When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 602

**Chapter 602: Snatching His Wife**

As Jensen caught sight of Susie, a wave of disbelief washed over him, momentarily paralyzing his thoughts.

Could it be that this child bore a striking resemblance to Natalie during her own childhood?

He had vivid memories of Natalie sharing her old photographs with him, her laughter echoing in his ears as she pointed out her younger self with a mischievous grin.

Jensen felt an inexplicable urge to step forward, to ask questions that were burning in his mind, but just as he was about to take that leap, he sensed the approach of footsteps and instinctively retreated into the shadows.

Sean, concerned for his sister’s safety, had decided to follow Susie outside.

“Don’t you know that roses have thorns? Aren’t you worried about pricking your hands?” he chided, his tone a mix of brotherly concern and playful admonishment.

While Sean had developed a fondness for Holt, he still felt a twinge of discomfort at Susie’s unwavering affection for him.

Upon spotting her brother, Susie’s face lit up with delight. “You pick it for me then!” she chirped, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Why should I do that for you?” Sean shot back, feigning annoyance, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Oh, come on! You’re the best! Please!” Susie’s voice was sweet and persuasive, her charm effortlessly disarming.

Jensen, still concealed in the shadows, felt an overwhelming sense of déjà vu wash over him.

This was how Natalie used to act—her voice soft and coaxing, her demeanor playful—when she was trying to win him over.

Could it be that these twins were somehow connected to Natalie?

Before he could unravel this mystery, Natalie stepped outside, clad in Baron’s jacket, her presence commanding yet warm.

“What are you two little rascals doing out here?” she asked, her voice laced with affection.

“Mommy!” Susie and Sean exclaimed in unison, their joy palpable as they rushed into her embrace.

Natalie enveloped them both in her arms, and Jensen, hidden away, felt his heart freeze in that moment.

What did they just call her?

Mommy?

His heart sank, and his eyes burned with a sudden rush of emotion.

Why would they refer to Natalie as Mommy?

Jensen’s mind raced, his thoughts spiraling into confusion and hurt.

These children appeared to be quite young. Could they possibly be adopted?

No, that didn’t sit right with him.

Why on earth would Natalie adopt children?

His mind flashed back to a deal Natalie had made with the Witch Doctor five years prior, a desperate gamble to save him.

Could it be that she had indeed been intimate with the Witch Doctor?

If not, how else could she have children?

“You spoil them too much,” Baron remarked, rolling his eyes at her, though he complied, carrying one child on each side as they retreated indoors.

Watching their retreating figures, Natalie felt a wave of contentment wash over her.

She shook her head playfully and reached for the scissors nearby to cut a rose. But instead of the scissors, her fingers brushed against a pair of hands.

Startled, she gasped and instinctively tried to scream, but a firm hand clamped over her mouth.

“It’s me,” came a familiar voice.

As Jensen stepped into view, Natalie’s heart raced, a wave of inexplicable fear washing over her.

She struggled against him, but the cold glint in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. Before she could fully comprehend the situation, he delivered a swift chop to her neck, and a sharp pain shot through her before darkness enveloped her.

Jensen caught her as she crumpled, his heart racing as he swiftly vanished from the Gunn family villa with her in his arms.

Meanwhile, Baron waited anxiously inside with the two children, glancing toward the door, unease creeping into his heart.

“I’m going to check on your Mommy. I hope she didn’t prick her hand on a rose. Why isn’t she back yet?” he murmured, concern evident in his tone.

His words ignited a flicker of worry in Susie and Sean.

“Is it really that bad? Do rose thorns hurt that much?” Susie asked, her innocence shining through.

Baron waved his hand dismissively, lacking the patience to explain the intricacies of rose thorns to them.

He dashed out to the garden, but as he searched, he found no sign of Natalie.