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

and haters. The haters can make up anything," said Howard Darren couldn't believe how stubborn Howard was. "What if it's true? What

t into laughter. "But

his own words "I can even be a homewrecker for her.

definitely going to make her

nudging Darren. "Don't even try to reason with him;

about their teasing. He was full of energy. Tm going to follow Nat on

Howard's determination, Darren felt a mix of emotions and thought, 'How can I convince Howard to let go of someone who

Natalie again and couldn't look away from his

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Chapter 25

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talking. I'm heading out to pick up my daughter

up, and they both

first time how grim his expression was. 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

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

she still loves you? I heard she's got

just her way of provoking me. I'm not

with mischief

from the Sweet Love Base. As soon as she stepped inside, she spotted Lynn dressed to

change her into slippers and flopped onto the couch, where someone immediately

a playful wink. I'm off to go on a date with

her hand. "Have fun then. Tell Dad I miss him

him

on and have

I'm

like a happy little butterfly and fluttered

phone rang. Seeing Christian's name flash on the screen, she lazily answered, "So, how are you planning to

won't get you anywhere," Natalie said nonchalantly. "Give