Chapter 80: Unexpected Guest

When Natalie returned home, she was surprised to find her grandpa already sitting on the sofa, watching TV.

"Grandpa, what are you doing here?" she asked as she changed her foot-wears and went to him. "You should still be in the hospital."

"I would feel more sick if I were there." The old man assured, "I am fine. Doctor allowed me to be here."

She sat next to him. "Grandma...."

"She’s busy stirring up more trouble for you. She hardly has time to worry about me," he said with a sigh, then added, "You’re not going to that charity gala, are you?"

"I didn’t want to, but I have to," Natalie replied.

"You shouldn’t go," her grandpa said, frowning. "Your grandma’s probably planning to embarrass you. I’m worried."

"Grandpa, you can’t keep asking me to avoid these events just because of them," she assured him gently. "Even if I skip this one, they’ll find another way to cause trouble. It won’t ever stop. Trust me, I’ll be fine."

Albert gave her a reluctant nod.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Natalie stood up to answer it, but her grandpa quickly grabbed her hand. "Check first. If it’s your grandma, don’t open the door."

Natalie almost laughed at his worry. "I’ll check." She peered through the door viewer and smiled when she saw the familiar face.

"It’s Aiden, Grandpa," she said as she opened the door.

Justin stepped inside, only to be greeted by Albert’s question, "Aiden, don’t you know the door lock passcode by now?"

Justin was caught off guard. He hadn’t bothered to learn it since it was Natalie’s home, and he hadn’t thought it necessary. But before he could respond, Natalie quickly wrapped her arm around his, leaning against him like a loving wife and answered the old man.

"Of course he knows the passcode, Grandpa. But he says he loves seeing me at the door when he gets home. And I don’t mind opening it for him."

The old man chuckled, "That’s a good thought as well. Young people in love can truly be passionate."

Albert stood up slowly. "I’m going to get some fresh air on the deck. The hospital felt like a prison."

Natalie watched her grandpa walk away, feeling Justin’s gaze on her as she realized she was still clinging to his arm. Embarrassed, she began to pull away, but Justin wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her back close. A playful smirk curved his lips.

"I like seeing you up close like this, too. Next time, instead of just standing at the door, you could straight jump into my arms."

Natalie’s face flushed in surprise.

"What do you think?" he asked, clearly enjoying her reaction.

In response, she pushed him away, her cheeks burning, and headed toward her room. "I need to freshen up first. You can wait for your turn."

Justin chuckled softly, slipping off his shoes and putting on the home slippers.

Inside the bathroom, Natalie splashed cold water on her face, trying to steady her racing heart.

Meanwhile Justin went to the deck as he had already observed Albert’s distress. Now he had successfully sent Natalie away, he was free to talk with Albert.

He stood next to Albert, his tone calm. "What’s bothering you, Mr. Ford?"

"You noticed?"

Justin hummed, "You can tell me."

Albert glanced at him, his expression sad. "After seeing my family today, you must have realized they don’t truly care about Natalie. They treat her like an outsider. I am glad you stood by her side and wish to protect her, but I know you have your limits as fighting against the wealthy people when you are an ordinary man can be difficult."

Justin remained silent, letting Albert speak.

"I don’t expect you to fight with those people, as it’s beyond your capability. All I ask is that you always trust her, no matter what my family shows you or what the world says about her."

"Don’t worry about that," Justin replied, not offering more but his tone was firm, reassuring.

The rest of the evening passed peacefully. They shared a quiet dinner together, and after helping Albert to bed, Natalie and Justin returned to their room.

As Natalie settled into her side of the bed, she glanced at Justin. "What did Grandpa say to you? I saw you two talking on the deck."

"He told me to trust you despite whatever the world says about you," Justin answered, getting on his side of the bed.

"He worries too much about me," she sighed, lying down and sinking into the bed.

Justin covered the both of them with the blanket, turned off the lights and lay in bed on his side as he said.

"Whether he asks me or not, I am always on your side."

There was a sudden silence in that dark room after what he said.

"Good night." Natalie turned to her side, and faced her back to him. ’I need to protect my heart against this man. So many times in the day he moved my heart with his words and actions that I can’t take it anymore.’

"Good night." Justin replied, as he looked at her back.

—-

The next morning Natalie was arranging the breakfast on the table, while Justin was helping her and Alebrt was reading a newspaper.

"Grandpa, I baked your favourite cookies. Try it."

She picked one and was about to go to Albert, they all heard the sound of someone entering the passcode of the door to unlock it.

"Who else knows the passcode?" Albert asked.

Even before Natalie could think of an answer, the door opened and a young woman entered the home, "Surpriseeee!"

Natalie was shocked as she had not expected this at all. "Mia...?"

"Who else other than I can know the password of your home?" Mia smiled and her gaze swept to the man standing by the breakfast table. Her eyes widened in a shock, "Just....Umm...."

Her mouth was stuffed with the cookie Natalie was holding, stopping Mia from talking just in time.