Chapter 2
Natalie took a deep breath and gently unsealed the envelope.
Inside was Colton’s familiar, passionate handwriting.
Natalie, how’s the baby? I’m away on duty, and I miss you terribly.
I hope you and the baby are both doing well. This letter may be short, but my love is endless. A thousand kisses.
He missed her. Loved her. Kissed her.
As Natalie read the words, tears slipped out even as she smiled.
A few minutes later, she wiped her face, turned around, and walked straight into the hospital.
The first thing she did: schedule a termination appointment.
The second: submit her application to the Lexington Ballet Academy.
“Miss Sinclair,” Director Grant paused, watching her carefully. “You know this is a permanent program. Once you graduate, you’ll stay and work overseas. If you go, coming back won’t be easy.”
“I know,” she said.
He hesitated, noticing the puffiness around her eyes, but in the end, said nothing.
“If it is approved, you’ll be flying out in ten days. Be sure to tell your parents and your… husband.”
“All right.”
Without hesitation, Natalie signed the agreement.
It was already evening when she returned home. The moment she pushed the door open, laughter and cheerful voices poured out from the living room.
She followed the sound and saw Colton sitting on the sofa, cradling the sleeping baby in his arms with the utmost care.
This was the same man who’d stared down enemies with a gun to his head and never flinched—now, even the baby stirred slightly and he tensed up in panic.
Her mother came out of the kitchen holding a bowl of chicken soup, feeding it to Clarissa one spoonful at a time.
Clarissa took a few sips, then puckered her lips. “Mom, it’s too greasy. I can’t finish it.”
Their father pulled a few milk candies out of his pocket, coaxing her like a child.
“Be good. Finish it and I’ll give you a treat.”
“You’re not a kid anymore,” their mother chuckled. “Still acting spoiled.”
Natalie stood frozen at the door, her legs as heavy as lead. She couldn’t take a single step forward.
“Natalie?” Colton finally noticed her. He handed the baby off to Clarissa and rushed over to embrace her.
His voice was gentle, full of concern. “Why are you just getting home? You look pale. Is the baby giving you a hard time?”
He was caring, just like always.
Natalie said nothing. She just turned to look at Clarissa, her gaze steady.
The warmth in the room vanished the moment Natalie walked in.
Their father cleared his throat.
“Clarissa’s had a rough few years. She fell in with the wrong people, wandered too long without help.”
“She made some foolish choices and had a child out of wedlock. The baby’s so little—I’ve decided they’ll stay here for a while.”
Their mother chimed in. “That child is innocent. He’s been dragged around enough. I can’t bear to watch.”
Clarissa rose with the baby in her arms, voice barely above a whisper.
“Nat, I was foolish before. I did so many things that hurt you. Please… for Mom and Dad’s sake—let us stay.”
Natalie didn’t respond. She turned her head toward Colton. “They’ve made their decision. What about you? What do you think?”
All this time, his eyes had never left Clarissa and the baby. Only now did he finally look away.
“It’s up to you,” he said softly. “Whatever you decide, I’ll stand by you.”
Of course. He supported her.
Natalie let out a laugh. “Then let them stay. The whole family’s back together now.”
The tension in the room instantly eased.
Her parents both sighed in relief. Her mother scooped the baby into her arms. “Good. I’ll help them settle in. Can’t have just anyone handling a newborn.”
Her father stood up. “I’ll tell Hattie to prepare a postpartum meal for Clarissa—make sure it’s something light.”
Colton said nothing. He handed Natalie a cup of warm tea, gently patting her back.
She knew this touch well—it was his usual way of offering comfort.
But the peace didn’t last.
Soon, delivery men came knocking, one after another.
Toys, formula, diapers—even a top-tier breast pump shipped from overseas.
The workers held boxes marked entirely in English, asking which room to set up the crib in.
Natalie bent down and picked up a delivery invoice that had fallen on the floor. She stared at the name in bold print.
And smiled.
Without a word, Colton walked over, snatched the slip from her hands. “Too noisy out here with all these people. I’ll take you to your room to rest.”
Natalie followed his lead.
Back in the room, Colton tucked her in carefully before straightening up.
“There’s still duck stew simmering in the kitchen. If I don’t go check the stove, you’ll miss out.”
“I’ll only be a minute.”
Natalie’s gaze pierced through him. After a moment, she nodded. “Go on. No rush.”
She watched him leave, heading straight for Clarissa’s room.
Strangely, she didn’t feel a thing.
What was the point of holding onto someone who never truly belonged to her?
Natalie looked away, rose from bed, and quietly began to pack.
One by one, everything related to Colton disappeared into the suitcase.
The more she cleared, the lighter she felt.
Suddenly, the door swung open.
Colton and Clarissa stood at the threshold.
His eyes stopped on the suitcase in her hands. “What are you packing for?”
Natalie calmly shut the lid. “Something wrong?”
He hesitated, then said, “Mom thinks the east-facing room doesn’t get enough sun. It’s not great for the baby.”
Crying echoed from down the hall. Mrs. Sinclair entered, cradling the infant gently.
“Sweetheart, your room gets more sun and has more space. It’s perfect for the baby’s things.”
“Clarissa and the baby will move in here. I’ll buy you a new house later.”
Natalie looked at the people before her.
Clarissa stood behind Colton, eyes lowered, feigning fear.
Colton, without even realizing it, had stepped forward, shielding her—as if Natalie were something dangerous.
“No need,” Natalie said softly. “It’s just a room. Give it to her.”
