Chapter 608

An hour later, Natalie’s ears rang. The harsh truth lay before her—a truth she never imagined: Annabelle had orchestrated a scheme against Jeremy. Without Skylar’s corroborating, bizarre story, she might not have believed it.

Overwhelmed, she felt dazed, her mind racing uncontrollably. Jeremy remained silent, intently watching her shifting expressions.

“So, Jeremy, you want me to know you’re the victim?” Natalie said, rising. “Yes, you are.” His victimhood only deepened her heartache.

Jeremy’s gaze remained fixed on her, noting her turmoil, his eyes lingering on her clenched fists. He wished he could spare her this struggle.

“I’m sorry, Nath,” he apologized, his voice hoarse. His apology only intensified her anguish; her breath felt constricted, her throat burning.

“I need time,” Natalie said, needing to escape the suffocating air. This time, Jeremy didn't stop her.

As she stumbled away, Jeremy felt his heart tear. He glanced at the filthy, repulsive items on the table. Picking up his phone, he called, “Has Annabelle’s stepfather arrived?”

“He arrived in Jipsburg City this morning,” the voice replied.

“Hand Annabelle over to him,” Jeremy instructed coldly.

“Yes, Mr. Hughes.”

Natalie fled the Hughes Residence and hailed a cab. As if sensing her distress, Kate called.

“Nath, I’ve heard everything,” Kate said gently, her voice filled with concern. Both Natalie and Jeremy suffered deeply—one forced into a mistake, the other into enduring betrayal. The situation ached in Kate’s heart, tightening it on the way home.

Natalie burst into tears.

“Nath, I know you’re hurting. Jeremy didn’t explain sooner, fearing this reaction, but he’s suffering too,” Kate said gently. She knew it sounded harsh, but the situation was incredibly difficult.

Natalie stifled her sobs, staring at the darkening sky outside. “Mom, I need time to think.”

“Take your time. If living alone is too hard, come home. Nath, promise you’ll talk to me if anything comes up.” Kate’s voice was laden with concern.

Natalie sensed Kate wanted her to reconcile with Jeremy. Many might advise forgiveness knowing his story; he loved her deeply and was filled with remorse. His suffering mirrored hers. Yet, she couldn’t erase the videos from her mind, nor the sight of Jeremy with Annabelle, a stranger who made her feel alienated.

With those memories etched in her mind, returning to him seemed impossible. Natalie was lost in turmoil, finding no answer.