The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 33

Cecily's family had a long history in holistic wellness and alternative medicine. Even though she hadn't pursued it as a career, she still knew how to read a pulse.

It was completely normal.

Looking slightly disappointed, she let go of Natalie's wrist and took her seat at the table. "Are you two trying for a baby?"

"We are," Hassan replied smoothly.

Cecily sighed. "If you had started trying right after the wedding, your child would be in preschool by now. You're responsible in every other aspect of your life, but when it comes to this... And then there's that Gardenia woman."

At the mention of Gardenia, Cecily turned to Natalie with an explanatory tone.

"Don't let your imagination run wild. I asked Hassan about it. There is absolutely nothing going on between him and Gardenia. The woman has a disability, and since they've known each other for so long, he just did her a small favor."

Her expression grew more serious as she lowered her voice.

"Plus, the Carlson Group has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence lately, and Gardenia happens to be an expert in the field. She won quite a few national awards back in college. The Research and Technology Expo is coming up, and if her project stands out and wins the top vote, it's a guaranteed win for the family's business."

The Carlson family had always prioritized profit above all else, which explained why Cecily was suddenly much less hostile toward Gardenia.

"She's an asset to Hassan professionally. Try to be understanding."

Natalie didn't have much to say to that. It was entirely expected that Cecily would take Hassan's side, and honestly, she didn't care anymore.

"Okay. I trust him," she replied casually.

The moment those words left her lips, Hassan glanced over at her, his dark eyes unreadable.

Cecily nodded in satisfaction. She then noticed a plate of shrimp on the table and frowned, glaring at the housekeeper. "You brought the shrimp out without peeling them?"

The housekeeper froze. Without thinking, she blurted out, "Mrs. Carlson always used to peel them for Mr. Carlson herself."

Natalie had genuinely enjoyed doing it. Every time she peeled shrimp for Hassan, she had been blissfully happy.

After she left, the housekeeper simply hadn't broken the habit of serving them whole.

Later that evening, she insisted that Hassan and Natalie accompany her for a walk.

She specifically nudged Natalie to walk right next to Hassan.

It was glaringly obvious what Cecily was doing. Worried that the Gardenia situation had driven a wedge between them, she was actively trying to play matchmaker.

Despite the nudging, Natalie kept a polite distance from Hassan.

The landscaping in the upscale community was immaculate—sprawling green lawns, manicured trees, blooming gardens, and an artificial lake teeming with koi.

There were quite a few people out for a stroll, including several overly affectionate couples walking their dogs while practically glued to each other.

Seeing them, Cecily pointedly remarked, "Look at that. Now that's what you call a couple. The distance between you two makes you look like total strangers."

Natalie pretended she hadn't heard a word.

In the past, she would have eagerly taken the hint, practically throwing herself at Hassan the moment Cecily gave her the excuse.