CHAPTER 56: CHAPTER 56: WHY CAN’T YOU JUST SPOIL ME LIKE YOUR WIFE?

Zane Thorne’s physique was strong, forming a stark visual contrast with Natalie Vaughn in his arms. Especially his chest, so warm, Natalie only felt like she’d entered a cozy harbor.

She had always loved Zane’s embrace.

Thump thump thump—

Her heartbeat was a bit uncontrollable, one after another, even more intense than the day she sat in the passenger seat of his race car. It was hard to say whether it was because of the cold, the overwhelming satisfaction from the embrace, or because of... Zane’s words.

For the first time, Natalie heard Zane utter that title from his lips.

Future Mrs. Thorne...

A few simple words, but why did they seem different coming from Zane?

Natalie was always smart; she knew that a strong and experienced person like Zane, after being honed into calmness, could effortlessly control his emotions. Apart from the matters related to five years ago, there were several times when Zane’s anger was because of her.

Twice it happened in the hospital.

Thinking this, Natalie’s gaze fell on her injuries.

Zane seemed to care quite a bit about her injuries? Otherwise, why would he say she wasn’t taking her own safety seriously? But why?

Was it affection?

Natalie looked up at him, travel and exhaustion had made stubble appear on his chin, adding a touch of rugged masculinity rather than untidiness.

No, it wasn’t affection.

The light and heat in Zane’s eyes when looking at racing were undeniable. But when he looked at her, it was always deep and profound.

She had sensed something different before but never thought deeply about what was beneath that depth.

Yet whether because of that depth or because she was the future Mrs. Thorne, Zane’s actions had already exceeded her expectations.

No rush, take your time, she had all the patience in the world.

Because coincidentally, she hadn’t yet sorted out her own feelings.

Just as they returned to the car, Zane’s phone rang—Phoebe Quinn was calling. Natalie’s phone was already broken, unable to make contact, so they had to reach Zane.

Phoebe had already learned about the situation from Damian, wasn’t as anxious anymore, but still worried.

"Nina, are your injuries serious? Aaron and I are on our way to the hospital now."

"Just minor injuries, we’re on our way back now, don’t come, I’m starving."

Phoebe paused for a moment.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Hot pot."

Phoebe:...

Zane:...

"Can you eat that?"

Phoebe was unclear about Natalie’s exact injuries, but hearing the words "hot pot" eased her mind a bit. Nina might be reckless, but she knew her limits.

If she could eat hot pot, she certainly wasn’t seriously injured.

"Of course I can eat, I bought so many ingredients, how could I not have hot pot after all my hard work?"

"Then Aaron and I will head back to your place and get everything ready, make sure you can eat as soon as you come back."

"Mwah, love you."

Hanging up the phone, Natalie handed it to Zane next to her.

"Do you want to join us?"

Having spent so many days in Altara, you must miss Cinnabar’s food.

Hearing this, Zane glanced at her.

With a hint of accusation.

Natalie raised an eyebrow, indeed, Zane rushed from the airport to rescue her and then took her to the hospital, such hard work, she ought to invite him for a meal.

"Then let’s eat together, I bought a lot, enough for everyone."

Zane withdrew his gaze, placing Natalie’s somewhat uncomfortable leg onto his own, even in the dim car light, he could see the small scars on her slender ankle.

"Not a toothache? Having a cold and still eating hot pot?"

Natalie comfortably rested her leg on him, even shifting around to find a more cozy spot, resting her head on Zane’s arm.

"With hot pot, what’s a toothache? I’m a bit odd, a hot pot fixes half my cold."

Zane watched as she playfully moved her leg, and couldn’t help but press down on her leg with his hand.

"What’s this nonsense?"

"Really, Yana and Aaron know."

Looking down at the sparkle in her eyes, Zane let out a chuckle from his throat.

This little girl, injured and sick, yet her spirits weren’t dim.

"Then why ask for cold medicine?"

Natalie rolled her eyes.

"Hot pot covers fifty percent, the other fifty percent goes to the cold medicine."

Zane kept quiet.

When Felix returned to the car after buying the medicine, he was greeted by this sight.

The little girl who had just been kidnapped leaned leisurely against the man’s arm, pants rolled up, her legs draped over him, occasionally fidgeting only for his large hand to restrain her.

Felix:...

He finally understood what Zane meant by saying "six years older, it’s only right to take care of her."

Natalie without makeup looked younger by three or four years due to her chubby cheeks, while Zane hadn’t tidied himself up, stubble on his chin, with his short hair, made their age gap seem even larger.

Not just six years, it could even pass for uncle and niece.

Felix’s mouth twitched involuntarily.

Could it be that Zane’s affection for Natalie truly included some elder-like care?

Having stared for too long, Zane lazily lifted his lids to look over.

Felix:...

...

James Vaughn was always generous to Natalie, choosing the most spacious and best apartment layouts. This duplex apartment in Rivermark had minimal furniture, bright and roomy.

When they returned, Phoebe and Aaron were almost done preparing, the whole floor was filled with the aroma of hot pot.

Natalie, starving, sat directly at the table, picking up chopsticks to grab a large piece of meat. Yet due to careless movements, her facial wound was tugged, making the corners of her mouth burn with pain.

"Hiss—"

Zane, who followed in, frowned and without a word, snatched Natalie’s chopsticks.

"Where’s the fridge?"

Natalie frowned, her face filled with a craving for the meat.

"Around the corner, second shelf has ice."

Zane placed the bowl from in front of Natalie to another spot, then strode over to fetch ice for Natalie.

"Where’s the bandage?"

"Don’t have any, wrap it with a scarf, the closet’s on the second floor, second room on the left."

Zane gave a deep look at Natalie and then casually walked upstairs. Just before disappearing at the stairway, his deep voice echoed.

"Don’t think about sneaking food."

Natalie:...

Phoebe:...

Aaron:...

Felix:...

"Nina, what’s going on?"

Phoebe stood with her hands behind on the apron ties, dazedly watching the scenes, forgetting what she intended to do.

Though Natalie didn’t understand why Zane was willing to care for her, if he was willing, she was at ease to order him around.

"My face needs to deflate."

Otherwise, opening her mouth would hurt, how could she eat hot pot then?

Felix found it somewhat hard to accept. Mr. Thorne, this man, the way he took care of people... was rather strange.

"Sis."

Natalie turned back, looking at Felix’s serious expression.

"Hmm?"

"Mr. Thorne wouldn’t be treating you like a daughter, would he?"

Natalie:...

"Why can’t he be treating me like a wife?"

Felix raised a fist to his mouth, coughed lightly, then stiffly turned his neck, finding it hard to believe.

"Is this how one spoils a wife?"