Chapter 110: Time To Sleep With Your Good Husband, Mrs Handrix

Suppressing her anger, Briena returned to the waiting room with the water bottle in her hand which she offered to her grandmother.

Sephina accepted it while Clara spoke, "Though younger than her, Briena is being responsible," she said pointedly, casting a disdainful glance at Natalie. "Look at . Just busy sleeping away."

Sephina frowned, her gaze shifting to Natalie. "I’d rather die than accept water from her."

At that moment, Natalie stirred awake, blinking sleepily as she rubbed her eyes. She looked around and noticed the empty seat beside her. Glancing down, she found herself covered with Justin’s jacket.

She gently picked it up, folding it neatly, her fingers lingering on the familiar fabric. The scent of him enveloped her, giving her a small sense of comfort.

"Looking for your husband?" Briena sneered.

All the insults she had endured from Justin were boiling inside her, and she was desperate to take it out on Natalie.

But Natalie ignored her, continuing to fold Justin’s jacket with care. Her mind was only on the surgery and the doctor’s updates.

Seeing Natalie’s indifference only fuelled Briena’s rage. "You don’t seem surprised that he’s not here," she hissed. "You must be used to his "I wouldn’t be surprised to know you ran after him yourself, trying to convince him to be gigolo," Natalie interrupted coolly, her demeanour calm and composed.

Briena’s mouth fell open, stunned by the sharp retort.

"After all, you’ve always been desperate to take what belongs to me, whether it’s a thing or a man," Natalie added softly, her eyes never wavering from Briena’s.

"Shut up!" Briena exploded, her face flushed with humiliation and fury. "I love Ivan!"

"Sure," Natalie replied and kept quiet, despite having so much to say.

Natalie didn’t want to argue with Briena. But, despite of trying to avoid it, when Briena went on insulting Justin, Natalie found it difficult to hold back. Husband or not, she surely couldn’t let anyone insult Justin when he was nothing but a good man.

Briena fell silent, not wanting the humiliating truth—that she had propositioned Justin to be her gigolo—to come out.

After a while, Justin returned as well, and sat by Natalie’s side. Briena didn’t dare look at him, neither did Justin spare her a glance as if she was invisible to him.

Natalie offered him his jacket, still neatly folded in her lap.

"Keep it. It’ll keep you warm."

Natalie did as he told, realising all along she had been so obedient to him today.

More than four hours had passed since the surgery began. Finally, the doctor arrived the waiting room. Everyone immediately stood up, the sudden movement making Natalie lose her balance as a cramp shot through her leg from sitting for so long. But Justin held her stable.

"How was the surgery?" Sephina asked.

"It was a minor surgery, and there’s nothing to be concerned about," the doctor replied reassuringly. "We’ve placed Mr. Ford in the ICU for observation, and he’ll be moved to his room tomorrow morning. Until then, no visitors are allowed. It would be best if all of you went home and got some rest." He offered the advice kindly, more like a friend than a doctor, before nodding and taking his leave.

Sephina sighed softly and turned to the group. "You should all return home. I’ll stay here tonight."

"Mother, I’ll stay instead," Jay interjected quickly. "You should go home with Briena and Clara."

"I’m fine," Sephina insisted stubbornly, but Briena chimed in.

"Grandma, you’ve been so stressed lately. You really should rest. I’ll stay here and keep an eye on Grandpa."

Of course their conversation didn’t involve Natalie as a family member. It sure hurt her.

"You can’t walk like this—just sit here," Justin instructed gently, guiding Natalie to sit back down.

"I want to stay here," she insisted, her voice soft yet resolute.

He hummed.

But then, Sephina’s angry voice rang out. "You’re allowed to stay here. You’re not part of our family, and don’t forget—you’re the reason Albert is in this state!"

Justin was about to say something but Natalie held his hand to stop him. He looked at her, and stopped, seeing the silent plea in her eyes.

He knelt in front of her on one knee, his expression serious. "Your legs need a little massage so you can walk properly."

Seeing him so serious, Natalie couldn’t dare stop him and watched him massaging her legs from ankle to calves. His large palms radiated comforting warmth.

At their ignorance, Sephina fumed but Clara spoke, "Mother, the doctor clearly said we can’t meet Father until morning. Why don’t we all go home and rest? Briena can stay here if you still want someone to keep watch."

"I don’t want to leave Briena alone here with that wretch," Sephina snapped, and they all left together.

Natalie felt hurt at their words but kept her composure. It was nothing new to her. Even if she did nothing, her grandma would blame her for any unfortunate incident calling her a bad omen. Then this time, it was truly her fault that Albert was sick, so she had no right to say anything.

Sensing her silence, Justin spoke as he let go of her leg and took her other leg in his hand to massage.

"It’s not your fault that Mr. Ford is in this condition. In fact, it was good that it happened when it did. What the doctors had missed before, they were able to catch now, before it got worse."

Natalie felt confused. "What do you mean?"

"During the previous tests, the doctors happened to overlook a minor issue. If it had remained undetected, it could have turned fatal. So, as much as the shock was difficult, it actually ended up saving your grandpa’s life by bringing that hidden problem to light."

Justin explained and looked up at her, her eyes moist, "So, it’s not your fault at all. Don’t tolerate it when your family blames you. You’ve saved his life. Understood?"

Natalie’s eyes turned teary as she nodded. Not just because of the truth he told but the way he was trying to comfort her, it was overwhelming.

"Thank you," she mumbled.

He let go of her leg and asked, "Better?"

She moved her legs a little and nodded.

He pulled out his cellphone, typed a message and sent it.

Then he turned to Natalie, "There are still a few hours till morning. You need to sleep comfortably in bed...."

"I don’t want to leave," she interrupted in a hurry.

Justin’s cell phone beeped and he checked the message. He closed it and looked at her. "Who said you are leaving?" He offered her his hand.

Confused, she accepted his hand anyway and he made her stand. He led her way outside the waiting room.

"Where are we going?" she asked, confused.

"Time to sleep with your good husband, Mrs Handrix."

"What?"