Natalie had no choice but to do what Joyce had said.
When she accepted the call, she put it in speaker mode so that Joyce could also hear the conversation. Then, she placed the device on the table.
“Hey, Stanley,” she greeted.
“Nat, I saw Mr. Shane’s post,” informed the man. “You guys got married?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, so it’s true. I thought I’ve guessed incorrectly.” Stanley let out a smile that did not quite reach his eyes before adjusting his glasses. “Well, congratulations.”
Not knowing Stanley’s actual reaction, Natalie smiled as well before thanking him.
“See? I told you he was only going to ask about this.” Joyce mouthed.
Natalie ignored her as she asked Stanley about his condition.
Right when he was about to reply, a woman’s shy voice echoed from his end of the phone. “I’m back, Dr. Quinn.”
Upon hearing the voice, Joyce’s body shuddered and she jolted up from her seat.
Even Natalie could make out who the voice belonged to. It was Annie Hill of the Hill family.
So she managed to find where Stanley is and has even made a move on him.
“Joyce…” Natalie glanced at her friend in concern.
Joyce did not reply. Instead, she kept on looking down to cover her face so Natalie could not see her expression.
Sighing, Natalie turned her attention back to the phone. “Stanley, why is Annie with you?”
Hearing her question, Stanley threw a glance at Annie, who was pouring soup out of a thermal flask. “She’s just making sure that I’m fine,” he replied. “Okay, I’m hanging up now. Let talk another time.”
With that, he hung up.
Natalie originally intended to ask some more questions, but she had no chance to do so, seeing how the man had ended the call.
“Nat,” called Joyce, clenching her fists. “I heard you mentioned Annie. Do you know who that woman is?”
Not knowing how to explain, Natalie’s lips twitched a little. After contemplating for some time, she decided to answer the other woman as she nodded. “Yeah, but we’re not that close. I met her when Stanley brought me to a wedding last time. She’s one of Hill’s family’s daughters.”
“Oh, so it’s her!” A lightbulb seemed to go off in Joyce’s head. “I heard about her before. But I’ve never met her, I can tell that she likes Stanley!” she exclaimed in certainty.
Joyce was sure that Annie fancied Stanley because she had noticed the affection in Annie’s tone earlier.
Although jumping from the seat might have been too strong of a reaction, but then again, no woman could act calm when their love rivals were around.
“Yeah, that’s true. I found out about that when I first met her.” Natalie nodded.
“Then why didn’t you tell me?” Joyce looked at her friend in dissatisfaction.
“I didn’t see the need to.” Natalie frowned before continuing, “Since you’re not his girlfriend.”
Her bluntness rendered Joyce speechless. The latter then let out a bitter chuckle. “You’re right. I’m not his girlfriend. I don’t have the right to care about this stuff.”
Seeing her pained expression, Natalie’s heart ached for her friend. “Joyce,” she uttered while placing her hand on top of Joyce’s, trying to comfort her.
The latter shook her head. “I’m fine. Just a bit sad,” she assured, covering her face.
Getting out of her seat, Natalie walked over to her and hugged her from behind. “Don’t worry. He won’t fall for her.”
“Yeah, I know. Cause he already fell for you.” Joyce turned her head to stare at Natalie.
The corners of Natalie’s mouth twitched. “It doesn’t matter who he likes now. I’m still hoping that he’ll end up with you,” she expressed earnestly.
Joyce was a bit moved by her words and she straightened her back.
But soon, sadness overwhelmed her once again as she lowered her head. “Me… with him? Is that even possible?”
