The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 37

Mia was, in many ways, a tragic little girl.

Her father, Jude Sheridan, was a notorious playboy in their social circles. He partied hard, had a terrible reputation, and had even tried to break off his arranged marriage to Cora multiple times. Then, out of nowhere, it was as if someone had flipped a switch. He suddenly settled down, though he remained aggressively determined to cancel the wedding.

He had called off the engagement twice, only to inexplicably agree to marry her in the end.

But shortly after Cora got pregnant, he moved abroad.

Mia probably saw her father only a handful of times a year.

That was another reason Natalie felt such a strong bond with the girl. Just like Natalie, Mia had a father who didn't love her.

After her mother passed away, Natalie's parent-teacher conferences were always attended by the household staff.

She knew exactly how hollow and humiliating that felt.

But attending Mia's school event meant running directly into Gardenia and Adrian.

She really didn't want to go.

"I'm so sorry, Mia, but I really don't want to go to this one. How about I take you to the amusement park next time?" she offered gently.

Mia sounded crushed but understanding. "Okay. I understand. It's alright... but you have to promise to take me to the amusement park!"

"I promise."

Cora took the phone back. "I'm so sorry. She was just begging me relentlessly, and I didn't know what else to do but call you."

"It's completely fine. Mia is adorable, and I love spending time with her. I just really can't help out this time."

"That's okay, I'll just have the butler go with her..." The woman on the other end hesitated, clearly wanting to say more.

"What is it? Does Mia need something else?" Natalie asked.

"No, it's about you..." Cora debated with herself before finally speaking up. "Natalie, do you know why Jude went abroad in the first place?"

She was also the kind of person who always paid it forward.

Whether it was backing Quinn's troupe financially or giving Nancy a place to live.

After a moment's thought, Natalie spoke up. "I'll take Mia to her event."

Holding Mia's hand, Natalie walked onto the school campus.

The school was distinctly European in its architecture, boasting impeccably manicured gardens, elegant water features, and perfectly trimmed hedges. Beige sun canopies dotted the sprawling, vibrant green lawns.

Mia pulled her along toward the sign for International Class 1.

Before they even got close, Natalie followed the envious gazes of the other parents and spotted the picture-perfect, radiant 'family of three.'

The man was dressed in a sharply tailored dark suit, no tie, sleeves casually rolled up. He exuded a quiet, commanding presence, his eyes lowered softly as he leaned down to fix the little boy's crooked bowtie. His movements were incredibly tender and meticulous—a stark contrast to his usual cold demeanor.