Chapter 415


    The flowers were undeniably beautiful, yet Natalie felt no joy receiving them. A coldness settled in


    her heart.


    Shaking off her thoughts, she changed her shoes and entered just as Jeremy emerged with a


    freshly prepared dish.


    “Inded this afternoon,” Jeremy said with a gentle smile. “Then, I handled some business at the


    company before I rushed back home. It’s been a while since I cooked. Come try this.”


    “Okay,” Natalie said, searching his expression for clues.


    But Jeremy was an enigma. If he didn’t want something known, it remained a secret. His thoughts


    were buried deep, his true feelings impossible to discern.


    Once, this inscrutability had been a source of admiration. His love, she believed, was enough. It had


    been palpable. Now, however…


    Jeremy still seemed the same, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her. But…


    A direct confrontation wouldn’t work. Natalie knew his acting skills were wless. He’d weave a


    convincing web, leaving no trace of his deception.


    Jeremy’s smile vanished as she excused herself to wash her hands, reced by a dark glint in his


    eyes. He knew his neglect had hurt her.


    He’d been too busy in the past to see her for months at a time, but the panic gnawing at him now


    was new. He wondered if his anxiety stemmed from Austin. All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Halfway through the meal, Natalie pushed away her te. “Sorry, I had a sandwich on the way


    home. I didn’t know you wereing back and that you would cook dinner. I’m not really hungry.”


    It was true. Her appetite had dwindledtely, but she wasn’t keen on skipping meals. Spotting a


    long line at a sandwich shop, she impulsively bought two and finished them on her way home.


    O


    Jeremy’s gaze darkened slightly, but his tone remained gentle. “Alright. If you’re not hungry, don’t


    force it. I wanted to discuss something.”


    A flicker of hope ignited in Natalie. Could he be confessing? The reason didn’t matter. She’d


    believe him.


    “Quit your job. I can help you open a flower shop or a café if you want to work. The choice is


    yours,” Jeremy stated firmly.


    He offered post–resignation options without even asking whether she wanted to quit.


    Natalie’s face paled. Mustering a smile, she said, “Ldon’t want to quit yet. It’s a new job, and


    leaving now would be irresponsible. Besides, I like it.”


    Whether it was Austin or Hank, they were supportive, even with her mistakes.


    Jeremy’s gaze turned icy. “Look at me, Nath.


    2/2


    Natalie took a deep breath and met his gaze.


    After a moment, Jeremy spoke softly, “I remember when you first started college, you said you


    wanted to open your own flower shop. I’m giving you the opportunity now. Why the change of


    heart?”


    “People’s desires change with time. I enjoy my work environment now. Maybe I’ll want to open a


    shopter, but not right now.” Natalie was resolute. She wouldn’t budge for anyone.


    Unless she quit or Austin fired her, she was determined to stay.


    Jeremy suddenly realized how much he had neglected Natalie. She no longer saw him as important


    as


    before.


    Realizing this, Jeremy found it hard to breathe. He responded heavily, “Alright, we’ll talk about it


    later.’


    He had ways to make Natalie quit her job.