Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40 School Is Scary Stuff

The curse that came at him caught Jackson off guard.

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His brows knit tightly, his tone incredulous. “Since when did you become so sharp–tongued?”

Natalie had no patience to spar with him. “I’m busy; I don’t have time for this.”

Jackson’s temper flared, his gaze growing colder.

He took two steps forward, then suddenly turned back, fixing her with a hard look. “If you’ve got time, then hurry up and sign the agreement.”

Before he could get another word in, Natalie strode away without looking back.

Behind her came his voice, sharp and accusing. “Making me sign now is no different than pushing Grandpa to his death!”

Natalie’s steps faltered for the briefest moment, but she never stopped. She had thought that since Jackson didn’t love her, the divorce would be easy once she got out.

She never imagined the biggest obstacle would be Gabriel.

Gabriel treated her like a real granddaughter; how could she bring this up at such a time?

For now, she could only take it one step at a time…

When she got home, Lucy was just walking into Oakridge Estates, arms full of bags.

The moment Natalie stepped through the door, she saw her things scattered around the living

room.

“Sorry! I didn’t ask first; I just brought my stuff over…‘

“”

Natalie glanced at Lily, who was playing with blocks in the living room, then looked back at Lucy. “Don’t tell me your landlord kicked you out?”

“You’re good at this,” Lucy said, flashing her a thumbs–up. “The landlord said her son was coming back and needed the place, and I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t had time to deal with it. Then her son showed up early, so… here I am.”

“Why don’t you just stay here with us?”

Natalie set out a pair of slippers, her smile bright.

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10:57 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 40 School Is Scary Stuff

“Really?” Lucy’s eyes lit up with delight. “I won’t be in the way?”

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“Of course not. It’s just me and Lily; if you move in, you can even help me keep an eye on her when you’re free. Once the medical clinic opens, I’m going to be swamped.”

“Deal.”

Lucy didn’t even hesitate.

Over dinner, they started talking about the day.

“By the way, how did the signing go today?”

Natalie’s hand stilled for a moment. She hesitated, then told Lucy everything that had happened.

“When I was looking for houses in that area, I checked the prices. That location started at a hundred grand…” Lucy’s eyes widened. “How is Marcus‘ friend letting you rent it for that cheap? Even with a friends–and–family discount, it shouldn’t be that low.”

“I can’t figure it out either.”

Natalie smiled faintly and said nothing more.

Lucy switched topics. “Have you found a school for Lily yet?”

Natalie nodded. “I have. She can start tomorrow.”

“Ms. Foster, I don’t want to go to school…”

The soft little voice broke the momentary quiet.

Natalie turned to look at the child by her side, then said nothing.

Seeing this, Lucy asked gently, “Why don’t you want to go to school, Lily?”

“I don’t know anyone there. I just want to stay with Ms. Foster… and Ms. Lucy,” Lily said, her voice laced with quiet hurt.

Natalie saw her little mouth tremble, as if tears were just a breath away.

Back at the orphanage, the director had warned her, after years of neglect and mistreatment from her father, Lily was shy and withdrawn. If necessary, Natalie should consider professional therapy for her.

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10:57 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 40 School Is Scary Stuff

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“Don’t be scared, sweetheart. The kids at school are kind; they won’t pick on you. And if anyone does, just let me know, okay? Or you can tell your teacher…” Natalie bent down. bringing her voice low and gentle. “Will you try, for me?”

Lily’s lips pouted for a moment, then she gave a reluctant nod. “Okay.”

Natalie smoothed a hand over her hair. “That’s my girl. I’ll take you to the amusement park soon, all right?”

At that, a shy smile finally curved across Lily’s face.

Just then, Natalie’s phone rang.

She picked it up, glanced at the name flashing across the screen, and her face darkened instantly. It was Jackson. Without a second thought, she hung up.

He called again. And again. Three times in a row, and each time, she refused to answer.

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