She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 The Resemblance

(Nathanial)

Walking up the wide stone steps of the Warren estate, I keep a close eye on my sister.

Sonia walks stiffly beside me, keeping her hands carefully folded over her perfectly flat stomach.

She shivers, blaming the cold wind, but I know she’s anxious about seeing Chase and Natasha’s child.

“Relax,” I tell her gently, pressing the doorbell.

“You’re carrying his child too. He’ll love your baby just as much.”

She gives me a tight, unconvincing smile.

The heavy front door opens, and Eleanor Warren greets us warmly.

She looks incredibly pleased with herself.

“Nathanial. Sonia, my dear,” Eleanor says, kissing my sister’s cheek.

“Come inside. It’s wonderful to see you both.”

“We wanted to see the baby,” I explain, stepping into the grand foyer.

“And I need to speak to Chase about the Bauer merger.”

“Of course,” Eleanor replies, leading us toward the massive living room.

“He’s in here. He hardly puts the child down.”

Entering the room, I stop and stare.

Chase Warren is sitting in a large armchair near the fireplace.

He looks exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes, but he also looks completely at peace.

He’s holding a tiny bundle wrapped in a pink blanket against his chest.

A nurse stands nearby, looking slightly useless.

“Chase,” I say loudly, announcing our arrival.

He looks up and nods, keeping his voice very low.

“Nathanial. Sonia. Thanks for coming.”

Sonia steps closer, looking down at the baby with a forced smile.

“She’s so small,” Sonia notes softly.

“She was born early,” Chase replies.

His tone is protective.

He shifts the blanket slightly so we can see the baby’s face.

Suddenly, the little girl starts to cry.

+15 Bonus

D

It’s a loud, piercing wail from such a tiny body.

Eleanor steps forward immediately.

“Let the nurse take her, Chase. You need to rest.”

The nurse reaches out, but Chase pulls the baby closer to his chest.

“No,” Chase says firmly. “She only settles down when I hold her.”

He stands up and begins pacing the floor.

He bounces the baby gently, murmuring quiet words to her.

Almost instantly, the crying stops.

Watching the ruthless CEO act like a devoted father is surprising.

He doesn’t look like a man trapped in an unwanted marriage.

He looks like a man completely obsessed with his daughter.

I step closer to get a better look at my business partner’s child.

“She’s beautiful,” I admit, looking down at the tiny face.

“She looks exactly like Natasha,” Chase murmurs.

He traces a gentle finger over the baby’s soft cheek.

Looking closer, a cold chill suddenly washes over my body.

My breath catches in my throat.

She does not look like Natasha.

She looks exactly like the faded photograph of my little sister, Nat.

I keep that old picture hidden in my desk, and I know every detail by heart.

The bone structure, the shape of her eyes, the small curve of her nose.

The resemblance is undeniable.

My pulse races and I take a step back, feeling suddenly dizzy.

“Are you alright, Nathanial?” Eleanor asks.

“I’m fine,” I lie quickly, forcing myself to look away from the child.

“She just reminds me of someone. Someone from a very long time ago.

Sonia shoots me a sharp look.

“All babies look the same,” Sonia says quickly.

Her voice sounds unnaturally high.

“They’re just small and red.”

+15 Bonus

Chase glares at Sonia.

“My daughter does not look like every other baby. She’s perfect.”

The tension in the room spikes instantly.

Sonia bites her lip and looks away, clearly hurt by his harsh tone.

Eleanor quickly steps between them, trying tu smooth things over.

“Now, Chase, you’re tired and snappish. Sonia’s going to be a mother soon herself, remember.”

Eleanor looks at Sonia for a moment then tilts her head.

“In fact, I think this little girl could pass for Sonia’s child. Don’t you agree, Nathanial?”

The bizarre question catches me off guard.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify