CHAPTER 22
Nathan’s POV
“How dare you try to jinx the business deal I’m been chasing for months?” John shouted angrily at me as I got into the office
“John, I’m not trying to jinx the deal. I’m not just funding it”, I said while unbuttoning my suit”, if you have the money, you can do the business”.
“You seem to forget I’m also an EVERTON, I shouldn’t be begging for business funds like this”, he said as he hit the table.
“Don’t you dare try to cause nuisance in my office. I’m not going to tolerate you and your shady business deals anymore”, I said angrily.
“You are an EVERTON, and you should start behaving like one. All EVERTON’S are smart. Bring a better business proposal, then I will support and give you all the funds you need”, I said as I sat down.
“You are going to pay for this, Nathan. I’m going to pay you back in ten folds for all the pains and embarrassment, you’ve caused me”, he threatened as he slammed the door shut.
I watched him leave the office angrily. John has always been a spoilt brat courtesy of his mom. He does hard drugs, go clubbing every day, date different women and all kinds of vices: he goes as far as molesting girls.
Father had always tried to groom him into a perfect successor to the EVERTON clan, but he turned a deaf ear. So when father found me, he just left him alone and that made him label me as someone who stole his place.
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It been four blissful months of dating Judith, she is all I want and even more. I have been able to love and care, something I had thought I’d never do. I have never loved any woman like I do love her. I’m actually thinking of getting married to her; that way, I can be the legal father of the twins.
“Hello Judith, come in”, I said over the phone
“Hello, Mr. Nathan, you called for me “, she said sarcastically as soon as she entered the office
“Yes, Miss Judith, I did call for you”, I said as I took her hands and made her sit on my laps.
“I told you, not to do this at the office; anyone can come in”, she said while trying to resist my grip.
“Who dares come inside my office without permission?” I asked arrogantly.
“Our family do have dinner together every Sunday. I want you to come over to meet them”.
“Why?” She asked
“I just want you to meet them. I know there’s really no one to meet though. You’ve met Jessie; my beautiful step sister and John; my rude and arrogant step brother but you’ve not met the most important person, which is my father and then my step mom”.
“I don’t think I need to meet them. It isn’t like we’re getting married or anything”, she said, still reluctant.
“But we are going to get married soon, so it’s important you meet them”, I said, trying to convince her.
“Get married soon?” she asked with a surprised face.
“Yes, we should get married soon”, I answered with a smile.
“I didn’t tell you I want to get married to you Nathan”, she said.
“Oh, I thought every relationship ends in marriage”, I said with a surprise look.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
“Maybe, but, I’m not ready for marriage now. I just want to enjoy this moment with you and take care of my kids”, she said.
“Enjoy the moment? What about our future together? You don’t see me in your future?” I asked in a low and sad tone.
She didn’t say anything. She just kept quiet and stared into empty space, I watched her face changed and get covered with sadness.
“I don’t believe in marriage anymore. I can’t trust anyone with my heart. Yes I love you Nathan but marriage? I can’t do it. I’m deeply sorry if I led you on”, she said, and a tear escaped from her eye.
“When will you learn to love and trust me completely? I think I have proven myself beyond reasonable doubts that I can be loved and trusted”, I said in a high tone.
“You’ve once asked about the father of the twins. The truth is, I don’t even know their father. I don’t know what he looks like or what he does”, she said and began to cry.
“Immediately, my heart ached, and I felt like just telling her the truth, but I know it was going to break her further, and end everything we have. I might even go to jail. I’m not strong enough to handle the pains and punishment that comes with telling her the truth”, I thought as I watched her cry and consoled her.
She wiped her tears and continued, “All I remember, was how he disrupted my once perfect life and ruined my wedding”.
“I’m grateful for your love, care, and most importantly, your patience. You have not tried to lure me to sex, but marriage? I don’t want to do it anymore”.
“But, Judith, we had something beautiful going on. Just try to forget the past and focus on the present and future”, I said while trying to convince her.
“I promise to respect and protect you always”, I said as I held her hands.
“I don’t want to stay apart from you and the kids anymore, with you, I found a home, peace, and happiness”, I said as I smiled at her.
“So please, meet my family, and let’s get married” I said as I gave her reassuring hug…,