The Promise of Happiness (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Natalie was so concerned and anxious that she failed to catch the guilt that flashed through Franklin’s eyes.

“Lift your shirt,” she ordered.

Franklin’s eyebrows furrowed. He was hesitant as he was unsure why Natalie wanted him to do that. Moreover, he did not know whether he should obey or not.

The boy glanced toward Samuel, silently pleading him to give an order.

Samuel narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t you hear what Ms. Nichols said, Franklin?”

Without further hesitation, Franklin gritted his teeth and did as he was told.

After feeling around his stomach, Natalie realized that the child in front of her was faking his stomachache.

She looked into his eyes and maintained eye contact for a few seconds until he lowered his head and averted his gaze.

How could he fake his sickness just to see me? He would get accused of crying wolf if he repeatedly does this. What will happen if he actually falls sick, and the Bowers family ignores him?

Franklin was not sure what to do. The sight of Natalie remaining silent made him even more anxious than he was before.

“Natalie, I… I think I’m fine now,” he stuttered. “You’re really my medicine! Just the sight of you made my stomachache go away.”

Natalie could see through the boy easily, yet she chose not to expose him. “It might be a mental stomachache. Drinking more water should help soothe it.”

Both Franklin and Sophia released breaths of relief after hearing what Natalie said.

Natalie caressed Franklin’s cheek before turning around to Samuel. “Mr. Bowers, could you kindly get Franklin a glass of warm water?”

Samuel, who was leaning on the doorframe, nodded slightly and went downstairs to

get the water.

At that moment, the only people remaining in the children’s bedroom were Natalie and the siblings.

Natalie furrowed her brows. “Franklin, lying is not the right thing to do.”

Her words made Franklin nervous all over again. “Natalie, 1-”

Move in? With what justification?