This encounter had a certain impact on Natalie, causing her work efficiency to be low for the whole morning.In the end, she decided to go to the restaurant as if she had accepted her fate.Whatever Sheldon had to say, she had to face it.Otherwise, this matter would continue to weigh on her like a stone.During the lunch break, she went to the restaurant opposite the company.When she reached the restaurant's entrance, she immediately saw Sheldon already seated by the window.After hesitating for a few seconds, she walked in and sat across from him with a faint smile, asking, "What do you want to talk to me about?""What do you want to eat? Go ahead and order while we talk," Sheldon said, handing the menu to Natalie at the same time.However, Natalie just shook her head. "It's okay. You can order whatever you want. I can eat anything.""Alright then, I'll go ahead and order." Sheldon didn't insist and quickly placed their orders.While waiting for the dishes, Sheldon cut to
"After that, we moved to a new house …" Natalie's eyes briefly flashed with sadness as she spoke about this.Just over a dozen years had passed. Now, her father was gone, that home no longer existed, and her mother's whereabouts were unknown.Reflecting on these past events in comparison to the present, Natalie felt an overwhelming sense of change.But she quickly concealed these emotions, not letting Sheldon perceive them."So, that's how it was." Sheldon nodded thoughtfully."Even though we haven't met since then, I always remembered you. It wasn't until about six months ago that Leslie mentioned you in front of me."I was happy, and I even felt that maybe fate was helping me. Maybe it was helping me make up for some of the regret in my heart."Natalie understood the implication behind Sheldon's words.She looked at him seriously and advised, "Sheldon, you're a good person. You definitely deserve someone better. As for us, let's just be friends, alright?"Since she didn't ha
Natalie couldn't help but feel puzzled.Where did this bag come from?Approaching it, she took the bag and opened it. Inside was a tube of ointment.She carefully read the instructions on it, realizing it was ointment for burns.Who could have sent her this ointment?She looked around, somewhat bewildered, but the person who delivered the ointment had probably already left.The only people who knew about her burn were Sheldon and Henry.She couldn't believe that Henry would be the one to send her ointment. So naturally, she thought of Sheldon.But why didn't Sheldon give her the ointment in person? Why this indirect approach?Perhaps, after opening up and sharing those words with her today, Sheldon was afraid of awkwardness.Natalie entered the suite holding the ointment. She then took out her phone to send Sheldon a message, "Thank you for the ointment."When receiving something from someone, it was only polite to express gratitude.As she was about to put down her phone,
His reaction left everyone somewhat puzzled.Evelyn couldn't help but ask with concern, "Felix, why aren't you speaking?""I'm just really happy. It's my first time having so many people celebrating my birthday with me." Felix grinned.Although he was smiling, the underlying sense of loneliness couldn't be hidden.Watching from the side, Natalie couldn't help but think that perhaps Felix was still hoping his father would come to celebrate his birthday with him.No matter how good others were, they couldn't compare to his own father."Felix, as long as you're happy." Evelyn's lips curled slightly, but her heart was filled with bitterness and guilt.She knew she was unqualified as a mother.She thought Harry wouldn't be so heartless.If she had given birth to Felix without his knowledge, she believed he would soften and even overflow with fatherly love when he saw Felix.However, reality proved that she had overestimated the bond between them.The first time he saw Felix, his
It was a night filled with laughter and joy, a truly fulfilling evening.However, for Natalie, who was in the midst of her menstrual cycle, it was also an exhausting night.Despite her discomfort, she had managed to hide any signs of unease from Felix. She didn't want to worry him.At this moment, she couldn't endure it any longer.She leaned against the wall with one hand, the other caressing her arm. She slowly and steadily walked toward her residence.The distance from her place to the photography studio wasn't considerable. Yet, under these circumstances, it felt like an endless journey.Henry, standing not far behind her, noticed her discomfort.His brows furrowed. He kept a close watch on her retreating figure.Concerned by her condition, he wondered if she might faint halfway through the walk.Just as Henry was internally debating whether he should interfere, a voice from nearby called out, "Henry!"Henry looked up and happened to see Jennifer walking toward him.Rece
"What reaction should I have?" Natalie had no intention of answering such a question. "If you don't need anything else, just leave. I need to rest …"With that, Natalie tried to walk back to her room.But Henry grabbed her arm, slightly agitated as he questioned her, "Do you really want to see me marrying her? Do you not have even the slightest feeling in your heart?"Henry's eyes were fixed on her as if he wanted to see into her heart!"No," Natalie said expressionlessly.It was one simple word, yet it felt like a knife stabbing into Henry's heart.He bit his lip and almost gritted his teeth as he asked, "So, the words you said, wishing us well, were all true?""Henry, are you annoying me on purpose? Why do you keep asking these meaningless questions?" Natalie impatiently shook off his hand."Because I want to know what it takes for me to be in your heart!" Henry shouted with red eyes.It was such a simple thing, yet he couldn't figure out how to make it happen.Natalie hesi
Natalie picked up her phone, her face instantly filled with curiosity.It was an unfamiliar number.Afraid of missing an important call, Natalie chose to answer it. "Hello?""Is this Ms. Shepherd?" the person politely inquired.Natalie's eyebrows slightly furrowed, asking in confusion, "Who is this?""I'm Mr. Carrington," came the reply.Natalie was well aware of the company's top management.She immediately asked courteously, "Mr. Carrington, why are you calling me so late? Is there something important?""Well, there is. There's a project, and the other company specifically requested you to handle it."Ms. Shepherd, let me tell you, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Your luck might be changing," he said with a meaningful tone.Despite this, Natalie remained calm.She always looked forward to every opportunity, but she wasn't hoping for overnight fame or sudden success.Being able to do what she loved while leading a peaceful life was satisfying enough for her."Wh
She had reached this point not only through her efforts but also with Sheldon's support.She didn't want this small achievement to turn into nothing.In the end, she reluctantly took the glass of whiskey. She almost got carried away after just one sip.Too strong! Her entire throat burned!It felt like a fiery sensation rushed up her throat to her brain, causing a momentary dizziness.Seeing her drink, the group in the private room started cheering.Amidst the cheers, Natalie endured the uncomfortable sensation and continued to gulp down the glass' contents."Great tolerance!""That's the spirit! We like Mr. Shepherd's straightforwardness!""Come on, let's fill Mr. Shepherd's glass again!""If we're drinking, let's drink to the fullest, shall we?"Natalie blinked, making a strenuous effort to see clearly, but she still felt a spinning sensation."No … I can't drink anymore … I really can't," Natalie admitted truthfully, without trying to force herself any further.However,