Chapter 10 % Charles , when you found out she was pregnant , what was your first thought ? } He nearly stumbled in his haste to avoid my gaze .
It was rare to see him like this ; ever since turning thirty , he had mastered the art of composure .
But even if he didnt answer , I already knew .
It had been a joy , the unrestrained joy of becoming a father for the first time .
People are strange that way .
With their wives , they tread cautiously , taking every precaution .
But with the women outside , they flirt with recklessness , teetering on the edge of temptation , always chasing a thrill .
The mountaineering clubs activities lasted another five days , and throughout that time , Charles kept trailing after me and Eliza , never too close , but never too far .
I paid him no mind .
My world revolved around Eliza .
When we climbed the mountains , I entrusted her to the club leaders wife .
And when we descended , I often spotted Charles , arms full of toys and snacks , desperately trying to win Elizas favor .
But Eliza never paid him any heed .
The moment she saw me , her eyes sparkled with delight , and she would come running , throwing her arms around my legs and sweetly pleading for treats .
Charles followed behind us , silent and desolate .

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

I held Eliza in my arms and walked past him without hesitation .
Charles , go back .
Eleanor and her child are still waiting for you , arent they ? }] But he refused to leave .
Instead , he kept pulling out his phone , flipping through photos as if they could change the past .
Natalie , look ! This is the new tulip tree we planted at home ! I even carved a wooden plaque on it ! } He zoomed in , showing me the engraving .
] I stopped .
My steps faltered as I stared at him , wordless .
For a long moment , neither of us spoke .
Then , as if the weight of regret had finally crushed him , Charles slumped , all the strength draining from his body .
Natalie , I regret it so much .
If only I had listened to you … if only I had agreed to have a child back then .
His gaze lingered on me , on Eliza , on the life he could have had .
If I had done that … we would have been happy now , wouldnt we ? } I said nothing .
Without so much as a glance back , I stepped past him and kept moving forward.§ Half a month later , I returned with Eliza to finalize the divorce with Charles .
He looked even more worn than before , the sharp edges of his features dulled by exhaustion .
Shadows clung to his face , and when his eyes met mine , he let out a bitter smile , murmuring something too soft to catch .
That was when I learned just how much had unraveled in barely half a month .
Eleanor had lost her child the very night he cast her out .
And just days ago , he had discovered that Orion , the boy he had raised for seven years , had never been his .
! The revelation must have shattered him .
This is my retribution , isnt it ? His voice was hollow , laced with a chuckle that held no real amusement .
Regret clung to him like a heavy chain , and for a moment , he hesitated , his lips parting as if grasping for a final chance .
Natalie … is there still a chance for us … I didnt let him finish .
Lets go sign the papers .
My tone was steady , unshaken .
With the divorce certificate in hand , I turned to Eliza , my voice light , almost playful .
Come on ! Mommy Natalie is in a great mood today .
Lets go have a feast ! } Behind me , he said something .
Maybe a plea , maybe a regret .
But I didnt listen .
I had already walked away .
That night , an enormous transfer of assets appeared in my account .
I accepted it without hesitation , without a second thought .
Charles had liquidated a significant portion of his wealth , his shares , his holdings , everything , and placed it all in my hands .
His company wouldnt last long after that .
But that was no longer my concern .
His ruin was his own to face .
It had nothing to do with me anymore .
With Eliza by my side , I left without looking back , settling in another city where the past held no power over me.§ Years turned into decades .
Life was quiet , steady , untouched by old ghosts .
And I never saw any of them again .