Natalie's stride faltered, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She tried to conceal her nervousness, but her trembling frame gave her away. Adrian's gaze, filled with discontent, followed her every move.
He lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, his thin lips parting slightly. In a deep, resonant voice, he asked, "Am I so terrifying? Why are you shaking?"
Natalie turned away, her fists clenched at her sides. Looking down, she murmured, "Meeting such an esteemed guest for the first time has made me a bit nervous. Please forgive me!"
Adrian's gaze shifted away from her, his expression unreadable. He seemed truly exhausted. Could this woman possibly be Alice? He dismissed her with a wave of his hand. Natalie, not daring to linger, quickly retreated through the back door, closing it behind her and leaning against it. She let out a sigh of relief. He hadn't recognized her...
In the living room, Adrian watched her hasty departure, a shadow crossing his features. "Does the Cullen Villa have cherry blossom trees?" he asked.
"Yes, in the backyard," Renee replied.
In the perpetually shadowed garden of Natalie's home, a cherry blossom tree stood tall. Adrian nodded, seemingly lost in thought.
Suddenly, a crisp female voice rang out. "Mr. Howard."
Adrian looked up to see Alice, dressed in a light pink lace gown, her makeup meticulously applied, descending the stairs with her mother, Emmett Cullen.
Curtis Cullen, leading the way, approached Adrian. "Mr. Howard, sorry to have kept you waiting! What brings you to our humble abode today..."
Adrian's gaze followed Curtis's words and landed on Alice. "I've come today to discuss my engagement to Ms. Cullen!"
Engagement?
The room fell silent, everyone taken aback. Alice, however, was ecstatic. So, this was Adrian's way of taking responsibility! Curtis and Emmett, having heard about the previous night's events from Alice, exchanged glances, their joy barely concealed.
Within days, the news of Adrian's engagement to Alice spread throughout Vachilit. Media outlets reported the matter in droves. Alice was momentarily thrilled.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen of the Cullen Villa, Renee placed a list of ingredients in front of Natalie, ordering her to finish everything before retiring for the night.
Natalie knew Renee was deliberately making things difficult for her. The Howard family was visiting the next day, and the Cullen family had been preparing all afternoon. However, Natalie had been delayed due to Rosalie's illness and her subsequent hospital visit.
It wasn't until past 11 PM that Natalie finally completed her tasks. As she closed the kitchen door behind her, ready to head home, she was confronted by Alice, who had just returned from an evening out. Before Natalie could utter a word, Alice's face darkened. She swiftly approached Natalie and slapped her across the face.
The blow left Natalie's cheek numb with pain, and she tensed up once again. She couldn't help but wonder if Alice's fury was a result of Adrian recognizing her earlier that day.