Chapter 669

“There’s no rush,” Jeremy said gently. “We have plenty of time. We’ll take it slowly. This is my fault. You’ve done nothing wrong; don’t blame yourself.” His voice held the soothing quality she remembered. Natalie had cherished such moments of comfort in the past, feeling utterly cherished. But now, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, the long-suppressed emotions finally breaking free.

Jeremy moved towards her, offering an embrace, but Natalie recoiled, as if threatened. The distance between them amplified the awkward tension. She quickly composed herself, looking up at him. His outstretched hand lingered in the air, momentarily arrested.

“I… Jeremy,” she began, “can we both calm down? Are we even suited to continue? We’ve both made efforts, and there’s a long road ahead, but is this how we want to go on, torturing each other?”

Jeremy froze, his gaze fixed on her. After a long silence, he said, “I’m calm. You are, and always will be, my wife. That will never change.” Natalie gasped, struggling for breath.

Hank stood outside Natalie’s door, knocking repeatedly without response. Even if she were asleep, she usually answered. He was puzzled by her silence. Half an hour earlier, she’d texted that she was returning with something. He and Austin had waited, but she hadn’t arrived. Repeated texts and calls yielded nothing. He informed Austin, then contacted the hotel to request access.

Austin arrived before the staff. “She still hasn’t responded?” he asked.

Hank nodded. “I’ve tried everything, with no reply. I’m not sure she’s even in the room.”

Austin’s face hardened. “She wouldn’t ignore calls without a good reason,” he said. Knowing she had work tonight, she wouldn’t have turned off her phone. And the unanswered knocking… “Kick the door open,” he commanded.

Hank stared, incredulous. “Are you serious? Can we even do that?”

The hotel staff arrived as Austin was about to force the door. As they unlocked it, Hank watched Austin closely. He’d initially believed Austin’s interest in Natalie was merely restrained affection, something he’d keep in check until her divorce. At least, Natalie hadn't seemed to notice anything. But now, Hank questioned if he’d underestimated Austin’s feelings. Kicking down a hotel room door was impulsive, yet Austin had done it, even with the staff en route. Hank felt a growing unease.

Austin was the first inside. The room was filled with the aroma of food; various local snacks and delicacies covered the table, but Natalie was nowhere in sight.