Spencer was not just anybody to her. He was her love, her soulmate, her support, and her home. It was him who told and gave her the courage to love again despite the pain and obstacles.

It was him that help her believe that there was real love and hope in the world, that the world was just made of darkness and betrayal. It was him that helped her understand that love can conquer any dark force. He was the one that loved her more than his own life, the one that would do anything to protect her.

​​

It was only with him when she felt content and happy.

How could she leave him?

Mrs. Davidson turned stern and said, "This is the only one thing I'm asking you. Life won't be the same anymore. It will just be miserable, and we will grow to hate each other. Why don't you leave in peace now?" She had to admit to herself that it wasn't an easy choice for her to make either. She might even regret it one day, but she had to ask Nathalia to leave now. She couldn't take it anymore, being reminded of Nathalia's mother.

Tears filled Nathalia's eyes. To leave in peace now? I can't leave. Peace doesn't exist without love. I want our future, the future with Spencer.

She took a deep breath to calm herself down and said quietly, "Mum, I want to hear Curt's explanation. If my mother didn't interfere with your marriage, I hope you can stop hating her; and if she did, then I..."

No one knew better what had actually happened than Curt himself, yet he didn't even explain anything. He had not shown up once to see Sue or anyone. Nathalia couldn't understand. Shouldn't he take the responsibility? Doesn't he owe her wife and her son an explanation?! Everyone's in pain now. But where's he? Shouldn't he do something?! I hate his irresponsibility.

Nathalia paused, hesitating.

Mrs. Davidson frowned and pursued, "Then you will leave Spencer?" In fact, Mrs. Davidson wanted to know the truth and the details as well, though, at the same time, she was scared of finding out. However, she couldn't stop guessing and wondering either. She felt like she was stuck in a dilemma.

Nathalia looked up, facing Mrs. Davidson, her eyes speaking fearlessness and hope, "No. I won't leave Spencer, but I will make it up for my mother and look after you. Surely, you can treat me, however, you want, but I will stay and be good for you." She said it with confidence as if she had suddenly found the courage to fight an invisible battle.

As long as I can be with Spencer, I'm not afraid. There's always hope. There's always a way out. She thought to herself.

Mrs. Davidson heaved a heavy sigh. She used to love Nathalia for her strong-mind, for not giving up, for her bravery, but now she found it annoying. "So, you just won't leave Spencer?"

"Right." Nathalia felt lighter and more confident, speaking out her mind. "We are married. We are a husband and wife. Mum, do you know what that means? It means we will never forsake each other, be it thick or thin, pain or joy. Even death won't set us apart."

"Alright, alright. Enough. I don't want to hear this." Nathalia's words had somehow hurt Mrs. Davidson's feelings. It was like reminding her of something that she didn't have or was about to lose. "I will ask you one last time. Will you leave Spencer or not?"

Nathalia shook her head silently. I will never leave him.

Mrs. Davidson had tried to be stern and tried to be gentle, but Nathalia still wouldn't accept her request. In despair, Mrs. Davidson stood up angrily, pointed at the door, and glared at Nathalia. "Get out. You two can do whatever you want. He's not my son anymore. I don't want to see you two again."

In the past few days, she had tried every way she could to persuade Spencer, but only to learn that it was useless. Spencer even stormed out of the room a few times. So she thought she had to change her strategy and asked Nathalia instead. However, Spencer and Nathalia seemed to have made an agreement, and neither would listen to her at all.

Nathalia pouted her lips, feeling hurt. Sadly, she said, "Mum, you are being silly. This is exactly what Emma wants. She wants to set us apart so that everyone has to suffer as she does. She can't have what we have, so she wants to destroy it. Don't you understand?"

It was true what Nathalia said. And Mrs. Davidson did understand, but she couldn't handle her own emotions. "Of course I do, but it's painful to see you. Do you understand? I can't stand it." She couldn't help wondering what Nathalia's mother was like if Nathalia resembled her mother? And the more she thought about it, the angrier she got.

She still loved Curt. She hadn't let it go, even though she was to divorce him. The love she had for him was too heavy to leave behind.

Nathalia came up with an idea and said cheerfully, "Well, that's an easy problem to solve. I will move out, and you and Spencer stay, so we can avoid seeing each other, right?" Time will heal. She told herself. Mum will love me again.

"Huh?" Mrs. Davidson wanted to retort but couldn't find a good reason. Helplessly, she said, "You are so stubborn! I really don't like you."She stomped her feet like a frustrated child.

Nathalia couldn't help finding her lovely, and she chuckled and said, "But I really like you!"

One was frustrated with anger, and the other smiling brightly.

"I…" Mrs. Davidson couldn't find her tongue, her thoughts all tangled up now, and feeling defeated, she pointed at the door again and shouted, "Get out."

Worried that Mrs. Davidson would get too emotional, Nathalia said timidly, "Alright. So that's sorted then. I will move out. But where shall I live? Hmm." She paused a little bit and continued cheekily, "Mum, why don't you buy me a little studio."

A little studio? Mrs. Davidson was puzzled and startled. She has all the money to buy anything she wants. A little studio?

Nathalia saw the puzzled look on Mrs. Davidson's face and said with a smile, "You know, a little place where I can live and open a café that makes the best coffee and sells books and flowers. Isn't it wonderful? Living with beautiful flowers, books, oh, and the smell of coffee!" Nathalia said excitedly.

Mrs. Davidson couldn't help picturing it and enjoyed what she saw in her mind for a good while. Then she suddenly awoke from her thoughts and said sternly, "Huh! Why should I? You wish!"

Nathalia chuckled cheekily. "Ok. I will buy it myself. But you know you are very welcome to come and help or just to have a coffee whenever you like. Imagine sunbathing with a cup of coffee, a delicious cake, and a good book. How wonderful it will be!"

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Dearest Lovies,

Merry Christmas everyone and A prosperous New Year to come! It's Friday, mass release reward day. This novel will end soon and hopefully, you guys still support my other novels posted on this platform.

Wishing you all safe and sound! Don't forget to vote and review. Thanks also for those generous gift that you guys given to this book.

Love lots,

Anna Shannel Lin