When She Rose From the Ashes

322 Old Flames and New Resolve

“I didn’t come here to drink tea,” Natalie said coolly.

100

+6 Free Coin

“I know,” Jensen replied, “but we were together for over five years, and I never once brewed tear for you. Just this once–give me the chance. If you do, no matter what you ask of me afterward, I’ll agree.”

His words only deepened Natalie’s disgust.

“So this is a bargain now?”

Jensen’s hand paused mid–motion.

“How could it be a bargain? Natalie, must we really speak to each other like this?”

Natalie didn’t bother answering.

She turned her head, gazing out at the busy traffic outside the window.

Her heart worried for Baron. She didn’t know how he was doing, whether anyone was giving him trouble.

Jensen noticed her drifting thoughts and felt an ache of disappointment, though he kept it to himself.

With a smile he asked, “Do you want red tea or black tea?”

“Either one is fine.”

him

already decided. If she said red, he’d insist black was better for women. If she said black, he’d counter

choice never mattered–only

countless such moments, Natalie almost laughed

man this controlling never allowed disobedience. In those five years with him,

his past act of saving her,

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14:39 Fri, Oct 3

Old Flames and New

anything.

(100)

+5 Free Coins

it hadn’t been for his cheating, for his lies, maybe her entire life

God she had broken free.

too, but

he was like a loyal golden retriever,

of him warmed

chasing away

then he caught sight of the faint smile curving her

long–since he’d seen her smile gently

pang shot

together, their true moments as a couple

he had allowed it, partly because she was once an unwanted orphan,

status in the company rose, so did his sensitivity

when Natalie never asked to go out, he never invited. Eventually, that villa in Grand Pavilion became

slowly, even that effort vanished.

couldn’t even remember the last time he’d seen