easy work—perfect while you're preparing for a baby."

Natalie's suspicions were confirmed. Jeremy must have asked Larissa to come. He'd agreed to her working, but clearly didn't want her to.

She took a deep breath, put down her fork, and said with determination, "I'm still young. I'm not in a rush to have a kid. Mom, I need to pursue my dreams and create my own life. This is what I'm passionate about. What you're asking isn't what I want."