The moment Natalie stepped into the kitchen, the rich aroma of food instantly wrapped around her.
Her eyes landed on the two familiar women.
"Madam Wellington!"
Her voice rang with excitement.
Mrs. Wellington barely had time to react before Natalie rushed toward her and threw her arms tightly around her. She let out a surprised laugh, nearly losing balance on the chair she sat on.
"My goodness," she chuckled warmly, wrapping her arms around Natalie. "Were you planning to tackle me to the ground?"
"Yes," Natalie answered shamelessly, tightening the hug. "I missed you. It feels like you abandoned me."
Mrs. Baron burst into laughter from where she stood by the stove.
Mrs. Wellington gasped dramatically.
"Abandoned you?"
"Yes." Natalie pulled away slightly. "You barely visit anymore. Unlike before."
Mrs. Wellington smiled softly.
"I was only giving the newlyweds some space and time, you know."
"Hmph. Then what are you doing here now?"
"Well, my absence clearly wasn't helping matters, and your mother refuses to interfere." She rolled her eyes at Mrs. Baron.
Mrs. Baron smiled calmly.
"They're a couple. They should be able to sort things out themselves."
"See?" Mrs. Wellington said dramatically.
"I think so too," Natalie said while staring thoughtfully into thin air. Then she narrowed her eyes. "And don't try to change the topic. I'm sure you didn't even ask about me when you arrived."
Mrs. Wellington reached up and gently pinched Natalie's cheek.
"I already knew you'd be in school."
"Did you ask about my well-being?"
Mrs. Wellington chuckled softly.
"So dramatic," she muttered.
"I missed you too."
Natalie instantly melted again and hugged her once more.
Mrs. Baron shook her head fondly while stirring the pot.
"You're acting like you haven't seen her in ten years."
"It felt like ten years," Natalie mumbled dramatically against Mrs. Wellington's shoulder.
"And I'm very sure nothing stopped you from visiting me either."
Natalie finally pulled away.
"School did. You already know that." She winked at Mrs. Wellington.
Mrs. Wellington laughed quietly.
"Silly girl."
"You two talk on the phone almost every day. What more do you want?" Mrs. Baron asked.
"To see her beautiful face and pretty smile," Natalie replied sweetly.
"Highly overrated," Mrs. Baron said jokingly.
"Jealous?" Mrs. Wellington shot back immediately.
"My mum is beautiful too, you know." Natalie grinned before suddenly narrowing her eyes suspiciously. "Though I'm still shocked you're sitting in a kitchen willingly."
Mrs. Wellington instantly frowned.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Natalie slowly turned toward her mother.
"Blink twice if she was forced."
Mrs. Baron burst out laughing.
Mrs. Wellington scoffed loudly.
"You people are unbelievable."
"Everyone knows how much you detest kitchens," Natalie said with a chuckle before dramatically mimicking Mrs. Wellington's voice.
"I'd rather negotiate a business deal than cut onions. Cooking feels like unpaid labor."
The kitchen erupted with laughter.
"Looks like school didn't stress you enough today, considering the amount of energy you're using to tease me," Mrs. Wellington said.
Natalie's face immediately dropped.
"I'm so stressed that I want to scream," she groaned. "Final year is the worst year of my life."
Then she grinned.
"But seeing you in the kitchen? I can spare some energy for small talks."
Mrs. Wellington laughed out loud.
"You're something else."
"What's for dinner?" Natalie asked her mother.
"She said it's a surprise," Mrs. Wellington answered.
Natalie immediately looked at Mrs. Baron knowingly.
"Let me guess… Madam's favorite?"
Mrs. Baron slowly raised her head.
"You talk too much."
"Nah. I'm just smart."
Then Natalie turned toward Mrs. Wellington again.
"But do you really mind staying in the kitchen?" she asked, genuine concern flashing briefly across her face.
"Natalie, please," Mrs. Wellington groaned dramatically, though amusement danced in her eyes. "I can stay in a kitchen if I want to."
"Mhm," Mrs. Baron hummed knowingly.
Natalie gasped softly.
"So what happened to—"
She straightened dramatically before imitating Mrs. Wellington again.
"The kitchen and I believe in maintaining distance."
Mrs. Baron laughed harder.
Natalie smiled fondly.
'Such a sweet soul', she thought.
"Well," Natalie continued smugly, folding her arms, "I'm smart enough to know you just wanted to leave Lily and Smith alone."
Mrs. Wellington immediately looked away.
Mrs. Baron laughed even harder.
Mrs. Wellington tried maintaining a straight face, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her instantly.
"They needed time together," she defended herself proudly. "I'm good at this, aren't I?"
Natalie dramatically placed a hand on her chest.
"Awwn. So touching."
"The fact that I'm sitting here willingly should already be appreciated," Mrs. Wellington declared while standing up.
"Of course."
Natalie grinned before walking toward the counter and stealing a chopped carrot.
Mrs. Baron slapped her hand lightly.
"Get out before you eat all the ingredients."
Natalie popped the carrot into her mouth anyway.
"You should be grateful," she said while chewing. "I'm taste-testing."
Mrs. Wellington laughed softly and turned toward the door.
"By the way," Natalie suddenly called out, "your favorite couple aren't together in the sitting room anymore."
Mrs. Wellington halted immediately and sighed.
"He left her alone again, didn't he?"
"Mhm."
"That brat is truly a pain in the ass," she muttered before leaving the kitchen.
"As always," Natalie said with a laugh.
Mrs. Baron glared at her.
"What?" Natalie asked innocently.
"Get out."
"Oh well, since my help is no longer needed, I'll be leaving."
She used her head to gesture dramatically toward the door.
But before Mrs. Baron could say anything, Natalie quickly snatched another carrot and rushed out of the kitchen.
Mrs. Baron shook her head with a helpless smile.
"She's worse than Smith."