Knowing My Ex-Wife After The Divorce Novel by Yetta Horace

Natalie had never felt more awkward. She crouched under the table, peering up at Tobias.

When he spotted her, he squinted and stepped closer, then bent down too. “What are you doing here?”

Natalie was still trying to think of an answer when he asked, “Do you want to see the manager of this restaurant?”

She hesitated for a moment, thankful that Yara had just clashed off; otherwise, she would have been mortified. She nodded quickly. “Yes, I do,”

Nearby, a group of people whispered in confusion, “Mr. Reese, why are you looking under the table?” They couldn’t see Natalie from where they stood.

She really wanted to stay hidden. It wouldn’t be a huge problem if they spotted her, but if Yara suddenly came back, the truth about her daughter would definitely come out.

Her reluctance was clear, so Tobias gently tapped her on the head. Just stay put.”

Before she could respond, he pulled back the tablecloth. She heard people leaving, but soon, Tobias’s footsteps came closer again.

“Come out,” he said. Natalie poked her head out and saw no one was around. It seemed everyone had been called away. She crawled out, brushing off nonexistent dirt from her clothes. Thanks, but I need to go now, she said, eager to escape.

But just as she stepped away, he grabbed her hand and pulled her into an embrace. In an instant, she found herself pressed against the wall, with Tobias leaning in so close their lips almost touched, creating an intense moment.

“I draw their attention away

for you, and this is how you thank me?”

Natalie felt a bit speechless. He was exactly the reason she had to hide! But to keep her daughter safe, she had to go alon with it. “So how do you want me to repay you? By continuing to save your precious Elle?”

His gaze turned serious, lost in thought. “About that heart surgery you mentioned… can we do it now?”

Natalie realized he was still focused on Elle. “We can try, but I can’t guarantee it will work-maybe a twenty percent chance at best.”

Tobias’s look darkened, his voice icy. “I want it to be a sure thing No complications for her

Natalie gave a slight smile. “I can’t promise that at this point. I’m really sorry.”

Tobias didn’t seem convinced. “Is it really like that?”

“Of course, I never lie. If this had been a man she truly loved, she might have been tempted to fake an accident during surgery to get rid of Elle. But that wasn’t the case; the man in front of her was just her ex-husband. She had no feelings for him, so she decided honesty was the best way to go. “Mr. Reese, could you let me go now?” She reminded him that their closeness was a bit too much.

Tobias leaned down and gently kissed her. “If there’s a way to save her, you’ll let me know right away.”

Natalie forced a smirk, too tired to even make a snarky remark. Sure.

After all, Tobias had plenty of money. If she could really help, why not take it? A kiss didn’t mean much-they’d shared Tuch more intimate moments in the past. There was no need to feel shy about it, as long as things didn’t spiral out like last time. But she hadn’t realized how touchy Tobias could be.

His expression was hard to read, but after their eye contact, they both seemed satisfied. “And about that day-I’m sorry for being too quick. I should’ve given you time to adjust. I’ll be more careful and take it slow.

Natalie’s heart sank. “So there will be a next time? Mr. Reese, please behave. If Elle knew, it would break her heart,” she said, her voice hinting at something more. As she pushed him away and turned to leave, she felt his gaze heavy on her.

Tobias watched her walk away, a complicated look on his face.

Natalie found a private booth and called Yara over. “From now on, whenever you see that guy, stay away, okay?” she said seriously.

Yara blinked, confused. “Why, Mommy? You never made me stay away from other handsome uncles. I really like this one!”

Natalie struggled to find the right words, “Why do you like him? Just because he’s the most handsome?” She didn’t want to admit it, but Tobias really was the best-looking guy she knew, and he fit her style. It made sense her daughter felt the same.

Yara gave her big eyes, looking sad. “It’s not just because he’s handsome! I really like him, Mommy, Please let me be with him Natalie stood her ground. “No way.”

Yara stomped her foot, glaring at her mother. “Mom, that’s so unfair!”

Normally, Natalie might have softened at her daughter’s anger, but today was different. “It’s not happening”

Feeling defeated. Yara ran off, and Natalie didn’t worry. Deep down, the girl understood why her mom was saying no.

For a while, the name “Tobias” felt distant, but the Guzman family kept pushing Natalie to come home. In the end, they used her grandmother’s hospitalization to convince her. So, Natalie decided to go back for an afternoon, spend some time with her grandma, and then leave. The Guzman residence hadn’t changed much; many places had been renovated.

As soon as the staff saw Natalie, they rolled their eyes and kept their distance, pretending not to notice her. Natalie didn’t mind. That was just how the Guzman family treated her-all the same as before.

In the living room, Yulisa sat on the couch, looking much thinner than the last time Natalie had seen her. Yulisa fixed her gaze on Natalie like she was an enemy,

Tommy and Lily were sitting across from her. When they noticed Natalie, their faces darkened. Tommy slammed his cane on the floor and shouted, “Ungrateful daughter! Get on your knees!”

Natalie stood tall, looking calmly at them. “Why should I kneel?

“You caused that mess at the wedding, didn’t you? Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve brought to our family?” Tommy was furious. Just because he had taken her away at the wedding for appearances didn’t mean he accepted the fallout. Because of her actions, there was no chance to bring the Shaw and Guzman families together.

Natalie admitted it plainly. “Yeah, that was me.”

“Dad… Yulisa’s eyes filled with tears, her red eyes showing she had cried a lot.

Tommy glared at Natalie. “You came here to collect debts, didn’t you? Today, I’ll make you pay!” He raised his cane to strike her, but it stopped mid-air, just short of hitting her when a cold voice spoke up nearby.”Stop”

The sharp gaze belonged to Tobias, who was now focused on Natalie, shocking everyone nearby.

“Mr. Reese, why are you here?” Tommy and the others asked, confused. “Aren’t you and Natalie already divorced?” Although The split had been kept quiet, everyone involved knew. They were wondering what on earth Tobias was doing showing up at such a crucial moment.

Natalie was equally stunned. She had braced herself to catch that cane-but here he was, showing up so suddenly.