The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 1018

Since joining the team, she had been working overtime almost every single day. Even when she didn't have to go into the office on weekends, she spent her time at the hospital glued to her work.

Naylor's words were a brutal wake-up call.

Right now, absolutely nothing was more important than spending time with her mother.

She kept her head down, a wave of guilt washing over her as she realized she hadn't even found the time to visit the hospital today.

"I know. Thanks for the reminder." She forced a smile, keeping her eyes glued to her bowl to hide her emotional turmoil.

Watching her pretend to be strong made Naylor desperately want to pull her into his arms and hold her. But he was terrified that if she wasn't ready, such a bold move would only scare her off.

After finishing their meal, Katrina stood up to clear the plates.

Naylor reached out to help, but she swatted him away. "You've never done a chore in your life. Don't break my plates."

"..." Naylor pressed his lips together, awkwardly pulling his hands back.

When Katrina went into the kitchen, he trailed right behind her.

"What are you standing around for? You ate, so you should leave."

Katrina was terrified he was going to push his luck and try something.

Even though she had filed for divorce, the cooling-off period meant she wasn't legally a free woman yet.

Her sense of morality was far too strong to accept getting back together with him right now. She was terrified that if they were alone for too long, they would cross a line they couldn't uncross.

Naylor nodded. He instinctively rubbed the bridge of his nose, cleared his throat, and said, "If you need anything, call me. If you need any help with Willa's treatments, just say the word."

"Okay..." Katrina didn't turn around, busying herself with the dishes.

He paused. "Aren't you going to walk me out?"

"..." Katrina's heart fluttered in a panic. She didn't answer but quickly rinsed her hands and turned to face him.

They walked to the front door, one behind the other.

Naylor looked down to change his shoes.

The men's slippers in the apartment were the same ones he used to wear when he lived here.

After they broke up, Katrina had boxed up all his personal belongings and shipped them back to him, but she had kept the slippers.

For one, it seemed ridiculous to mail a pair of house slippers.

Secondly, living alone, she figured having a pair of men's shoes near the door was a good security measure, so she didn't throw them out.

As Naylor swapped his shoes, he casually asked, "No one else has worn these, right?"

He was blatantly asking if Julian had ever been in her apartment.

Katrina felt a sharp prick of annoyance. She shot him a look, knowing exactly what he was fishing for.

But Naylor completely misread her reaction. His handsome face immediately darkened. "Someone else wore them?"

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