Chapter 4: Velvet Gloves, Iron Fates

I don’t know how Mrs. Sutton found out I was back, but she blocked me at the spa. The place was all soft lighting and plush chairs—a far cry from my usual five-minute showers. Mrs. Sutton swept in like a queen, eyes sharp even as she smiled.

She linked her arm through mine and steered me toward a velvet-lined lounge, all fake warmth and real calculation. It gave me goosebumps.

“Natalie, have you seen Alex?”

I nodded politely, telling a small lie. “Saw him at the hospital. Mrs. Sutton, I’m just back because my mom had a little accident. She’s almost better. I’ll be leaving again soon.”

She spoke gently. “Natalie, you’ve been overseas so long. You should spend time with your parents. No rush to go back—your folks must’ve missed you.”

I rolled my eyes inside, but nodded politely. She relaxed, then leaned in. “You’ve seen that woman, right?”

‘That woman.’ She really couldn’t stand Lauren. “I saw her at the hospital with Mr. Sutton.”

Mrs. Sutton patted my hand like a coach with a star player. “Natalie, believe me—Alex loves you the most. Why else would he find someone who looks so much like you? Lauren’s just a stand-in. He’s only with her to annoy me. If you want Alex, she’s no competition.”

She didn’t stop for breath. “Her family’s bad, her education’s worse, she’s clumsy and cries all the time. I don’t know what’s wrong with Alex, protecting her like that. I never see her—don’t even have her number. Last time I tried to give her money, she acted all fake and noble. Honestly, I prefer your straightforwardness. If you want, I’ll help you. Natalie, I still hope you’ll be my daughter-in-law.”

Her words were overwhelming, her Southern belle smile not reaching her eyes. I felt wronged—scripted as the villainous, money-grubbing white moonlight, regretting that my love with Alex couldn’t last. But I had to believe fate was set. I’m rational, not love-crazed. I decided not to join the drama and avoid more torment.

Still, I’d returned for unexpected reasons. Though I didn’t want to admit it, I still had a glimmer of hope for Alex. I loved everything about him—his gentleness, his shyness, the way he blushed when he kissed me. But that one look at the airport told me he wasn’t the same man. Four years had changed him. He was more mature, more charming, but… after all.

“Sorry, Mrs. Sutton, I don’t know how Mr. Sutton feels about Lauren, but I don’t want to interfere. I don’t like fighting other women for a man. My standards for love are high. What happened before is over—let’s all move on…”

Bang! The lounge door slammed open. Alex stood there, cold-faced, his tall figure intimidating. Mrs. Sutton and I froze as he stared straight at me, his expression unreadable. It made me nervous.

“Mom, Lauren will accompany me to a gala in a few days. It’s her first time here, she’s not familiar with the place. Arrange something for her.”

Lauren stepped out from behind him, wearing a white dress, eyes downcast. As soon as Mrs. Sutton saw her, she bristled. “Alex, do you want to drive me crazy? Bringing that woman to our family party!”

But Alex was already gone.

Lauren’s eyes filled with tears as she walked over. “Mrs. Sutton, don’t blame Alex. He just has a bad temper. I don’t want to cause trouble. I know I’m not what you pictured for Alex, but I’m trying my best. I really care about him.”

She looked fragile, her voice wavering, but there was steel in her eyes. I recognized it—that need to prove yourself to someone who’ll never accept you.

Hearing this, even I felt uncomfortable. Why so manipulative? But… does Alex have a bad temper? He was always gentle with me. Maybe four years changed him, too.

Mrs. Sutton barely kept her composure. “I’m his mother. I know his temper. And as long as I’m alive, I’ll never let you in this family. Who gave you the nerve to say you’ll be Alex’s wife? The only daughter-in-law I want is Natalie Parker!”

I wanted to melt into the plush carpet. This wasn’t my fight, and I hated being dragged back into their family drama.

I started planning my escape—maybe faking a phone call, or a sudden work emergency.

“But Mrs. Sutton, Alex told me they’re already in the past…”

But as I said it, I caught Alex’s reflection in the gilded mirror—watching me, jaw clenched, like he was about to rewrite the script.