From Divorce To Dominance (Natalie Xavier)

Chapter 25

"What things?" Howard suddenly stopped feeling sad. "Come on, Darren, tell me. Even Ethan, who was sitting nearby, leaned in with interest.

Darren's handsome face was half-hidden in the flickering light. He nervously rubbed his hands together. One was his ex-wife, and the other was his friend. There was no way he'd let them be together. Natalie admitted that she still liked Darren, and she wouldn't truly care for anyone else. Howard was bound to get hurt if he fell for her, and Darren wouldn't allow that to happen. "Come on, Darren, Howard urged, spill it, almost bouncing in his seat. "What do you know about her?" Howard waved his hand dismissively. "So what if she is? I

Darren took a moment to consider his words, his voice low and steady. "Rumor has it that she's a country girl and not really a match for you."

Darren couldn't help but remember how Howard used to imagine she lived in a beautiful place before coming to this city, and that's why she's so amazing. If she likes me, and we get married, we can live in the countryside and have a cozy life together.

used to joke that that Natalie was like a cavewoman-wild and uncivilized

Howard continued, his enthusiasm growing. "I'll build us a nice little house, grow some veggies, and maybe even get a dog. Just thinking about it makes me happy!"

Darren chuckled. "That might be wishful thinking. Women from the countryside usually settle down and start families early."

This ought to

t to discourage him. Howard is picky when it comes to women; he never settles for anything secondhand, Darren thought, calmly picking up his drink and feeling quite confident about his point. s true. Nat must be different. She's special."

Howard scoffed. "That's not and told me she's married and has a son."

Darren raised an eyebrow. "A

"Which friend? Do I know him? How does he know about Nat? Rumors like that can be harmful, Howard frowned

would anyone spread rumors about her?"

Darren sighed. "Why would

"You!

never know. She's

lots of fans and haters. The haters can make up anything," said Howard Darren couldn't believe how stubborn Howard was. "What if it's true? What if she really is married?" For a moment, Howard hesitated, but only for

out t into laughter. "But

her into it," Howard surprised himself with his own words "I can even be

perfect match. I'm definitely going

nudging Darren. "Don't even try

He was full of energy. Tm going to follow Nat

of emotions and thought, 'How can I convince Howard to

to text Natalie again and couldn't look away from his

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Chapter 25

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checked his watch. "You guys keep talking. I'm

up, and

He raised his eyebrows playfully, his flirty eyes shimmering. "Natalie is your ex-wife, isn't she?" Howard might be clueless, but Ethan was sharp. He connected the

she still has feelings for me. That's why I don't want

still loves you? I heard she's got a

eyes. "That's just her way of provoking me.

eyes sparkled with mischief as he shrugged, clearly

Base. As soon as she stepped inside,

maid change her into slippers and flopped onto the

wink. I'm off to

waved her hand. "Have fun then. Tell Dad

him

Go on and have fun." Natalie quickly

talking like that and I'm

kiss like a happy

soon she started to drift off to sleep. Just then, her phone rang. Seeing Christian's name flash on the screen, she lazily answered, "So, how are you planning

anywhere," Natalie said