Chapter 625

After putting away his phone, Joe looked at Skylar, sleeping peacefully in his arms. The coldness in his eyes melted away.

Kate arrived at Natalie's apartment, carrying a thermal container. "Nath, I made clam chowder for you. You've always loved it. I had some free time and thought I'd bring it over. Try some."

Natalie's eyes filled with tears. Seeing Kate's unusual concern, she whispered, "I was just craving your clam chowder, Mom."

"We're on the same wavelength," Kate said with a warm smile, entering the apartment and slipping into her slippers. "I woke up this morning thinking it was a good day for clam chowder, with this cold weather."

She surveyed the apartment; it was better than she'd expected. She'd anticipated finding Natalie in a worse state. The home was clean and tidy, easing Kate's worries somewhat. Lately, both she and Damon had been deeply troubled, constantly worrying about Natalie.

Both Natalie and Jeremy were hurt, though Natalie had suffered more. She had to accept it, but knowing Natalie's personality, they remained anxious. They cared for her deeply, yet understood Jeremy would take good care of her and never let her suffer. Still, they couldn't bear to see them part.

"Mom, I'll get some bowls. We can share; I can't eat that much on my own," Natalie said.

"Alright," Kate replied.

Watching Natalie walk to the kitchen, Kate felt a pang of sadness. Natalie was visibly thinner; it was heartbreaking. Kate sighed deeply.

Once seated, they began eating the clam chowder. As they ate quietly, Natalie sensed Kate had much to say—she'd traveled far to visit. The situation with Jeremy undoubtedly worried her parents. It was a problem with no easy solution, yet it needed resolving.

"Nath, you must be struggling," Kate asked gently. "No, you've been struggling for a while, haven't you?"

Natalie looked up and smiled. "Mom, I'm sorry for worrying you and Dad these past few days."

Kate's heart ached at Natalie's forced smile; she was likely trying to avoid adding to their worries.

"Your dad and I are fine," Kate said, her eyes welling up. "We're just worried about you. Nath, be honest. After learning the real reason behind Jeremy's affair, haven't you been deeply hurt?"

Thinking of her youth and her deep affection for Damon, Kate recalled how heartbroken she would have been by infidelity. Even with extenuating circumstances, the pain of such a betrayal wouldn't easily fade.

Natalie didn't hide her feelings. "These past days have been very hard. When I first found out about Jeremy's affair, it felt like my entire world collapsed. I always believed our relationship was strong enough that even if he fell out of love, he would still care for me and never cheat."

"Nath, he didn't want to cheat," Kate said softly, attempting to explain Jeremy's actions. "It wasn't something he wanted to do. He wasn't in control of the situation."

Natalie nodded, her eyes red. "I know, Mom. He was manipulated and under the influence of those negative items. His judgment was compromised."

"I know it's hard," Kate said, her heart aching. "If you want to cry, just cry."

It was too hard. For Natalie, truly too hard.

Natalie bit her lip and lowered her head. After a long pause, she said, "Mom, I don't think I can get past this." She felt incapable of pretending everything was fine.