Chapter 16Jonathan, along with his family, finally arrived at the venue and the moment they walked in, the excitement was evident in the air. As they stepped further inside, they were immediately greeted by Nathaniel's dazzling smile, bright enough to light up the entire room."Mom, dad!" Nathaniel exclaimed, chuckling in happiness as he enveloped them in a warm hug. "You're finally here!"His parents beamed, clearly proud of their eldest son. "We wouldn't miss this for the world," his mother replied while her eyes sparkled with joy.Tabitha bounced beside them, her excitement contagious. "What's the plan? Are we ready for the big reveal?" she asked with her eyes wide in anticipation.Nathaniel grinned, glancing around the bustling venue. "Absolutely! Everything's set," he replied confidently. "Do enjoy the food and some fine wine."Jonathan who was already holding a glass, didn't need to be told twice. He swirled the deep red liquid in his glass and took a slow sip, letting the warm
Chapter 17The event staff moved quickly, almost seamlessly, to clean up the shattered glass at Jonathan's feet. But Jonathan didn't notice any of it. His eyes were glued to Laura who was standing there on the stage. She looked radiant while her hand remained entwined with Nathaniel's. And when her gaze landed on him, she gave a casual wave, as if nothing in the world was wrong, as if everything was completely normal.Jonathan's heart twisted painfully in his chest.Meanwhile, Nathaniel continued his speech, his voice filled with warmth and pride. "We are planning to get married soon," he announced, his arm slipping around Laura's bare back in a gesture that felt far too intimate for Jonathan to handle. "The sooner, the better. Right, honey?" Nathaniel chuckled, leaning in to plant a tender kiss on Laura's forehead. She responded with an adorable smile, a look Jonathan had seen countless times, but never like this—not directed at his brother."I love you," Nathaniel mouthed softly, ju
Chapter 18Laura glanced around casually with her calm demeanor masking the tension beneath. "Of course, let's go somewhere quiet," she suggested.Jonathan nodded, his gaze never leaving her, and followed her to a small dressing room tucked away from the bustling event. As they entered, the room was filled with an awkward silence, thick with all the unsaid words between them. Laura exhaled deeply, steadying herself as she turned to face him."Yes?" she asked, her voice steady but guarded.Jonathan wasted no time. "What happened to you? You're wearing—" he gestured towards her dress, his disapproval barely concealed— "this. It's too revealing. And your hair, it's different. Why did you change it?" His tone was sharp, laced with disappointment.Laura blinked, taken aback. "Is this what you wanted to talk about?" she asked, shaking her head as if trying to understand. "If it is, then I'm out." She turned, reaching for the door handle, but Jonathan moved quickly, his hand pressing against
Chapter 19Jonathan hurried after Laura. His footsteps quickened to close the distance between them. He watched her back as she walked ahead, her figure illuminated by the light of the corridor leading back to the main hall. He had so many questions, so much he still needed to say, but it was like the space between them was growing wider with each passing second.When they finally reentered the hall, the lively buzz of conversation halted as eyes immediately locked onto Laura. People swarmed around her, eager to congratulate and to offer their admiration for Nathaniel's soon-to-be bride. The crowd seemed to form a barrier between Jonathan and Laura as they began pushing him further to the edge, where he stood watching in frustration."She's beautiful, isn't she?" a familiar voice beside him said, a hint of pride and amusement lacing the words.Jonathan glanced sideways, spotting Nathaniel standing casually with his hands in his pockets, his eyes trained on Laura with a smile that coul
Chapter 20Jonathan couldn't take it anymore. The music, the dancing, the sight of Laura in Nathaniel's arms—it was all too much. His heart clenched painfully, but his mind refused to admit what he had long buried. Instead, anger flared up, raw and unfiltered. He cursed under his breath, furiously wiping away the tears that betrayed him."What the hell? They think I'm jealous? Fuck them," he muttered, trying to convince himself that this wasn't about jealousy. It couldn't be.He stormed out of the hall, yanking off his coat and tossing it aside as he pulled out his car keys. Without a second thought, he slid into the driver's seat, slamming the door shut behind him. The engine roared to life, matching the turmoil swirling inside him.Jonathan sped through the city streets as the hum of the engine did little to drown out the chaos in his mind. Before he knew it, he was parked outside the club he frequented. The neon lights flickered above the entrance like a beacon calling him to esca
Chapter 21Nathaniel's smile was soft as he slipped the tub of food into the fridge. "Have you had breakfast, honey?" he asked with his voice full of affection using one of the many endearments he used with her now.Laura who was sitting by the counter, leaned forward and rested her arms casually on the surface. "I have. What about you? Where's Auntie?" she asked, her tone light and her expression innocent as she glanced around looking for Mrs. Reed."Mom," Nathaniel corrected playfully, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Laura chuckled, shaking her head lightly."Apologies, I'm still trying to get used to it.""It's fine. Take your time," Nathaniel replied in his warm and reassuring smile. As he stood there, his gaze locked onto her soft, pinkish, plump lips—the craving to kiss her was overwhelming. He leaned in closer, unable to resist the magnetic pull between them as his eyes lingered on her mouth as if the whole world had narrowed to just that moment.Meanwhile, Jonathan sat in t
Chapter 22Jonathan carried the dustpan outside, filled with the shards of the broken mug. He shoved the glass fragments into the trash with an angry sigh. But as he straightened up, ready to stomp back inside, he froze. There, standing by the gate, was Laura. Her arms are crossed over her chest while her face is set in an expression of clear disdain.Her presence startled him for a second, but then he quickly reverted to his usual defensiveness. Before he could say anything, Laura spoke in her sharp voice. "I do not understand why you're being so rude to your brother and me. What's gotten into you?"Jonathan let out a frustrated groan, turning his back on her to return to his task. He wasn't in the mood for this. Not now. Not after everything. He didn't look at her as he answered, his tone colder than he intended. "Why are you talking to me? We aren't friends anymore."Laura visibly flinched at his words as her arms dropped to her sides, and for a moment, she looked completely lost.
Chapter 23"Very well," she said with her tone devoid of emotion and her eyes dead-set on the floor.Jonathan's breath caught in his throat. No... No, she can't... Just as he was about to step forward, Laura spoke again. "I will do as you wish. If that is all, please excuse me. Have a good night." Her voice was cold, mechanical, like a robot devoid of any real feelings. She turned sharply, striding away with purpose, but Nathaniel quickly chased after her, concern etched on his face.Jonathan instinctively hid from view, peering around the corner as Nathaniel reached out and grabbed Laura's arm before she could reach the gates. "Why did you tell them? Didn't I say I would take responsibility? Please, Laura. You don't have to do this," he pleaded, pulling her into a tight embrace.As Laura lifted her gaze, her eyes met Jonathan's for a brief moment, and he felt a chill run down his spine. There was something haunting in her expression, a mix of fear and resignation that struck him to