Chapter 1138 Two Strands Of Hair Cynthia was too welcoming. Natalie couldnât reject her invitation and sat down beside her. Noticing that Natalie seemed uncomfortable, Cynthia changed the topic to ease her discomfort. âThe pastries here are made by a pastry chef who used to work at Luna Palace and now has her own shop. You bought a lot, I see. Do you like them?â
âYes, I quite like them.â Natalie nodded. âIf you do, I can ask her to make some that arenât for sale for you to try.â Natalie did not know Cynthia would be this nice. She was pleasantly flattered. âLady Cynthia, you donât have to do that. I donât want to trouble you.â
âOh, itâs nothing much.â Cynthia chuckled. âI like you, so it isnât troublesome at all.â Like? Natalie said nothing, but she wasnât sure if Cynthia was telling the truth or not.
I only met her briefly once at the royal dinner where I rejected Bastien in public. That was humiliating to the royal family, so it seemed strange for her to like me. Perhaps she isnât Bastienâs birth mother, so she was inwardly pleased to see me upset Bastien and Lady Frieda, and that is why she likes me.
Noting the frown on Natalieâs face, Cynthia quickly added, âNatalie, you donât have to put your guard up. As you mightâve guessed, the three of us act all harmonious in front of His Majesty, but weâre actually not on good terms in private. Itâs normal for Frieda to hate you after you rejected marrying her son before His Majesty. Weâre on good terms, soâ¦â
Natalie glanced at Cynthia. Wow, I canât believe sheâs this straightforward.
âBesides, I like you because you resemble an old friend of mine,â Cynthia went on without waiting for her to reply. âI last met this friend over twenty years ago, but you remind me of her. I canât help but think of you as her.â
âShe resembles me?â Natalie asked in surprise. âYes, she does,â Cynthia said thoughtfully. âTo be honest, I keep thinking of you as the daughter of that friend. Otherwise, how could you resemble her that much?â
Natalie felt her heart leap to her throat. A friend? Could she be talking about my mother Jennie?
Natalie had seen Jennieâs photo when the latter was young. She looked like the younger version of her mother. Even Patricia would often stare at her face after her motherâs death. Natalie knew Patricia was missing her mother instead of just spacing out.
Despite her shock, she pretended to be curious and asked, âLady Cynthia, how did you lose contact with this friend? Over twenty years is a long time. Havenât you tried finding her?â
Cynthia was stunned. She hadnât expected Natalie to sound her out instead. Hmm, she seems curious as though she wants to know about the woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her.
Seeing that Cynthia seemed lost in her thoughts, Natalie called out, âLady Cynthia?â âHmm?â Cynthia snapped out of her reverie upon hearing Natalieâs voice.
âDid I ask something that I shouldnât have?â Natalie put on a remorseful expression.
âNo, of course not.â Cynthia sipped on her coffee to cover her awkwardness. Flashing a gentle smile, she revealed, âMy friend was a gorgeous lady. Alas, she didnât get to live long and died in a fire over twenty years ago.â
As she spoke, she raised her hand and placed it on Natalieâs head naturally. She stroked Natalieâs head a few times like an elder who was concerned for her junior.
âIt will be great if youâre my friendâs daughter,â Cynthia remarked as she secretly pulled off two strands of Natalieâs hair.