Notice Me, Darling! by Cheap Treasure ( Natalie Shepherd )

Chapter 25 1s He Toying With Her on Purpose 

Natalie lifted her head in confusion “What? 

Henry slowly set down his knife and fork Then, his gaze casually swept over her as he replied, “I see you’ve been struggling for so long. Isn’t it because you want to achieve something? 

“Now that I’ve publicly admitted your status, shouldn’t you stop being unreasonable?” 

He had made that decision partly because he did not want to continue like that with her. It was really exhausting for him. 

On the other hand, Henry wanted those pestering him to give up. 

At that moment, realization dawned upon Natalie. So, that was the reason he had publicly acknowledged her identity. 

It turned out that he just wanted her to stop being unreasonable. However, Natalic believed she was never irrational. 

Yet, she felt suffocated in this marriage. It was as if their union was a chain tying her down. She wanted to escape from it. 

“Henry, about our divorce… “Natalie started. She wanted to reassert her point of view. 

However, there was a hint of warning in Henry’s gaze. “Shut up!” 

His voice was low and deep, yet it carried a strong sense of authority. 

“If you don’t want me to do anything to that house, you should behave. Act like you’re Mrs. Chase! 

“If you make a fuss again, you truly don’t understand what’s best for you.” 

Upon hearing those words, Natalie felt a tightness in her throat. Nevertheless, she could not find the words to speak. 

Did she really have to reconsider the divorce just for that house? 

Then, it would mean that everything she had done in this period would be for nothing. 

Yet, it seemed like Natalie had no choice but to accept it. After all, she could not just stand by and watch people tear down the house. 

Henry was displeased when he saw how she reacted. 

“What’s the matter? Are you upset that we’re not getting a divorce?” 

+15 BONUS 

Natalie immediately composed herself before answering indifferently, “I don’t mind. But aren’t you afraid of upsetting Juliet by doing this? 

“Or are you holding back because you think it’s not the right time to marry her yet?” 

Henry was rendered speechless. He rolled his eyes in irritation and then tossed his cutleries onto the plate. 

“Must you bring up Juliet all the time?” he snapped. 

Natalie pursed her lips and fell silent. After that, she started eating with her head down. 

Everything that had happened on their vacation was beyond her expectations. 

But no matter what, preserving the house was her biggest gain. With that, the heavy burden was lifted off her shoulders. 

After finishing her meal, Natalie said, “I won’t disturb your vacation any longer. I’ll book a ticket and leave the island soon.” 

She still had some unfinished design drafts for the Creative Visions Competition. 

The final submission date was less than two weeks away. Hence, she was feeling a little anxious. 

However, Henry overruled her decision. “Who allowed you to go back?” 

“Since when do I need your permission for that?” Natalie countered. 

Henry took a tissue and elegantly wiped the corners of his mouth. At the same. time, he commanded, “Come with me on a boat trip.“” 

“I’m still…” However, the words “running a fever” got stuck in her throat. In the end, she did not say it out loud. 

Natalie figured there was no need to remind him that she was sick. After all, he would not feel sorry for her just because of this. 

“What?” Henry looked at her with a puzzled expression. 

Natalie responded with a sense of resignation, “It’s nothing. Aren’t you going on a boat trip? Let’s go, then.” 

Henry finally flashed a satisfied smile at her. He rose to his feet but did not leave right away. 

+15 BONUS 

Instead, he silently looked at Natalie. 

Under his gaze, she felt uneasy. “What are you doing?” 

“Link arms with me!” Henry demanded while shooting her a sideways glance. 

Was Natalie missing a few screws? He had already lifted his arm, so how could she not understand? 

It was only then that Natalie noticed the subtle movement of his arm. 

In the past, she would initiate to link arms with Henry. However, he would push her hand away every time. 

Although he was giving her such an opportunity at that moment, she could not feel any happiness. 

In fact, an intimate gesture like that made Natalie somewhat uncomfortable. 

She didn’t link arms with him. “There’s no need for this, right?” 

So, Henry simply took her hand and linked their arms. Just as Natalie was about to say something, he beat her to it and commented, “There are reporters around. 

At the very least, we must ensure our act is convincing. This way, my grandfather and the others won’t bother me again.” 

Natalie glanced at her hand that was on his arm. She could not help but feel a sense of mockery within her. 

It was true that everything he did was never for her. But since this was what he wanted, she would comply. 

Soon, they departed and headed to the beach. 

However, the sea breeze did not make Natalie feel any better. Instead, she felt even drowsier. 

This was probably her first time going out to have fun with Henry. Back then, when they got married, they didn’t take any wedding or pre–wedding photos. 

Most importantly, there was no honeymoon. 

She had brought up the idea of going on a honeymoon many times. But his response was always scornful. 

“A honeymoon is meant for going with the person you love. Are you worthy of a honeymoon with me?” 

Natalie didn’t expect that he would take her to the beach today. As she looked at 

+15 BONUS 

Before she drifted off to sleep, she faintly felt a hand touching her forehead. It seemed like the person was checking her temperature. 

She opened her eyes slightly. In her groggy state, Natalie saw Henry’s face. 

Could it be that he was worried about her? Did he remember that she was running a fever? 

But Natalie did not have time to think about it. Immediately afterward, she fell asleep. Then, her head subconsciously leaned against Henry’s shoulder. 

Perhaps because of the fever, her face was flushed. Her eyelashes drooped down. At that moment, she appeared meek. 

Seeing Natalie in that state, an indescribable feeling welled up within Henry. 

He hurriedly instructed, “Turn around. We’re going back to the hotel.” 

She had a fever. Hence, staying on the boat in the sea breeze was not wise. That night, Natalie managed to get a rare, peaceful sleep.. 

The next day, a phone call woke her up. She dazedly picked up her phone and answered, “Hello.” 

“Ms. Shepherd, you know your house has been demolished, right?” It was the buyer who had purchased the Shepherd family home. 

Upon hearing those words, Natalie’s sleepiness dissipated instantly. She abruptly sat up. “What? It’s demolished?” 

She could not believe her ears. How was that possible? Didn’t Henry promise her he wouldn’t do anything to the house? 

Natalie had genuinely thought that this matter had been put to rest. After being informed of the news, she was in a state of shock. 

“Yes, I was afraid you didn’t know, so I wanted to tell you,” the person answered. 

The caller added, “The construction team arrived this morning to tear down the house.” 

Natalie opened her mouth, but she was at a loss for words. How could this happen? What on earth went wrong? 

But other than Henry, who else could have the right to do something to the house? Why did he go back on his word? Was he toying with her on purpose? 

+15 BONUS 

Chapter 26 Nothing Left to Lose