The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 124

When Hassan worked, his word was law. He was relentlessly serious and despised being interrupted. Any extra time Natalie got to spend with him used to make her day.

But now, she wanted nothing to do with him. She refused to let him dictate her mood anymore.

However, Cecily had specifically asked them to send a picture of the two of them walking the dog together.

Resigned, Natalie had no choice but to follow him.

As they were leaving, Hassan looked over at Laura. "Since it's your birthday, take the rest of the night off."

Laura blinked, then immediately shook her head. "Oh, I couldn't possibly take advantage like that! Don't worry, Mr. Carlson, just having my daughter here for a bit is the best gift I could ask for."

Hassan, a man of few words, didn't push the issue. He took the leash and headed out.

Natalie followed him in silence, tracing the cobblestone paths, crossing the arched bridges, and walking through the long pavilions until they reached the estate's lush garden area, overflowing with blooming peonies and hibiscus.

After snapping a quick photo to send to Cecily, Natalie was ready to head straight back.

But as they turned around, they ran directly into Gardenia and Adrian out for a stroll.

Natalie froze, rooting herself to the spot.

Gardenia offered a polite, practiced smile. "What a coincidence. You're out here too."

Adrian's eyes were locked on the little dog pulling at the leash, entirely fascinated.

"His name is Cup," Hassan said smoothly. "You can pet him."

Natalie's expression shifted slightly. The memory of the gentle way he had wiped her hair at dinner suddenly morphed into a blade twisting in her chest.

His kindness was never genuine. It was just a careless form of charity he handed out when he was bored—a mask he wore to maintain the hollow shell of their marriage.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she shoved the leash into Hassan's hand. "I'm going back."

"We'll go together," Hassan replied.

He tugged on the leash, trying to pull the puppy away from Adrian to head back with her.

But Adrian suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Hassan's hand. Looking up with those pitch-black, innocent eyes, the boy said, "I want to walk with you."

Gardenia quickly stepped in, trying to pull the boy's hand away. "Adrian, don't cause trouble. Mr. Carlson doesn't have time today. We'll do it next time, okay?"

Adrian shook his head stubbornly. "No."

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