Nathalia painted the vision so vividly that Mrs. Davidson was listening attentively and nodding her head now and then.

Mum's spending too much time thinking about the past and worrying about the future. She's not doing anything but living in her mind. That's probably why she's so sad. If we get her occupied, to actually start living life, to do something, then she might stop trapping herself in those sad thoughts. Nathalia thought.

​​

When Mrs. Davidson suddenly remembered that she was supposed to be angry with Nathalia, she said discouragingly, "Huh, it's doomed to lose money."

She realized that her anger had faded and those thoughts were gone, at least for a while, and peace had returned to her mind. She's an odd girl. She thought and was amazed by Nathalia's optimism and how contagious it was.

Nathalia smiled triumphantly, thinking she seems to be tempted, hahaha. I'm sure mum will learn to love me again.

"Well, I don't intend to make money anyway. It's a place for living and enjoying life, not for making money. Think about it, we will have flexible hours. There's no hurry to open or close. We can invite friends over, and we can meet different people. I'm excited."Mum gets upset so easily. It's perhaps because she had closed herself up for too long. Meeting people will do her good.

"Well, it sounds..." Mrs. Davidson was really tempted, and she could actually see herself in the café with a cup of coffee and talking to new friends, but she stopped her wondering and frowned at Nathalia, "Wait, we are here to talk about something serious, not some studio or café!"

Nathalia opened her eyes wide with exaggeration and said seriously, "It is serious! It's about how to spend time, time that constitutes life, this life that we live! It's more than just about a studio or café, it's about the way to live life..." She spoke so proudly and with such confidence that she had somehow made sense of something that was senseless and puzzled Mrs. Davidson badly.

Mrs. Davidson rubbed her head with frustration and said, "Alright, alright. Now get out."

Nathalia smiled cheekily and thought she'd done a good job. "Yes, I will leave now. Oh, just one more thing. Can I ask Zoe to come help at the café? She's such a fantastic cook and makes great coffee!" She said with a grin, waved at Mrs. Davidson, and left. Zoe was one of the maids that worked for them, and she was Nathalia's favorite.

As soon as Nathalia left, Mrs. Davidson slumped into the chair with a headache. She's an odd and clever girl. Will I ever be able to persuade her at all?

When Spencer heard what happened, he was obviously angry with her mother for making such a request, yet at the same time, he was proud of Nathalia's cheekiness.

Nathalia took action right the next day. She had a look around the town center and chose a good spot for her studio/café dream. It's not too far from their house, just about a ten-minute drive away. Nathalia signed the contract and went home to pack.

She got stuck in the closet room for quite a long time. There were too many clothes and shoes to choose from! She picked a dress, had a look in the mirror, uncertain, then picked another one. Oh, I love them all! So difficult to choose. It was the same with the shoes. She had hardly packed anything in half an hour.

Spencer heard that Nathalia was moving out and immediately rushed home. He looked around the house, and when he finally found Nathalia in the closet room, he heaved a sigh and felt relieved, knowing that she was still home. Then he caught sight of the suitcase, and he panicked. She actually meant it!

Instantly, he went and hugged Nathalia from behind. She took the shoes off her hands and said, "Nathalia, don't be silly. You can't move out. Don't worry about mum. She just needs some time, and she will forget about it."

How can she move out without talking with me first? She can't do this to me. Has she forgotten that she's my wife?! Spencer thought sadly and a bit angrily.

Yet to his surprise, Nathalia seemed to be in a good mood. She turned around with a smile and said, "Mum's better now, and I think she should come home soon. She doesn't like it there at the hospital, you know."

Though she hadn't been able to visit, she had been calling the doctor every day to check on Mrs. Davidson and had been praying that she would get better soon.

"Well, then, mum can come home, but you don't have to move out." Spencer almost pleaded. This is our home. Our home.

Nathalia stroked his face gently, her eyes speaking of affection, as well as helplessness, "I will come back. It's a strategy, you see. I'm only making a small compromise now so that we can win the game in the end. Have I ever failed?"

She had thought it over and decided that it would be better for them to separate for some time. Distance creates closeness. Let time and space do their magic.

Spencer grabbed Nathalia's hands tight and said, "I will move out with you, then." He felt guilty for not being able to protect her for having to have her suffer.

Though touched, Nathalia was rational. "Mum needs you the most now. Why don't you spend some time with her? It's not easy for her. I will take care of myself and don't you worry. We can just pretend that I've taken a little holiday away." She said softly with a smile. If Spencer moves out, it will just make mum angrier.

She had taken everything into consideration, perhaps except how Spencer would feel, and decided it was the best solution for now. And Spencer understood it, but it was very difficult for him to accept.

He had grown used to cuddling her to sleep. He couldn't imagine the long nights without her. However, he was also worried about the possibility of his mother falling ill again and dared not take the risk.

"I wish mum could be as strong as you are. Her life would be much happier." Spencer heaved a heavy sigh. And if Nathalia was like mum, she would not have survived the torture from the Carters.

Nathalia smiled playfully and asked, "Should I take it as a compliment?" Spencer picked her up, carried her in his arms, and walked to the bedroom.

"Of course, it's a compliment. My Nathalia is clever, gentle, kind, and so, so, so beautiful! She's absolutely the best!" Spencer grinned.

"Hmm, aren't your words sweet as honey!"Nathalia tapped his lips playfully. Spencer put her down on the bed gently, lay on top of her, and said: "So are my kisses!"

He showered her with passionate kisses as she moaned with pleasure. They made love again and again, and when they finally lay next to each other, both feeling content, Spencer stroked the naked body of Nathalia with his fingertip as she talked to him softly.

He finally agreed to Nathalia's plan, but just before Nathalia was leaving. He packed a suitcase of his own staff quickly.

"What are you doing?" Nathalia was puzzled, and at the same time, amazed by his speed of packing.

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Dearest Lovies,

Mass release day today! Hope you will enjoy the release chapters. Don't forget to vote, comment, and review. Stay safe guys!

Love Lots,

Anna Shannel Lin