CHAPTER 106

“Ma’am, I thought Nate should take it easy today. He’s not supposed to be running around with his

banged–up shin.” The teacher said.

Natalie froze for a moment, glancing down at Nate by her side. But Nate just played the innocent, tilting

his head up at Natalie with a goofy grin spreading across his face.

Natalie could feel a headache coming on. The kid had lied to her. But she knew pride started young,

and to scold him in front of everyone would be too shaming for a three–year–old.

“Well,” She looked up, offering the teacher a small smile. “Nate was feeling bored at home and wanted

to come and watch the other kids for a bit.”

“Well, that’s fine. There are activities Nate can join in on that don’t require running,” the teacher mused,

nodding in agreement.

Natalie found a small stool and settled Nate down in a shaded spot to watch the other children parade

into the field by class.

When they were finally alone, Natalie turned to Nate, her voice gentle but firm. “Nate, you know it’s not holds © this.

okay to lie. Hasn’t your dad taught you that?”

Nate fidgeted, his little hands twisting at his shorts, and gave a nod with a quiet “Mm–hmm.”

“Did you sneak Reid’s phone yesterday to video call me?” she continued to probe.

Nate glanced up at Natalie, but seeing her serious expression, he clammed up.

“You didn’t tell Dad or Reid that your teacher said you didn’t have to come to the field day, did you?”

Natalie pressed.

Silence was Nate’s only answer. It was clear to her. The boy had tricked her into coming.

She debated whether to call Reid to take Nate back home, but if she kept quiet, she’d be complicit in

his lie. That would be wrong, setting a bad example that lying was okay.

“I missed you, Natalie.” As she was about to speak, Nate suddenly caught one of Natalie’s fingers with

his tiny hand, his voice barely above a whisper.

Natalie looked down, locking eyes with a guilt–ridden Nate. Her heart softened in an instant.

After a moment, she sighed quietly, turned Nate to face her, and gently pinched his chubby cheek. “You

know lying is wrong, right?”

“I know,” Nate replied obediently.

Suddenly, Natalie wasn’t sure how to continue. She couldn’t bring herself to scold him outright. Finally,

she spoke softly, “Next time you miss me, just say so. And no more lies. And after the field day kicks

off, we’re heading home. That’s your punishment for knowing better but doing it anyway.”

“Natalie, what does knowing better mean?” Nate asked his face a picture of confusion.

Natalle started to explain but saw a man in a sharp suit standing not far off, watching her and Nate

quietly.

“Knowing better is

Knowing better was like she knew Brian looked down on and despised her, yet she always softened for

the sake of the child, appearing where she shouldn’t be.

Since Brian had arrived, she figured it was her cue to leave.

She set Nate down, reached for her beg on the ground, and was ready to walk away.

But just as she took a step. Nate grabbed the hem of her clothes, his bright eyes pleading as he

hugged her leg. “Natalie, don’t g→→→

“Nate, I’ve got things to do, and now that Ded’s here, you should go with him,” Natalie smiled gently

and said to Nete.

“If he wants to be part of the field day, let him stay,” Brian’s soft voice came as he approached.

*I have other commitments.” Natalie responded indifferently without looking at Brian.

Keeping the peace before Nate was her compromise, even if it meant not arguing with Brian.