Her Alpha

"Congratulations, Ms. Shepherd. You're three months pregnant. At the moment, your pregnancy is stable …"

Natalie Shepherd couldn't help but smile when she recalled what the doctor said.

This was an unexpected gift.

She couldn't wait to share the good news with her husband, Henry Chase.

As soon as she left the hospital, she headed straight to Henry's company.

While in the elevator, she heard the conversation between the women next to her.

"Did you know? Just moments ago, Mr. Levine asked me to place a booking. He said Mr. Chase wants to buy up all the tickets to the renowned pianist Juliet Weaver's performance!

"Not only that, but he's even shipping 9,999 Bolvarian roses over by air. He's also going to congratulate her in person!"

"Mr. Chase is so romantic! But … I heard he has a wife."

"A wife? It's just for show. She's not even fit to be seen in public! Have you ever seen Mr. Chase bringing her to the office? My guess is, with Ms. Weaver around, it's only a matter of time before Mr. Chase gets a divorce."

…

The women continued to gossip about their employer's love life. Standing in the corner, Natalie's smile stiffened.

Was … Juliet back in town?

Natalie subconsciously placed her hand on her belly. She took a deep breath and told herself not to let her mind run wild.

Once she got out of the elevator, Henry's assistant, Wade Levine, came over and reminded her, "Mr. Chase is taking his afternoon nap, Ms. Shepherd. Please don't make too much noise."

Natalie hummed in acknowledgment before opening the door to the lounge inside the office.

Henry was lying on the bed.

Throughout their three years of marriage, this room seemed more like his home. Natalie could count the number of times he had gone home with her fingers.

She stood by the bed and gazed at his face with a look of adoration.

There was no denying that Henry was handsome. His fair skin and sharp features looked like they had been carved out of marble.

In his sleep, he looked much gentler than usual. Otherwise, he would look at her with a sharp, icy gaze.

Natalie had been in love with this man for nearly a decade. Even now, she could still remember that fateful afternoon when they first met.

She couldn't resist reaching out to stroke his brows.

But as soon as her hand made contact, another hand gripped her forcefully.

Natalie looked to find that Henry was awake. He was eyeing her in displeasure, and his voice was as cold as ever.

"Why did you come here?"

Natalie withdrew her hand and smiled. "I missed my husband. Can't I drop by to see him?"

Henry cast a disdainful glance at her. "Get to the point. If not, get out."

Natalie continued smiling as if nothing was amiss. "It's your birthday today. I booked a table at the Gloria Hotel. They'll be serving all your favorite food. Why don't you leave work early today—"

Before she finished her sentence, Henry flat-out rejected, "I'm busy!"

Though Natalie was used to his attitude, her heart twinged in pain anyway.

That being said, she was still smiling resolutely. "I have something extremely important to tell you—"

A knock at the door cut Natalie off.

Henry went around Natalie without even looking at her. "Come in."

The person outside opened the door and said, "The ride to the performance has been arranged, Mr. Chase."

Natalie heard every word.

The performance …

The gossip she heard in the elevator echoed in her mind.

She clenched her fists. A bitter chuckle escaped from her.

After all these years, Juliet was still as important to him as ever …

Henry's assistant left after updating Henry.

The office was dead silent.

Natalie stepped out of the lounge and pretended to ask, "Whose performance are you attending?"

"Do I need to report what I do to you?" Henry glanced at her impassively before continuing to adjust his sleeves.

His voice was scornful as he added, "Just play your part as Mrs. Chase, and don't ask questions that are none of your business!"

Natalie stared at him for a few seconds before asking sarcastically, "Are you that much of a sucker, Henry?"

Henry could not believe what he heard. His brows furrowed as he snapped, "What did you say?"

Natalie quirked an eyebrow and sneered. "Do you think I don't know you're going to Juliet's performance?"

Henry narrowed his eyes. He had lost all patience. "You'd better stop before it's too late, Natalie."

The look on his face made it clear to Natalie that she was right.

Her mood sank the furthest it could go. She laughed mockingly and asked, "Henry, have you forgotten why she left you back then? Have you forgotten what you became because of her?

"Now that she's giving you a carrot after using the stick on you, she managed to sway you—"

Natalie was only halfway through when Henry cut her off with an icy glare, "Shut up! What do you know? What gives you the right to comment on this?

"Natalie Shepherd, do you really think you're Mrs. Chase?"