"Are you making a comeback?" Two voices spoke simultaneously from across the table. Joseph stared at me in disbelief.
Realizing she had lost her composure, Amanda quickly added in a soft tone, "Natalie, when did you decide this? I haven't heard Joseph mention it."
"Why would she need Joseph's permission for her own career?" Andrew shot back without a hint of mercy.
Amanda hadn't expected such a response from Andrew and looked visibly embarrassed.
"And what business is it of yours? Natalie is my wife. And be polite to Amanda," Joseph said, his eyes carrying a warning.
"So, you do remember that she's your wife," Andrew mocked. "I thought you'd lost interest by now."
Joseph clenched his fists, his entire demeanor suggesting that any moment now, he would hurl me to the ground and beat me with a stick. I was all too familiar with this behavior, and it was the prelude to one of his outbursts.
"Joseph, don't be rude to Mr. Lewis. It's true, I was out of line," Amanda said soothingly.
"I've made up my mind to return, and I simply forgot to discuss it with you. But even if you disagree, I'm still going to do it." I raised my eyebrows at Joseph.