Chatper 106


    Chapter 106


    “Ma’am, I thought Nate should take it easy today. He’s not supposed to be running around with his


    banged–up shin.” The teacher said.


    Natalie froze for a moment, ncing down at Nate by her side. But Nate just yed the innocent, tilting


    his head up at Natalie with a goofy grin spreading across his face.


    Natalie could feel a headacheing on. The kid had lied to her. But she knew pride started young,


    and to scold him in front of everyone would be too shaming for a three–year–old.


    “Well,” She looked up, offering the teacher a small smile. “Nate was feeling bored at home and wanted


    toe and watch the other kids for a bit.”


    “Well, that’s fine. There are activities Nate can join in on that don’t require running,” the teacher mused,


    nodding in agreement.


    Natalie found a small stool and settled Nate down in a shaded spot to watch the other children parade


    into the field by ss.


    When they were finally alone, Natalie turned to Nate, her voice gentle but firm. “Nate, you know it’s not


    okay to lie. Hasn’t your dad taught you that?”


    Nate fidgeted, his little hands twisting at his shorts, and gave a nod with a quiet “Mm–hmm.”


    “Did you sneak Reid’s phone yesterday to video call me?” she continued to probe.


    Nate nced up at Natalie, but seeing her serious expression, he mmed up.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.


    “You didn’t tell Dad or Reid that your teacher said you didn’t have toe to the field day, did you?”


    Natalie pressed.


    Silence was Nate’s only answer. It was clear to her. The boy had tricked her intoing.


    She debated whether to call Reid to take Nate back home, but if she kept quiet, she’d beplicit in


    his lie. That would be wrong, setting a bad example that lying was okay.


    “I missed you, Natalie.” As she was about to speak, Nate suddenly caught one of Natalie’s fingers with


    his tiny hand, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Natalie looked down, locking eyes with a guilt–ridden Nate. Her heart softened in an instant.


    After a moment, she sighed quietly, turned Nate to face her, and gently pinched his chubby cheek. “You


    know lying is wrong, right?”


    “I know,” Nate replied obediently.


    Suddenly, Natalie wasn’t sure how to continue. She couldn’t bring herself to scold him outright. Finally,


    she spoke softly, “Next time you miss me, just say so. And no more lies. And after the field day kicks


    off, we’re heading home. That’s your punishment for knowing better but doing it anyway.”


    “Natalie, what does knowing better mean?” Nate asked his face a picture of confusion.


    Natalle started to exin but saw a man in a sharp suit standing not far off, watching her and Nate


    quietly.


    “Knowing better is


    Knowing better was like she knew Brian looked down on and despised her, yet she always softened for


    the sake of the child, appearing where she shouldn’t be.


    Since Brian had arrived, she figured it was her cue to leave.


    She set Nate down, reached for her beg on the ground, and was ready to walk away.


    But just as she took a step. Nate grabbed the hem of her clothes, his bright eyes pleading as he


    hugged her leg. “Natalie, don’t g→→→


    “Nate, I’ve got things to do, and now that Ded’s here, you should go with him,” Natalie smiled gently


    and said to Nete.


    “If he wants to be part of the field day, let him stay,” Brian’s soft voice came as he approached.


    *I have othermitments.” Natalie responded indifferently without looking at Brian.


    Keeping the peace before Nate was herpromise, even if it meant not arguing with Brian.