Chapter 475
Ten months later, Timothy arrived at the Stapleton estate holding a chubby, pink- cheeked baby boy, whom he placed in Theodore’s arms.
“They’re twins, both boys. This is the older one. My sister kept the younger one p>
Theodore stared at the child, momentarily lost in thought, before giving a cool, detached nod.
“Fine p>
As Timothy was about to leave, he felt compelled to add one more thing.
“My sister will take good care of the other baby, so you don’t need to worry about them. You should take care of yourself and this little one p>
“I don’t need her concern. And frankly, I’m not worried about her in the slightest p>
Timothy knew Theodore resented Penelope, though he never understood how things had gotten so bad between them. But Penelope had told him that every choice was her own, and she had no regrets.
“I understand p>
After Timothy left, Theodore looked down at the tiny baby sleeping soundly in his arms, his heart filled with a complex mix of emotions that was quickly replaced by his familiar coldness.
He had always been a cold person; Penelope was the only one who had ever managed to warm his heart. Now, he was simply returning to his old self.
It was for the best. This was the version of himself he was used to.
Penelope and Natalie hadn’t gone far. They had settled in a small, scenic, and still largely undeveloped town, nestled just beyond a county outside Orenth.
The two of them bought a house, renovated it to their liking, and began a quiet, pastoral life with their two children.
The town was small, and most of the young people had left to find work elsewhere, leaving behind a community of seniors.
Their house was at the west end of town, and the local elders had a habit of playing cards and chatting on the concrete patio out front. Since Penelope and Natalie enjoyed the company, they put up an awning, and the space quickly became the town’s social hub.
More and more of the town’s seniors started gathering there, and the two women quickly integrated into the life of the town.
Six years flew by. The clamor of their past and the tranquility of their present felt like two different worlds.
One day, Cindy rushed over, holding her phone. “Hey, doesn’t the actress in this show look just like Natalie p>
The seniors playing cards immediately gathered around. One, whose eyesight was failing, put on his reading glasses to get a better look.
“She does p>
“A spitting image p>
“They could be the same person p>
Just then, Natalie emerged from the
house snacking on some nutsnes
Thinking they were watching some major news story, she ambled over.
“What do you say p>
Her sudden appearance made everyone jump. Lucy patted Natalie on the arm. “Goodness, you always walk so quietly p>
Natalie feigned outrage. “I’m not a ghost, of course I make noise when I walk. It’s you all who are going deaf p>
A few of the seniors rolled their eyes at her. Cindy held up her phone next to Natalie’s face, comparing them closely.
“Natalie, do you have a twin sister?” Cliff asked.
Natalie glanced at the phone screen and understood immediately. “I don’t have a twin. That’s me p>
The seniors’ eyes widened in unison. “So you’re a celebrity p>
Natalie put her hands on her hips. “Don’t I look like one p>
The elders looked her up and down-wearing baggy pajamas, hair thrown up carelessly, having just rolled out of bed at noon without
even splashing
water on her face
They all shook their heads.
“Not one bit p>
Natalie huffed. “Well, it’s me. If you don’t believe it, search the cast list. The lead actress is named Natalie p>
Cindy swiped on her phone a few times and found the actress’s name. It really was Natalie.
“Well, I’ll be. We’ve got a big star living in our town p>
“So she really is a star. Though probably not a very famous one p>
“Definitely not as famous as those big-name comedians on TV. No wonder we didn’t recognize her p>
าวนา
The seniors chatted for another moment, but the novelty quickly wore off, and they decided it wasn’t worth discussing further Th back down to their card game.
ing further They sat