Chapter 8X The next morning , after a sleepless night , he picked up his phone and made a call .
Do you remember the tulip tree you helped me transplant ten years ago ? His voice was rough , drained of warmth .
Can you go to that park and find one thats been growing for ten years ? His friend caught the subtle shift in his tone and hesitated before asking , What happened ? He let out a breath , his expression distant .
His fingers curled around the phone as if grounding himself .
Natalie … it seems like she doesnt want me anymore .
By the time the tulip tree stood in its rightful place again , Charles took a step back , staring at it with quiet satisfaction .
He spent the afternoon carving a wooden plaque , his hands steady as he etched the words : In commemoration of Charles and Natalies twentieth year together .
His friend sighed but said nothing before turning to leave .
Later , Eleanor called .
Charles glanced at the screen before silencing it .
When the calls persisted , he simply turned off his phone .
After hanging the plaque , he tidied up the courtyard , his movements slow but deliberate .
Once everything was in order , he made a call to a lawyer to discuss custody rights .
He recalled Natalie once saying she could accept the child .
That thought lingered , stirring something deep within him.§ By the time the days busyness faded into silence , the courtyard stood neat and undisturbed .
Charles sat alone at the dining table , his gaze unfocused , his mind drifting back to her .
Two days .
It had only been two days , yet she filled every corner of his thoughts .
Restless , he pulled up yesterdays surveillance footage .
His chest tightened as he watched her leave , no luggage , no hesitation .
Just a small bag in hand .
She would come back .
She had to .
He just needed to use this time wisely , to set things right , to make sure that when she returned , she wouldnt have a reason to be angry anymore .
Damn ! Charles kicked over the dining table , sending plates and cups crashing to the floor .
His fury didnt stop there ; his palm cracked against his own cheek , one slap after another , as if punishing himself .
When Eleanor entered with Orion after punching in the password , she was greeted by the sight of Charles slumped on the floor , drowning in despair .
Her eyelid twitched .
She rushed forward to support him , though the weight of her pregnancy made her movements slow .
Her belly had already begun to show .
Charles , whats wrong ? I heard Sister Natalie left ? Though her words carried concern , the corners of her lips betrayed her , lifting ever so slightly .
Charles caught it immediately .
His gaze darkened .
She left .
That makes you happy , doesnt it ? Eleanor studied his face carefully , ensuring his attitude toward her remained unchanged before daring to reveal the truth in her heart .
Of course , Im happy ! > She softened her expression , mimicking Natalies gentle smile .
Charles , this means Orion , and I can finally stand beside you openly .
S She sighed , then lowered her voice , a hint of grievance slipping in .
As for Sister Natalie … if she wants to leave , then let her .
Otherwise , what if next time she forces Orion to eat something else ? She has never given birth ; how could she possibly understand the pain a mother feels for her child ? Her eyes welled up , shimmering with unshed tears.§ But before a single tear could fall , a strong hand clamped around her throat .
Charless face remained emotionless , but his eyes were ice cold , void of mercy.§ Eleanor , I told you , dont even think about replacing Natalie ! } His grip tightened , cutting off her breath and nearly choking her unconscious .
In the end , he flung her aside like she was nothing , her body hitting the ground with a thud .
Coughing violently , she struggled for air , but he spared her not even a glance .
Instead , he seized her by the arm and dragged her out of the courtyard .
Orion stood frozen outside , utterly lost .
Charles looked at him , a dull ache forming in his temples .
For the first time , the sight of this child grated on his nerves .
If only he were Natalies child instead … ! His lips pressed into a tight line , emotions churning .

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Without hesitation , he arranged for a nanny to handle Orions daily care and school matters .
Then , he called a lawyer .
Eleanor had to pay for everything .