As darkness fell over the Larson family mansion, Natalie lay comfortably with her head resting on Brandon’s lap, engrossed. in the latest celebrity buzz on her phone. Vivi’s scandal had skyrocketed to the top three trending topics. A single tap on any headline revealed a cascade of negative gossip and sordid revelations about her, Natalie aimlessly opened one such article. detailing Vivi’s reprehensible past, from her bullying antics in middle school to physically assaulting her assistant as a budding Internet sensation.
With a sigh, Natalie mused, “Vivi, in all her glamor, has done some deplorable deeds. As a public figure, she should have valued her reputation, but she consistently chose the path of wrongdoing.” Brandon glanced at the phone screen, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. “Evil doers can never truly mask their decay, regardless of the glitzy facade they uphold,” he scoffed.
Natalie wholeheartedly concurred, “If she had avoided mischief and focused on her career, she might have accomplished something. Now, she has no one to blame for her downfall but herself.” Mid- conversation, Natalie’s phone buzzed with an incoming video call from Laney.
As soon as she picked up, a concerned Laney inquired from the other end,
“Natalie, how are things with Vivi’s scandal? Is there anything I can do to help?”
With a reassuring smile, Natalie responded, “Don’t fret, everything’s under control. How have you been? Is Garrett keeping up the good work?”
Just as Laney finished speaking, a familiar figure appeared behind her. The man, dressed in casual home attire, adeptly held and fed a baby.
Natalie recognized the man and, with a chuckle, teased, “Garrett, | never expected you to become so proficient at caring for a baby. You seem to have mastered holding and feeding her.”
Cradling his daughter, Garrett wasn’t taken aback by Natalie’s jibe. Instead, he wore a proud smile, proclaiming, “Exactly! I’m on the path to becoming an exceptional dad. My little girl has already taken a liking to me.”
Slyly, he glanced towards Brandon, taking the opportunity to boast “Having a daughter is a wonderful thing. She’s so adorable and clingy.”
Brandon remained stoic, offering Garrett a simple response. “Piss off.”
With a helpless tap on Garrett’s head, Laney chided, “Behave. You’ve only been looking after the baby for a few days. Don’t let it go to your head. You’re not off the hook yet.”
Despite her words, the joy and tenderness in Laney’s eyes were unmistakable.
Observing the warm interaction among the duo, Natalie felt genuinely happy for Laney. It was hard to believe that Garrett, once a wealthy playboy who reveled in a glamorous lifestyle, was now a responsible father, personally taking care of his child.
Perhaps the familial bond, along with Garrett’s attentive care, had endeared Anya to him.
Yet, Natalie noticed that Laney still seemed somewhat distant from Garrett, hinting that their reconciliation was not yet complete. With this in mind, Natalie inquired, “Laney, when do you plan to forgive him?”
Laney shot Garrett a sidelong glance and deflected, “We’ll discuss that later. If you’re free, come over and visit Anya. I think you’re the best choice to be her godmother.”
Sensing Laney’s reluctance to continue on the topic, Natalie wisely pivoted, “Sounds perfect! I’ve been eager to become Anya’s godmother.”
While observing the video of the sweet and tender Anya, Natalie and Brandon exchanged a knowing smile, silently acknowledging their mutual yearning for a child.
After ending the call, Natalie promptly broached the subject of undergoing a medical check-up. “Shall we get our tests done tomorrow?” she suggested. “We need to be prepared if we’re planning to have a baby.”
The desire to become a father had been stirring within Brandon, especially during Garrett’s boastful display. Upon hearing Natalie’s proposal about the physical examination, he swiftly nodded in agreement and promptly began organizing everything necessary.
The next morning, Natalie was still sound asleep when Brandon pulled her out from the covers. His voice sounded low and deep in her ear as he coaxed her out of her peaceful slumber, “Wake up. We need to go to the hospital for a check-up, remember?” Natalie rubbed her bleary eyes, still half-asleep. A yawn came from her as she playfully answered, “I don’t want to get up.” Brandon’s lips curved into an indulgent smile. He pinched her face affectionately and reminded her, “Don’t you want to have a baby soon?”
Natalie’s eyes had drifted close as sleep lured her back, but her brows furrowed at his words. “Is that all you care about? When the baby comes, will you only think about them?”
Brandon pulled her closer and whispered, “That shouldn’t even be a question. You’ll always be the most precious person to me. You can go back to sleep if you’re still sleepy. We can go another time.”
Natalie opened her eyes at that, cracking a smile. The truth was that she was also eager to have the check-up, but she wanted to bask in her husband’s affection first.
His answer seemingly satisfied her, and she grinned, “Good answer. Come on, let’s go to the hospital!”
The limo ground to a smooth halt at the hospital entrance. Frank was with the top doctor, waiting by the gate. They saw Brandon and Natalie getting out of the car and walked over to them. But before they could reach the two, a disheveled woman came from nowhere and knelt down in front of Natalie.
The sudden appearance startled her. The woman broke into tears and begged repeatedly, “Please! I won’t do it again. Please forgive me.”
Natalie had not recognized her at first, but her voice was unmistakable. The woman who was now a sobbing mess as she desperately pleaded was the once haughty Vivi.
Natalie was yet to answer, and Vivi crawled over, trying to hold on to her leg. “I’m begging you, Miss White. I swear I’ll never bother you again.”
The next moment, Brandon had stepped forward, pulling Natalie back protectively. His face had darkened at the crying woman. “What do you want?”
Natalie asked, her face twisting into a frown. “You brought this on yourself. It’s none of my business.”
With Brandon standing watchfully beside her, Vivi didn’t dare come closer to Natalie.
She remained kneeling, not ceasing her frantic pleas.
“You’re right. It’s my fault. I know it was all because of me. I won’t ever do it again. Please, Miss White. Have some mercy! You’re a dignified lady, and I’m just a commoner. Please have some compassion for me.”
New Book: Beginning with a Daring Encounter
Celsie was tired of being labeled as an introvert, workaholic, and dull virgin by her friends. Determined to prove them wrong, she made a bet that she would do something daring on her 25th birthday. Now that the day had arrived, it was time to fulfill her promise. On her daring to-do list, there was one task: a one-night stand with someone.
Leave a Reply