Wife by Day, Boss by Night by Thalia Quillspeak

Chapter 38

When Natalie got home, she was feeling tired again. The last couple of days had been rough with her relatives visiting. It was a recurring nightmare every time they showed up over the

past three years.

If it hadn’t been for Nate, she would have gladly stayed indoors the entire time.

She made herself a cup of hot chocolate to soothe her pains and crashed on the couch. As the warmth offered a faint comfort, she slipped into a restless sleep.

“…your guardian has to come, it’s mandatory,” the voice echoed in her hazy dreamn, transporting her back to when she was fifteen.

The teacher had been insistent. One of her parents had to show up.

“There’s no way I’m going to that parent–teacher conference. You’re not even a Wright anymore. Let your mom handle it.” came Samuel’s irritable voice over the phone.

Natalie gripped the receiver, her silence lasting a few seconds before she spoke, “My mom… she left the country a couple of days ago. It wouldn’t be right to ask Kenneth to go.”

your dad now. Stop bugging me

of the phone booth, a relic in an age where almost everyone carried

booth?” a group of snickering girls from her class passed by, stinging their

kept silent. Her silence seemed to irk the girls, who took it as a slight. They couldn’t understand why Natalie, whose mother was rumored to be

with that guy for ten years without marrying him. What’s she so proud

wants her. She doesn’t even have anyone to show up for a

out early at four, and students had brought their parents

her head slightly bowed, she made her way

whispers and taunts continuing

once a week. Her bag was so heavy it left red marks on her hands, her

to cross to the bus stop on the other side, she hesitated.

Chapter 38

in front of

behind Natalie before turning his attention to her and asked sternly. “Why didn’t you tell me about the parent–teacher

her bag, Natalie took a few seconds before softly calling out