The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 77

Cecily sighed. "I asked her to come over so you'd see that no matter how capable she is, no matter that she's now a project lead, you are the only Mrs. Carlson."

Cecily tapped her finger against the table. "The kitchen prepared all your favorite dishes. At the end of the day, she is nothing more than a guest."

Cecily had brought Gardenia home specifically to send a warning to Hassan.

She turned to her grandson, her tone stern. "I just found out that you fought Jacob over her. Hassan, do you really think your grandfather and I are too old to manage things? Jacob's grandfather brought it up while fishing with Augustus. Don't throw away the goodwill between our families. Jacob grew up following you around, looking up to you. Don't let some woman ruin your brotherhood."

Hassan's expression remained perfectly calm. "I will visit him and apologize personally."

"Good. As long as you understand your boundaries."

Gardenia stood off to the side, her face pale with humiliation.

She had genuinely believed Cecily admired her and invited her over out of respect.

She never imagined she was brought here just to be degraded in front of Natalie. It didn't matter how brilliant she was or how much profit she brought to the Carlson Group; because of her physical disability, she would never be deemed worthy of the 'Mrs. Carlson' title.

Gardenia's eyes filled with tears. "Cecily, you look down on me because my body is flawed. But do you have any idea that if it weren't for me during that car crash, your grandson would be the one missing a leg?!"

Natalie flinched violently.

Cecily also froze. "What did you say?"

Hassan gently patted Gardenia's shoulder. "I'll explain. The car crash four years ago was meant for me. Gardenia took my place in that car."

*No wonder he's willing to cross every line for her,* Natalie thought numbly. *She isn't just his childhood sweetheart; she's his savior.* A debt like that required a lifetime to repay.

Cecily was momentarily speechless.

Seeing the matriarch fall silent, Natalie knew that faced with a life debt of that magnitude, even Cecily would have to back down and treat Gardenia with respect.

An overwhelming wave of exhaustion washed over Natalie. She deeply, truly regretted ever marrying Hassan.

Cecily looked at Gardenia, deep in thought. "Let's all sit down and eat first."

But he caught her wrist, his thumb gently rubbing against her skin. "You once said you would always believe in me."

Natalie let out a cold laugh, trying to yank her hand away.

But his grip was ironclad. His dark eyes deepened, his voice smooth but laced with a dangerous huskiness. "We are not separating. You will always be Mrs. Carlson, my wife."

The way his voice wrapped around those words was intoxicating. If this were the old Natalie, she would have caved instantly.

But with the weight of everything that had happened crushing her, how could she possibly be swayed by his empty lies? Her expression remained frigid, and she didn't say a word.

Hassan leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her head away. He stopped, pulling back calmly. "I'm going to change."

He walked into the walk-in closet, swapping his clothes for a clean, casual outfit. Returning to her side, he reached out and stroked her hair. "What do you want to eat? I'll have the chef make something fresh for you."

Natalie stood up. "I'm going to the dance studio. I took on a new collaboration."

Hassan frowned. "Since you've already quit the Arts Center, you might as well stay home and be a full-time wife. Didn't you only learn to dance for me in the first place? I don't want you dancing anymore."