ht High

ie whispered softly as Aver

ingering effects of her sleepless night. "

u?" Natalie asked, conc

ack and pulling out her English textbook. "I k

hot her a threatening glare. "Avery Daniels, woul

eling a surge of embarrassment. "

van and the unanswered message on her phone. The bell finally rang, signaling

nd I'm sure he'll get back to you," she said, trying to reassure Avery. "My mom told me

"Right, I noticed Max isn't in school today,"

teasingly accusatory. "You

g Max's number once again. But it went straight to v

fine," she said sof

e, this time suggesting they grab something

up shop just a couple of blocks away from their sc

lied, pouting her lips as she

r to place their order. They were served with two large bow

slowly as she began to eat her soup. Natalie sat do

etched on her face. "Is it, Mr. Benson, or is

placed her hand over Natalie's mouth. "Lower your vo

closer. "Calm down! I didn't even mention his name, and I think it's time you let him know how you

longing. "I'm scared," she whispered. "What if he doesn't lik

you're right anyway. I don't think it's right you tell him, considering you,

a chord within her. She felt a pang of disappoin

th her when he finds out abou

loomy thoughts. She checked the caller ID, and her heart skipp

ry exclaimed, he

ked, her eyes narr

eplied, feeling a shiv

ick up the phone, and A

cold voice said into the phone before h

, concern etched on her face as s

her drink before speaking

urging Avery to leave already

kiss on Natalie's cheek before ta

..

waited for Avery's arrival. At that moment, he heard a knoc

as he turned serious again. The tinted window rolled do

to the car. As she settled into th

yebrow. 'Are you

y. 'Sir, I have somethi

with agreement papers drafted by

es widened as she came across a clause about getting pregnant throug

er name on the dotted line before handing it back to E

an eyebrow. '

fused. 'I just wanted to know what

. 'Time? You're movi

at! My mom is all I have left, and she's sick in the h

ady arranged for a caretaker. No distractions

thoughtfully

've already signed those papers, the contract has tak