The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 11

Natalie took a deep breath, walked in, and offered Cecily a warm smile.

"Natalie, why didn't you and Hassan come back together?" Cecily asked, turning her gaze to her grandson. "Did you not pick her up? Honestly, you're exactly like your father. Don't let history repeat itself..."

She stopped abruptly, a cloud of sorrow passing over her features.

"Let's just eat," Hassan interjected coolly.

Cecily led her to the dining room. From the corner of her eye, Natalie saw Hassan walk around the table to sit beside his grandmother.

In the past, she would have eagerly glued herself to his side. Now, she simply lowered her gaze in silence, pretending not to notice.

Cecily picked up on the unusual tension between them. Clearing her throat, she said, "Why are you sitting next to me? Go sit with your wife. I'm saving this seat for little Mia."

Hassan paused, brushing it off casually. "It doesn't matter where I sit."

Just then, Mia Sheridan ran in from the backyard.

"Natalie! I missed you so much!"

The six-year-old threw herself into Natalie's arms.

Natalie caught her, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "I missed you too, Mia."

Their families were old friends, and Cecily adored children, often inviting Mia over to play.

Despite being a little girl, Mia was a total tomboy—climbing trees, hopping fences, and getting into trouble. She reminded Natalie of her own childhood, which naturally drew them close.

But Hassan preferred peace and quiet. Because of that, Natalie used to keep Mia at arm's length so the little girl wouldn't annoy him.

Since they were getting divorced anyway, Natalie decided not to waste another second analyzing his motives. She turned to Cecily, eager for updates on Dr. Weston.

Cecily smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I've already taken care of it. They'll set up a dinner to discuss it as soon as he gets back from his business trip. Oh, and I had the chef prepare this special holistic soup for you. Drink up, it's good for your health."

"Thank you," she said, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. With her grandmother on her mind, she took the small bowl from the maid and slowly began to sip her soup.

"We're family, there's no need to thank me. You're too slender; you need to eat more." Cecily gestured for the maid to serve Hassan a bowl as well, scolding him lightly. "Bring Natalie over for dinner more often. You young people never eat properly."

Hassan lowered his long lashes, slowly stirring his soup with a spoon. "I'm very busy," he said in a low voice. "And Natalie has her own schedule..."

Cecily flared up instantly. "Are you busy, or is this about that Sutton woman?! You took a hundred lashes for her! You were half-dead, and I only agreed to let you marry her because I couldn't bear to watch you suffer anymore! And what did she do? She turned around and married someone else! If you dare get entangled with her again, I'll be the first to object!"

The sudden bombardment of information left Natalie entirely stunned.