When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 527

Chapter 527: The Chase Game

As soon as Natalie finished explaining the game, the two children erupted into gleeful shrieks of excitement. “This is going to be fantastic!” they exclaimed in unison.

Without hesitation, they tossed off their coats and dashed eagerly toward the courtyard just beyond the house. The crisp air carried their laughter as they sprinted across the open space, their faces lit up with pure delight.

Natalie watched them with a warm smile, her heart swelling at the sight of their unfiltered joy. The innocence and happiness shining in their eyes brought a rare softness to her own expression.

Baron, standing quietly nearby, observed Natalie with a gaze that seemed to pierce beyond the present moment. In his mind’s eye, he saw not the confident woman before him, but the lonely, neglected child she once was—so vulnerable and unloved.

Rising from his seat, he approached her with a playful smirk. “Come on, Mother Hen,” he whispered teasingly. “Just a heads-up—I’m not going to go easy on you.”

Nataly’s eyes flashed with determination. “Hmph! You’re welcome to try! There’s no way I’ll let you catch my kids.”

With that, she strode confidently out into the yard, ready to defend her little ones. The children, spotting her arrival, immediately clung to her clothing, seeking both protection and companionship.

Baron, noticing they were still gearing up for the game, suddenly let out a loud whoop and charged forward.

“Ah! Mommy, run!” the children shouted, their voices ringing with excitement.

“Mommy, save us!” they called out, their laughter clear and vibrant as they darted around, playing the chase game with abandon.

Natalie moved swiftly, blocking Baron’s advances and dodging left and right with agile grace, thoroughly enjoying the playful battle unfolding before her.

Upstairs, Ruby and Waylon stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, drawn by the unmistakable sounds of laughter. They watched the heartwarming scene below—the family united in carefree joy.

The last golden rays of the setting sun bathed the courtyard in a warm glow, casting long shadows and lending the moment a tender, almost magical atmosphere.

Ruby’s voice broke the silence, tinged with wistfulness. “Do you ever wonder… if Natalie hadn’t been switched at birth, if she had grown up with us, would this be what our family looks like?”

Her eyes shimmered with a mixture of guilt and affection for Natalie, emotions tangled and deep.

Waylon sighed, a heavy weight in his chest. “The past is behind us and will be dealt with in time. What matters now is the future. We have to do everything we can to support her and the children, to make amends slowly but surely. Your priority has to be working with Baron to rebuild your strength. Only when you’re well can you truly help Natalie with the kids.”

Ruby nodded resolutely. “I know. I was foolish before, letting dangerous people get the upper hand. From this point on, for the sake of the children, I will never let myself falter again.”

Waylon felt a surge of relief seeing Ruby’s renewed determination.

Unaware that Ruby and Waylon were watching from above, Natalie was fully immersed in the game, her spirit as light and free as the children she was protecting. She moved with youthful energy, blocking Baron’s playful attacks, responding to the children’s shouts and commands with laughter and quick reflexes.

A thin sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead, highlighting the vitality and joy radiating from her face.

Listening to their laughter, Baron’s heart swelled with happiness. The simple pleasure of this moment—the family united in play—felt like a rare treasure.

They played until the fading light signaled that dinner was ready, reluctantly bringing the chase to an end.

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