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.”

knew him too

If

choice never mattered–only

to countless such moments,

never allowed disobedience. In those five years with

endured it because of his past act of saving her, convincing herself she could

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14:39 Fri, Oct 3

322 Old Flames and

anything.

(100)

+5 Free Coins

for his cheating, for his lies, maybe her

had broken free.

strong too,

a loyal golden retriever, constantly seeking

him warmed her

chasing away the darkness

about to complain about her indifference, but then he caught sight of the faint smile curving her

been so long–so long–since he’d seen her smile gently

pang shot through

together, their true moments as a couple were

she was once an unwanted orphan, while he was president of Luke Corp. Bringing her along had always

loved her, yes, but as his status in the company

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

even that effort vanished.

time he’d seen her smile like this. Two years ago?