The Promise of Happiness novel Atalie and Samuel

Chapter 45

Natalie was so concerned and anxious that she failed to catch the guilt that flashed through Franklin’s eyes.

“Lift your shirt,” she ordered.

Franklin’s eyebrows furrowed. He was hesitant as he was unsure why Natalie wanted him to do that. Moreover, he did not know whether he should obey or not.

The boy glanced toward Samuel, silently pleading him to give an order.

Samuel narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t you hear what Ms. Nichols said, Franklin?”

Without further hesitation, Franklin gritted his teeth and did as he was told.

After feeling around his stomach, Natalie realized that the child in front of her was faking his stomachache.

She looked into his eyes and maintained eye contact for a few seconds until he lowered his head and averted his gaze.

How could he fake his sickness just to see me? He would get accused of crying wolf if he repeatedly does this. What will happen if he actually falls sick, and the Bowers family ignores him?

Franklin was not sure what to do. The sight of Natalie remaining silent made him even more anxious than he was before.

I’m fine now,” he stuttered. “You’re really my medicine! Just the sight of you made

to expose him. “It

Sophia released breaths of relief after

caressed Franklin’s cheek before turning around to Samuel. “Mr. Bowers, could you kindly get Franklin a

the doorframe, nodded

get the water.

only people remaining in

“Franklin, lying is not the

made Franklin nervous all over again.

her tone serious. “I’m not mad, but I’m definitely disappointed. I care a lot about

immediately fell. He could not even think of anything

head hung low, stood obediently and listened to Natalie’s

sorry, Natalie,”

“Learning from your mistakes is what

After mustering up all his courage, he continued, “Sophia and I would

Sophia was unable to speak, her lively eyes were

receiving end,

With what justification?