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

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 a second. 'I'll

into laughter. "But what if

his own words "I

I'm definitely going to

the floor laughing, nudging Darren. "Don't even try to reason with him; he's too

was full of energy. Tm going to follow Nat on social media. I didn't even say goodnight to

a mix of emotions and thought, 'How can I convince

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

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Chapter 25

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watch. "You guys keep talking. I'm heading out to pick up

too." Darren caught up, and they both left

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

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

you? I heard she's

eyes. "That's just her way of provoking me. I'm not falling for

sparkled with mischief as he

the villa from the Sweet Love Base. As soon as she stepped inside, she spotted Lynn dressed to the nines, her face radiating

Mom. Got some party to attend?" Natalie asked as she let the maid change her into slippers and flopped onto the couch, where someone immediately started

shot her a playful wink. I'm off to go on

then. Tell Dad I miss him and that my heart's

him

Go on and have fun." Natalie quickly

Keep talking like that and I'm gonna

a kiss like a happy little butterfly and

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 to thank me?" Christian replied excitedly, "Since the show aired, over 100,000 people have signed up

Natalie