The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 3

Hassan glanced at his watch, his tone indifferent. "Let's drop you off at work first."

When they arrived at the restaurant, Gardenia got out and handed the boy a lollipop, affectionately stroking his cheek. "Be good for... Mr. Carlson today. Mom will come get you after work."-

The boy nodded, staring intently at his lollipop as he unwrapped it. His quiet, detached demeanor mirrored the man beside him.

By the time they returned to City Hall, a few more sports cars had parked nearby. Clearly, plenty of people were eager to see Natalie and Hassan's marriage end.

Natalie was famously flamboyant in their circles, living entirely by her own rules because Hassan was always there to clean up her messes.

A divorce meant they were severing ties. He would no longer protect her.

It also meant the wolves masquerading in sheep's clothing could finally bare their fangs.

Zeke made one last call, which also failed to connect.

Hassan sat in the back of the car, a laptop resting on the tray table in front of him. He clicked through his work emails and casually unscrewed a bottle of water for the child, as if the noisy spectacle outside had absolutely nothing to do with him.

Zeke frowned. "Could something have happened to her? In the past, no matter how angry she got, she never ignored your calls."

Natalie knew that a call from Zeke meant Hassan was looking for her. Even during her worst tantrums, she would at least answer the phone, even if she refused to speak.

Having finished his work, Hassan loosened his tie and draped it over the back of the seat. His voice was low and steady, entirely devoid of emotion, yet every word carried an undeniable weight. "I've entertained her tantrum all morning. That's enough. Back to the office."

Just as the last word fell, someone knocked on the car window, revealing a slender silhouette in red.

The only person who loved wearing such a bold color with that kind of impact was Natalie.

Zeke's eyes widened in sheer disbelief.

The old Natalie would have instantly folded, desperate just to make him happy. But today, she completely ignored his anger and turned toward the entrance of City Hall.

There was only a minute left before the staff went on their lunch break.

Natalie bowed her head slightly in apology. "I'm so sorry for the inconvenience."

The clerk sat back down, took one look at her, and froze.

Natalie used to be a lead dancer on television, enjoying a brief stint of fame. She was exquisitely beautiful, utterly flawless. The contrast between that image and the dirty, disheveled woman standing here was jarring.

The clerk cleared her throat softly. "And your husband?"

Natalie frowned, glancing out the door. Hassan hadn't followed her inside?