Looking at her, Thalia suddenly asked, “What about you?”
“What?”
“You always strive to prevent others from feeling upset, but have you ever asked yourself if you're truly okay?” Thalia asked.
Natasha was slightly taken aback. She asked, “Is that important?”
“Why isn't it important?” Thalia retorted, “Nat, although I greatly admire your way of handling things, your ability to cover all bases, as a friend, I still hope you can be yourself. You have emotions, and you can let them out. At times, you don't have to worry about others!”
Natasha looked at her and responded, “Not everyone cries when they're falling apart, and not everyone sobs when they're sad. I'm better at self-regulation. Moreover, I'm not repressed. On the contrary, I've received too many favors in the first half of my life. Everyone has helped me. Now, it's time for me to give back.”
Thalia nodded. “All right, then. It's your life, after all. I don't fully understand your past, but as long as you know what you're doing, that's what matters. Remember, you should always put yourself first, no matter what.”
Natasha looked at her and smiled slightly. “I know.”
Thalia nodded at her.
Suddenly, Natasha looked at her and asked, “What about you? What's your plan?”
Upon hearing the question, Thalia shook her head. “Me? What plans could I possibly have?”
“What I mean is, how long do you plan to stay here?” Natasha asked.
Thalia paused for a moment before answering, “It all depends on Anthony. Whenever he leaves, that's when I'll leave.”
Natasha gave a slight nod in response.
Seeing that, Thalia sized her up and asked, “What's the matter? Can't bear to part?”
“Isn't it quite normal to feel that way?” Natasha retorted.
Upon hearing this, Thalia nodded and said, “Indeed, it's normal. But if you show even the slightest hint of reluctance, I bet Anthony and Benjamin won't be able to leave!”
“They are all children with clear minds who, despite their reluctance, will make their own choices.”
“I actually asked him about this,” Thalia said. “He made it clear to me that if you're not willing, he would stay here, start a business, make some money, just to be with you all the time.”
Natasha asked, “Do you think I would allow him to do that?”
Thalia looked at her and smiled slightly. “Of course not.”
“He wouldn't do that, either,” Natasha said with absolute certainty.
Thalia broke into a smile. “Natasha, do you know how charming you are?”
Natasha was taken aback by her question.
“Out of all the women I've ever met, you are the most captivating,” Thalia praised.
“Could it be that you just don't know enough people?” Natasha retorted.
“Thalia, do I not know enough people? Nat, are you lacking confidence in yourself?”
“I clearly lack confidence in you...”
“It's so taxing to chat with you!” Thalia grumbled.
Natasha laughed.
Seeing her laugh, Thalia also felt a sense of relief in her heart.
On the way back, seeing Natasha's constant look of worry, she was very concerned. At that moment, however, seeing her like that, she could finally put her mind at ease.
“Did Old Mr. Hamilton give you any trouble?” Thalia suddenly asked.
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