As her exquisite-looking eyes narrowed, Natasha looked down to eat in silence. Her lush eyelashes exuded an indescribable innocence as they folded downward.
Just as Thalia was about to say something, Natasha picked up her coffee and nodded. “Today's coffee is really good.”
Thalia was instantly distracted by the words as a gleeful smile descended upon her face. “Really? I knew you would like it!”
Natasha nodded with certainty. “I do. Did you make it?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Thalia nodded.
“Where did you get it from?”
“It's a secret,” Thalia replied with a mysterious grin, eliciting a smile from Natasha.
“That said, I'll give you a can since you like it.”
“I want two!”
“Why are you so greedy? They are really expensive.” Thalia knitted her brows.
“Obviously, one isn't enough. I'll finish it in two days,” Natasha replied.
Thalia stared at her for a few seconds before relenting. “Fine. I'll give you two cans since you have such good taste. However, you had better not get any greedier!”
With her coffee in hand, Natasha teased, “We'll see about that.”
“You...”
Faced with Natasha's smile, Thalia reciprocated with one of her own.
Listening to the delightful chatter in the background felt like torment to Spencer, for he was overwhelmed with guilt and complex emotions.
It was just as Kenneth had said. He was one of Natasha's few friends who, despite seldom seeing each other, were emotionally in sync to an extent greater than that of someone related by blood.
Now that such an idea had entered his mind, he was forced to admit that he couldn't bring himself to face her.
Eating with his head hung low, Spencer clearly looked troubled. Kenneth, who was sitting beside him, threw the former a glance as if he could read his mind.
“I'm done with my meal.” At that moment, Spencer suddenly got to his feet.
Thalia was stunned. The sight of the barely touched food on his plate elicited a furrow of her brows. “But you hardly ate anything.”
“You guys carry on.” Without another word, Spencer got up and left.
Staring at his leaving silhouette, Thalia let out a sigh.
It was then that Natasha stopped her. “Ignore him. Let's continue eating.”
“Somehow, this just feels weird,” Thalia remarked.
“Eat!” Natasha gave her a look without another word.
Right then, Kenneth heard his phone ring. After receiving it to check, he headed outside to take the call.
Even though Natasha was eating calmly, one could tell she was clearly troubled from the look in her eyes.
At that moment, the three children came downstairs and threw themselves at Natasha.
“Nat.”
Denise came up to Natasha in a cutesy manner. “Good morning, Nat.”
After giving her hair a tousle, Natasha remarked smilingly, “It's late, you lazy bum. Time to get something to eat.”
Denise broke into a sweet smile before settling down on the seat closest to Natasha. “I want to sit right next to you.”
Natasha responded with a chuckle.
At that moment, Anthony greeted, “Good morning, Nat.”
“Morning. Go ahead and grab a bite,” Natasha instructed.
Anthony and Benjamin subsequently took their seats.
It was then that Thalia complained, “Come on, all of you only have eyes for Nat. What about me? I'm nothing but a pitiful and lonely soul.”
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