10.25 Mon, Aug 26
Chapter 162
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Natalie and Josh wrapped up breakfast, took their medicine, and then they tackled the paperwork to check out of the hospital. Soon after, they were in the car, on their way home.
Once back at Galaxy Manor, Josh, concerned for Natalie’s comfort, suggested she keep resting in bed.
Yet, Natalie, not quite sleepy, chose to lounge with a book.
Josh glanced at the bottom drawer of the bedside table. He remembered Spencer mentioning that was where he found the birth control pills.
After a brief pause, Josh settled beside her on the bed, a shadow of regret moving across his He then broke the silence. “Sorry, baby.”
Looking up in confusion, Natalie inquired, “Why are you apologizing?”
“Because… You landed in the hospital on account of me,” Josh confessed.
eyes.
With a small smile, Natalie assured him, “It’s not your fault. You’ll just be more careful next time.” Natalie could grasp Josh’s perspective. Her brother, Charles, had his first romantic encounters in his teens, so it was indeed a shocking revelation to learn of Josh’s three–decade virginity.
After all, men like Josh were a rare find among the affluent and privileged circles.
Ensuring she was comfortable, Josh tucked Natalie in, softly stating with a smile, “Rest up in here, Babe. I’m off to the study to sort out some work. If anything bothers you, call me right away.”
“Alright,” Natalie acknowledged.
Josh then rose, stepped out, and gently closed the door behind him. However, instead of going to the study, he went downstairs.
Upon seeing Josh, Spencer approached and informed him, “Mr. Franco, no need to worry. Those pills have been replaced with vitamins that look and taste quite similar.”
Josh responded with a nod, his gaze deepening in contemplation.
The previous night, following the end of a phone call, Josh lingered outside the hospital room. It was only after the last light was extinguished that he stepped back into the room.
Dianna had posed a question to him: How could a woman not be willing to bear children for the man she loved?
Josh had taken it to heart, thinking Natalie did not love him.
However, Josh also knew Natalie harbored a deeply rooted defense, always on edge, afraid of getting hurt, thus never fully opening up to anyone
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Chapter 162
That was alright by Josh. His love alone for Natalie was plentiful.
Children weren’t a necessity in his eyes. The eagerness for offspring cluded many who didn’t know the breadth of struggle and sacrifice a mother endures from conception to birth. Josh was averse to Natalie bearing such burdens solo.
In his mind, things were perfect just as they were.
Over the next few days, Natalie remained at Galaxy Manor to rest. Josh, not too swamped with work, spent his free time keeping her company.
In this case, Natalie increasingly relied on him during this time.
Time flew, and soon, Elizabeth’s sanctioned holiday for Natalie was nearing its end. It was time for Natalie to return to work.
On her first day back, as usual, Josh drove Natalie to Scott Group’s building.
Like a doting father, he carefully adjusted every detail of Natalie’s appearance, even her hair, until she was perfectly presentable. Then he patted her head, looked her in the eyes, and asked earnestly, “Natalie, now I need to ask you a very serious question.”
“What?” Natalie blinked her beautiful, puzzled eyes.
Josh caressed her cheek with a gentle smile and inquired, “Nat? What will you do if any male colleagues flirt with you at work?”
A sudden cough erupted from Martin, who almost choked, thinking to himself, ‘Is this Mr. President’s serious question?‘
Natalie met his concerned gaze and responded dutifully, “I’ll tell them I’m married.”
Content with her answer, Josh bent over and planted a kiss on her cheek, “That’s my girl.”
He remembered the hungry eyes at the bar just days before and added a caution, “And if anyone tries to harass you…”
“That won’t happen,” Natalie assured softly, “Elizabeth’s company is strictly managed, and no one will dare to do such a thing.”
Josh hoped that would be the case and said with a smile, “Alright, go on in.”
Natalie picked up her bag and went inside the building. Josh stood watching her until she disappeared from view, then reluctantly made his way back to his car.
Behind him, Martin chuckled to himself, ‘Mr. President fusses over Mrs. Franco like she’s heading off to her first day of school, not just to work!‘
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