Chapter 2

Natalie came out of the bathroom and ran straight into Linda. In a fluster, Linda grabbed her wrist. "Natalie, how's Matthew? Is he okay?" Natalie glared coldly at the apprentice she had personally mentored for three years. She never imagined that Linda would claim credit for a kidney donation while secretly getting involved with Oliver. On top of that, Linda even had a child with him. The accident Natalie suffered on her way to work, which caused partial memory loss and made her forget certain things, had given them the perfect opportunity to carry on their affair. Snapping back to reality, she pulled her hand free. "Matthew is my son. Why are you worrying about him? Do you think I would ever harm my own child?" Linda froze. She did not expect the usually gentle Natalie to embarrass her in public. "I-I didn't mean it like that, Natalie…" Just then, Oliver walked over, glanced at Linda, and noticed the corners of her eyes getting red. "Honey, Linda's just concerned about Matthew. Why are you being so harsh?" Watching him rush to defend Linda, Natalie felt her chest tighten painfully. Even though she already knew about their secret, it still hurt. After all, they had been together for ten years. Ten years that translated into countless days and nights side by side. How could she possibly let go so easily? Her hands clenched slightly. "As an intern, she has her duties. If she wastes more time here, don't expect me to go easy during the evaluations." Natalie worked at the top hospital in Hestonia. Evaluations were strict, and Linda had worked hard to get in. Hearing Natalie's cold tone, Oliver was also taken aback. Wasn't she on pretty good terms with Linda? "Natalie, even if you look down on my status, you don't have to single me out! Yes, I was brought in through special recruitment. My family isn't as wealthy as yours, but I'm trying my best. What right do you have to dismiss me like this?" Linda bit her lip, feeling deeply humiliated. Clearly, Natalie had only meant to offer a friendly reminder. To Linda, however, it looked like Natalie deliberately set a trip. Before Natalie could respond, a nurse came out of the ward. "Matthew's awake!" Matthew, eight years old, had been raised solely by Natalie. She hurried into the room, only to see him leap straight into Linda's arms. "Linda, I missed you so much!" Natalie paled, her hands frozen midair. Matthew then pushed her away with disdain. "You! Get me something to eat. I'm starving!" Oliver frowned. "Why are you talking to your mother like that?" Matthew didn't care. He replied, "I haven't had proper meals for days. What if I starve?" Oliver was always busy at work, so Natalie was the only one taking care of Matthew. After performing delicate surgeries all day, she still had to cook for the whole family. Even with all her love for this home, what did it matter? The father and son clearly didn't love her back. Matthew probably knew all along. Since blood was thicker than water, no matter what she did from the very beginning, he never liked it. The cake she painstakingly made for his birthday would end up thrown in the trash. The clothes she bought? He would shred them into pieces with scissors. She had thought it was because Matthew was still young and that he didn't know any better. Even when she finally learned the truth, she still clung to the belief that he was innocent. After all, she couldn't bear to give up on the child she had raised. She wanted to take Matthew and leave. However, in reality, it was the three of them making a mockery of her. The three of them were wearing matching family outfits. She was just too exhausted to notice until now. Only now did she realize how ridiculous it was. Natalie felt a sharp pang of self-pity. She straightened up. "Since you like Linda so much, let her cook for you." It was the first time she had ever refused Matthew. Why should she slave for someone else's child? Her outburst caused no reaction. Oliver frowned, displeased. "Why are you sulking at Matthew? He's just a child. Plus, he hasn't eaten for days. Can't you cook for your own son?" He continued, "Make extra portions for Linda, too. She hasn't eaten. Remember, no scallions for her." Natalie laughed bitterly, her fingers trembling. "You mean I should go home and cook for Matthew and Linda?" She had just finished surgery, was physically exhausted, and the hospital was more than six miles away. Not only was she expected to cook for someone else's child, but she also had to cater to the mistress' preferences—down to what the person could and couldn't eat. Was it because he thought she loved this family too much that she was willing to give everything without hesitation? How disgusting! Oliver had no idea how absurd this demand was and even thought it was entirely justified. "It's not a big deal. You're her mentor. It's not like you're going to quibble over a single meal, right?" Linda quickly waved her hands. "It's fine. I'm not hungry. You all go ahead and eat. Natalie, don't be mad." "It's nothing. She just gave you a bit of an attitude, so cooking a single meal isn't a big deal..." Natalie shouted, cutting him off. "Not a big deal? Oliver, do you even have a heart? I just finished surgery, and you expect me to cook for them? "Dream on! Eat whatever you want! I don't care!" With that, she slammed the door and stormed out.