Chapter 204: I Plan To Stay And Make You Suffer

The next morning, Justin and Natalie were preparing breakfast together when Justin brought up the topic.

"The bone marrow transplant we discussed last night..." he began, glancing at her to gauge her reaction.

Preoccupied with cooking, she responded casually, "When do I need to do it?"

He hesitated a little to see how she didn’t question him about anything and agreed simply by trusting him blindly.

"Today. You’ll need to check in at the hospital, follow some instructions from the doctors, and they’ll decide the timing for the procedure," he explained. "After that, you’ll need to rest for a few days. You’ll be able to leave the hospital the same day, but I’d prefer if you stayed to recover. Though it’s just an inserting needle in the bone and retrieving a bone marrow, it can be painful and you might meed to rest after that."

She nodded and gave him a reassuring look. "Then, before we go, I’ll visit Grandpa to let him know I’ll be away for a few days, and then I’ll stop by the office to hand over important work to Ella and Dan."

"I’ll come with you to visit Mr. Ford and then drop you off at the office. I’ll finish up my work and come back to pick you up."

"Sounds good."

After breakfast, they headed to visit Albert.

"I haven’t seen Grandpa since his wedding anniversary, and he hasn’t called or messaged me either," Natalie said with a hint of worry as they walked toward Albert’s hospital room. "I’m sure he must feel guilty about what happened that day."

"I visited him yesterday, so don’t worry," Justin said.

She looked at him, surprised. "You did?"

He nodded. "He’s doing fine. He knows you’re strong, and he trusts that you are fine with me by your side," Justin assured her.

"True," Natalie sighed. "With someone named Justin Harper by my side, I’m sure Grandpa feels relieved. Should I thank you for easing my worry?"

"I only accept intimate gestures as thanks." He gave her a suggestive look. "When can I expect one?"

She shot him a mocking smile. "Forget it. As you said, we’re husband and wife—no need for thanks."

"I might make exceptions in certain situations."

"No need. Just follow what you once told me."

He let out a helpless sigh. "What can a husband do when his wife is so stubborn and loves to torment him?"

"This wife is like that. You still have a chance to run away, you know."

"Not gonna happen," he replied firmly. "I’ll make up for all this torment when the time is right—and I’ll get it all back with interest." His words were unmistakably suggestive, and she quickly understood his meaning.

"Oh, look, we’re here." She hurried to the room, leaving Justin behind.

He chuckled lightly and followed her, pleased to see her in good spirits before the procedure.

Natalie entered the room after knocking and saw Briena and Ivan already there.

Her forehead creased as soon as she saw them, especially Briena. Does this bitch have some kind of sensor that alerts her when I’m coming? Just seeing her bitch face has ruined my day.

Just then, a man appeared beside Natalie and placed his arm around her shoulders. She looked up at Justin as he asked, "Does my handsome face make up for your almost-ruined day after seeing some... unpleasant faces?"

Natalie was surprised that Justin seemed to know exactly what she was thinking.

"Sure," he replied with a smile.

Ivan, seated quietly, watched Natalie and Justin. These days he didn’t know why, but he couldn’t stop feeling upset to see Natalie and her husband happy together. The feeling of being betrayed by her was not letting him be at peace. By causing him humiliation in front of entire world, now she was showing off with her husband.

Was she mocking him, by telling him how foolish he was to not know she was playing with him all along.

He looked at Justin, who brushed off his gaze away from him as if he was seeing at some lowly thing. It made Ivan wondered what gave this man a confidence to act this way. ’Is it because he feels proud that Natalie betrayed me to marry him? But Briena is better than her while Natalie is nobody.’ Saying Ivan consoled himself.

On the other hand, Briena offered Natalie a wide smile, ignoring what the husband and wife just said. She was on the cloud due to her recent success and didn’t mind what they said about her. For Briena, she was already a winner—Natalie was nothing more than the CEO of a failing company and the wife of a "gigolo," as she saw it.

"Natalie, you’re here too," Briena said, feigning cheerfulness.

"No, perhaps it’s my ghost," Natalie replied dryly, then turned her attention to her grandfather, who looked at her with an apologetic expression. Had he known she was coming, he would have suggested she visit later, once Briena and Ivan were gone.

"Grandpa, how are you?" Natalie asked, ignoring the others in the room.

"I’m good," Albert replied, smiling warmly, visibly happy to see her.

"Mr. Ford," Justin greeted respectfully, and Albert gave him a welcoming nod and a smile.

Briena felt a sting of bitterness, noticing the joy in Albert’s face for Natalie—a joy he hadn’t shown when she and Ivan were there.

"Grandpa, I’ll be away for a few days on some important business and won’t be able to visit until I’m back," Natalie informed him.

"Of course, take care," Albert replied, then looked at Justin. "Will you be going with her as well?"

"Yes, Mr. Ford. Don’t worry about her," Justin replied.

Albert looked at Natalie and said, "With Aiden by your side, I have no reason to worry."

Natalie nodded in agreement.

Just then, Sephina entered the room after speaking with the doctor. Seeing Natalie there, she frowned, clearly displeased. Having overheard Natalie’s words to Albert, Sephina couldn’t resist a comment.

"I wish you’d leave forever and never come back to this family."

Albert glanced at Sephina, about to speak, but Natalie gently patted his hand and looked at Sephina. "I’m afraid your wish won’t come true. I once wanted to leave, too, but I’ve changed my mind. I’ll stay—and make sure you suffer having me around."