Eyes So Cold, Voice So Grumpy

Nathan felt a little muzzy as he pressed the doorbell, his head spinning like it might explode at anytime. He was drowning in trauma and all he wanted at that point was the comfort of his bed. 

He pressed the doorbell again and just then, the door was opened, her slim figure showing up before him. 

His heart gave a light leap as he beheld her pretty face - one that looked so calm and innocent. But it didn't mean she couldn't be violent when she wanted to be. Her hair was falling freely over shoulders, her erected nipples pointed at the white singlet she wore on her white short. And the only thing she had on her heart-shaped lips was a colorless lipgloss, lugging the temptation of a kiss. Most times, Nathan wondered if she was prettier than Stephanie. But one thing was for sure - she had captured his heart. 

"You're back", she said in a mutter, still holding the door.

Her round eyes slided between his hands; he could tell she was searching for something. 

"How did it go? Did she sign them?" she finally asked the disturbing question that's been on the tip of her lips for hours. 

Nathan studied her eyes, reading the desperation from them.

"She did. I've taken the papers to the lawyer", he replied. And right there, her countenance dropped. 

Perhaps, he had been expecting something akin to a hug or excitement. Instead, there was a glint of penitence that made her walk away from the door. Nathan's face crumpled up as he followed her into the expensive sitting room, wondering why she turned sad. Wasn't that what she had wanted?

"Is something wrong?" He asked from behind, watching as she stood sullenly with her hands crossed. "This is what we've been praying for"

"I know. It's just that...",she paused and turned to face him. "...she took too long. It took her over a week and I can't help but feel guilty that I made her do something she didn't want to do. I...I hate it that everyone sees me as a home-breaker, Nathan. I hate it that I look like a villain here My whole life, I never thought I'd be a second wife".

She brushed her fingers into her hair, exhaling deeply. Nathan didn't exactly know how to comfort her because he equally needed some comfort at the moment. 

"You shouldn't think that way. I'm here because I love you. And you love me too. Our pasts shouldn't matter", he covered up the distance between them and locked his hands around her waist. 

"I love you, Benedetta. That is all you should think about. Okay?" he cooed, but the disheveled Etta could only manage a sigh. 

"I'll just freshen up", Nathan kissed her and left afterward, taking the staircase. 

She remained there in the sitting room for sometime, having so many thoughts running through her mind. Later on, she also went up the stairs, to the room by the right. Her heart beamed when she opened the door and found her little princess dancing to a song from her tele. It gladdened Etta's heart, seeing how happy she was. Although, she stopped dancing the moment she noticed her. 

"Mum!" The six-year old called with laughter as she ran to her for a hug. 

"Hey, baby. Looks like you're having a lot of fun here" Etta chuckled as she carried her up to the bed.  

"Yeah, I am", the kid was slightly panting. 

"No homeworks, I guess?"

"Nanny already helped me with them. Is daddy home?"

Etta cracked a smile as she fondled her hair. 'Daddy'. For six years, she prayed her daughter would have someone to call that name. 

"Yes, honey. He's just freshening up", she answered and watched her take up her iPad, probably to play games. 

"Audrey" she called after some time, still fondling with her hair. 

"Yes, mum".

"Do you think mummy is bad for taking someone else's daddy?"

Her daughter looked up at her, obviously not expecting the question. 

The silence between them stretched, until Audrey finally sat up. 

"Well... I wouldn't be happy if someone took my dad from me. But I know you're a nice person, and you have a good reason for doing what you did. At least, it gave me a father. I just pray... daddy's first family will be able to forgive us".

Etta was nearly forced to tear up. She sniffed and pulled the little girl into her arms. 

"I love you baby", she hushed. 

"I love you too, mommy".

A tear finally broke free from Etta's eye. This was the life she's always prayed for - the complete family she's always wanted. And tho, she felt bad that it had to be at the expense of another woman's happiness, but she loved Nathan and was ready to keep him at all cost. 

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WINTHROP ESTATE

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Madame Beatrice ambled into the room, knowing she wouldn't get a response if she had knocked. Her shoulders sagged wearily at the muckiness of his room. He had only returned an hour ago, yet his room was already worst than a dungeon. 

The room reeked of stale cigar smoke and acrid alcohol with an empty bottle lying carelessly on the floor. His suit jacket was lying over the rumpled bed, his designer shoes were thrown on his table and his briefcase laid on the floor with some papers scattered around it. The only thing that still looked neat and beautiful were the big framed pictures on the wall. His wife's pictures. There were about three - bold and occupying a lot of space. 

He was seated on the bed, taking a drag from his cigarette and not sparing his mother a glance. He was still in his suit trouser and long-sleeve and only had a few buttons open. 

"Seriously Rayder, your room is a mess",she grouse, still glaring around. 

But Rayder said nothing immediately as he took another drag on his cigarette and puffed the smoke into the air with so much ecstasy. 

"I believe that's the reason we have maids", his voice was the coldest, they could make a person freeze. 

"The same maids you keep sending away for no reason?" Madam Beatrice scoffed. 

She watched him flick the ash from his cigarette. And realizing he was in that terrible mood of his, she decided to go straight to the point. 

"I think I've found a new nanny for the kids",she began. "I'll be giving her a call soon so she can commence first thing in the morning".

Rayder said nothing. 

"Did you just... hear what I said?" She scoffed.

"I still have my ears, mum. What do you expect me to say?" He answered brusquely. 

"Seriously? It seems you're forgetting they're your kids! And getting a nanny has been so stressful for me".

Rayder poured himself some wine. 

"I had a very stressful day at the office and will appreciate it if I'm left alone", he grumped and took another drag from his cigar. 

Madame Beatrice was at the verge of losing it. She had to fist her hands and turned to the door like she was about leaving. 

"I still can't comprehend why you hate them this much, Rayder", she turned to him. 

"I understand your pain over Nessa's death, but hating your kids for two years..."

"I don't hate them", he cut her off, his voice being so blunt and harsh. "I just don't wanna have anything to do with them".

He stood up next without his cigarette and for once since she stepped into the room, he looked at her. 

Madame Beatrice's heart softened at the sight of his blue hooded eyes. He used to have the prettiest eyes, but now, they were cold. And she wondered if she'd ever get to see them happy again. Warm.

She missed that part of him - she wouldn't deny it. She missed him so badly and wished she could have him back. 

"You can have the room to yourself", he stated gruffly and walked away, going out to the balcony of his room.