When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3 So This Is What Favoritism Looks Like

Chapter 3 So This Is What Favoritism Looks Like

Natalie froze, glancing at the incoming call. Her heart dropped.

That number—it was from the Witch Doctor.

But why was he calling her? Their transaction had ended five years ago.

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Instinctively, she pressed a hand to her side, where the pain of having her rib removed still echoed deep in

her memory

She quickly rejected the call and said flatly, “Spam. Probably a scam number.”

Jensen glanced at her, then nodded, thinking of the recent scam warnings involving foreign numbers.

Scam calls are getting through? That means your number’s probably been leaked. I’ll have my assistant get you a new number tomorrow.”

Before Natalie could respond, Jensen’s own phone rang–with that distinct ringtone.

She instantly knew: it was Sharon.

Jensen shot Natalie a guilty glance, quickly declined the call, and mumbled, “Assistant calling about work. I’ll take it in the living room.”

Without waiting for a response, he rushed out.

Natalie’s eyes drifted to her phone.

It was still linked to the smart voice assistant in the living room–Alexa. Jensen thought it was just a Bluetooth speaker. He had no idea it had a built–in surveillance camera.

Natalie had never used it to spy on him. But today, with Sharon calling, something twisted inside her. She wanted to know how he acted with Sharon when she wasn’t around.

She lowered the volume and opened the Alexa app.

On–screen, Jensen sat at the bar, holding his phone. His eyes gazed out the window, completely unaware that the wind chime–symbol of their love–was gone.

His voice was soft and gentle. “I’ll come back to you in a bit.”

Sharon’s voice came clearly through the mic.

“Jensen, you’re the sweetest. Hey, the new Luke Corp jewelry line is launching tomorrow. Can I come? I heard it’s the Devotion series by Sunny–it’s perfect for our honeymoon vibe! You designed it, didn’t you? You’re Sunny, right?”

Jensen paused, slightly startled.

“I’m not-

“Oh come on, don’t lie to me. Back when you stood out among all the Luke heirs, it was because of that

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7:17pm

Chapter 3 So This Is What Favoritism Looks Like

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Heart of the Ocean design. Nobody knows who Sunny really is, but every time Luke Corp has a breakthrough. Sunny designs something in perfect sync. Who else would care that much about Luke Corp

Natalie gave a cold, bitter smile.

She had poured her heart into every piece she designed, each one a tribute to Jensen’s milestones.

Jensen stayed quiet for a moment.

Then Sharon went on. Jensen, my biggest dream has always been to become a jewelry designer. But fate won’t give me the time. We’re married now–could you let me borrow Sunny’s identity, just once? Let me feel what it’s like to be admired and adored.”

Natalie’s grip on her phone tightened.

Did Sharon even understand what she was asking?

Jensen hesitated, glanced toward Natalie’s room, then said softly, “Okay. Tomorrow, at the conference, I’ll announce to the media that you’re Sunny.”

Yay! I love you, Jensen!”

Sharon’s giddy laughter echoed from the speaker.

But Natalie’s heart had gone completely cold.

How could he?

press

Jensen knew she was Sunny. Yet with just a few sweet words from Sharon, he was willing to hand over everything–her years of blood, sweat, and brilliance–without even asking her.

So this is what favoritism really looked like.

Natalie couldn’t listen anymore. She cut off the Bluetooth connection, chest heaving.

If Jensen was going to give Sharon what was hers–then she would fight to take it back.

Without hesitation, she redialed the international number.

It rang three times before the Witch Doctor picked up, his voice cold and emotionless.

“Well, well. Look who finally grew a spine. Hung up on me, did you? Want me to take Jensen’s rib tonight instead?”

Natalie bit her lip. “I don’t care what you want me to do. Just help me with one thing, and I’ll agree to anything.”

There was a pause, then a snort of laughter.

“Didn’t you say you’d die for love five years ago? What changed?”

“Cut the crap. Do we have a deal or not?”

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7:17 pm

Chapter 3 So This Is What Favoritism Looks Like

Her fingers dug into her phone.

For five years, Jensen had been her only family, her only love, her only connection to the world.

Now, she had no one to tuum to–except the Witch Doctor.

Even if the price was steep.

“Deal

Natalie immediately explained what she needed and hung up.

Just then, Jensen came back in.

“Natalie. You can’t come to the launch event tomorrow.”

Why not?”

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She looked up at the man she’d loved for five long years. Her heart felt like it was being torn apart.

Jensen avoided her eyes. “Sunny’s identity needs to remain a secret. Just stay home. After tomorrow, I’ll give you whatever you want.”

And with that, he turned and walked away.

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