Natasha pursed her lips and kept her gaze trained on them. “I know a lot of things have happened recently, and there are some things I haven't told you, which you must be very curious about. That being said, I need you to understand that I have my reasons for not telling you everything. I'm aware of how amazing you three are, but that doesn't mean you can solve everything by yourselves. As such, I hope that you can give the adults some space, and when the time's right, I'll tell you everything.”
It had been a long time since she had spoken to the kids in such a serious tone. After saying her piece, all three of them stared at her and were at a loss for words.
It wasn't a while later that Denise asked, “Nat, what exactly is it that you can't tell us?”
Natasha gazed at her daughter and simply pursed her lips, keeping mum.
Benjamin chimed in, “Nat, we're only asking because we're worried.”
Natasha looked at her kids. Her long lashes trembled ever so slightly when she said, “I know. Feeling worried is an instinct. That's why I'm telling you all this in hopes that you can be a bit more patient.”
“Nat, you really can't tell us the truth?” Anthony asked.
Natasha gazed at her son and a slight smile spread across her lips. “Anthony, you have always been the one who understands me the most, so I'm sure you know what I'm getting at.”
Anthony lowered his eyes, for he indeed knew his mother well.
I know that Nat's saying all this to make it clear that she's not going to tell us the truth and that we shouldn't be looking into this matter anymore.
With that thought in mind, Anthony, who had always listened to Natasha's every request, complied. He nodded and stopped pushing the issue further. “All right, I get it. I'll stop questioning Thalia about this.”
When Natasha heard that, she clarified, “What I want is for you to stop whatever investigation you had that is going on.”
Anthony nodded again. “Okay. I understand.”
Staring at his brother, Benjamin furrowed his brows. “Tony...”
He knew that Anthony wasn't joking around when he promised Natasha to stop investigating and that he would very much honor his promise.
“Listen to Nat. As long as she's happy, I'm fine with anything,” Anthony uttered.
To that, Natasha said, “Then, I hope you guys can live a happier life at this age or perhaps spend all your energy on doing the things you like.”
Anthony raised his head and looked at his mother before nodding with a smile. “Okay.”
Seeing that, Benjamin and Denise stopped insisting and fell silent.
Noticing their gloomy mood, Natasha cocked her head at them and probed, “What's wrong? Are you guys sulking?”
“I just feel like we're so close to the truth, only to dump all our efforts down the drain because you said so. One word from you is all it takes to get Tony to listen to you.” Although Benjamin's voice was soft, but every word he said was clear.
“Benjamin!” Anthony turned to look at his brother.
Benjamin lowered his gaze and stopped talking.
That did not seem to bother Natasha as she looked at her son and inquired, “So, are you upset because your efforts are in vain, or are you unhappy because Anthony gave up after hearing what I have to say?”
“Both!” Benjamin replied truthfully.
Not only was Natasha not angry, but there was an indescribable sense of relief blossoming in her heart when she heard that.
I'm happy to see Benjamin standing up for his brother. This way, even if I'm gone in the future, I'll know that they'll be able to live in harmony.
With that thought, Natasha closed her eyes and said, “I know that because of my words, your previous efforts were ruined. It doesn't matter even if you guys are mad at me or blame me. All I wish is for you to be happy and not think of anything while living the best childhood you can have.”
“Nat...” Benjamin gazed at his mother, looking as if he had something else to say, but in the end, no words came out of his mouth.
Natasha glanced at her watch. “All right, it's getting late. You guys should go and have your breakfast.”
Anthony piped up, “We'll be heading out to eat then, Nat.”
Natasha nodded.
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