Chapter 5
Nathalie sat by the window side in Tessa’s apartment. She wore an old oversized sweater that belonged to Tessa.
The sleeves swallowed her hands. Her cup of coffee that was close to the window was untouched. Her mission in Oakwood was completed already but she had no plans to return home yet.
It had been weeks since that night. Weeks since she woke up in a strange room with warm sheets and a stranger’s scent all around her. Weeks since she’d left ten thousand dollars on the table and walked away without making a sound.
It still felt unreal. She hadn’t told anyone about it yet, not even Tessa. It wasn’t necessary, it was just a night of pleasure, nothing more. Tessa didn’t push, though she wanted to know what happened.
Tessa walked into the room. “You haven’t touched your coffee.” She said.
Nathalie blinked. “I forgot it was there.”
Tessa came closer to her drying her hands with a dish towel from the kitchen. She looked at Nathalie closely. “You’ve been off.”
“I’m always off Tessa,” Nathalie replied.
“No,” Tessa said as she sat on the couch. “It’s unlike you. This is different. You haven’t been yourself.”
Nathalie didn’t answer.
“You didn’t laugh at that cat video I sent,” Tessa continued. “You barely eat, and you said no to wine night. Three times. What’s going on?”
Nathalie looked down at her hands. “This is how I act Tessa, stop making it feel like there’s a reason behind it. I just want to breathe for a while. Is that too much to ask for?” Nathalie said.
Tessa didn’t push further. She only nodded her head, allowing Nathalie to have her moment.
Nathalie’s phone rang.
She looked at the screen and didn't say anything. She saw the contact name show on the screen.
Step-Mum
She didn’t answer.
Another buzz came in. Dad.
She let it ring out.
Tessa gave her a side look. “You’re not going to pick up the call?” She asked.
“No,” Nathalie said, looking nonchalant.
“Don’t you think it’s serious?” Tessa asked.
“It’s never serious unless it’s about them,” Nathalie said.
The phone stopped ringing for a moment.
Then it rang out again. It was her grandmother.
Nathalie paused. The phone rang, and she took the call.
Her grandmother's kind voice filled her ear with the words, "Sweetheart."
"Hello, Grandma," she murmured.
"How are you, my sweetheart?" She enquired.
With a slightly faltering voice, Nathalie answered, "I'm fine."
With gentle words, Grandma said, "I heard you're still in Oakwood." "Your mum said that."
“I’ve been staying with Tessa.” She said.
“That's excellent. Being with her has always been enjoyable for you. However, Nat, this weekend there will be a family supper. You didn't answer the phone when your parents tried to call you. Instead, they recommended that I give you a call and inform you of the situation.” Softly, she said.
Nathalie's throat cleared. "Grandma, I'm not prepared to return home."
Her grandmother whispered, "I get it. However, I do miss you. Additionally, I would like you to attend the dinner.
Head against the wall, Nathalie leaned. "Why they want me there was not explained to you?"
“They told me it’s just dinner. That’s all.” But there was a quiet pause.
“I know you’re hurting, Nat. But sometimes we don't because we want to…..but because we’re needed.” She said.
“I don’t want them to need me,” Nathalie murmured.
“I know, baby. But can you try…..for me?” Her grandmother chuckled.
Nathalie whispered, “Okay.”
“Good girl. I’ll be waiting.” Her grandma said, sounding happy.
When the call ended, she sat still for a long time. Tessa didn’t say anything at first.
“That means you’re going?” Tessa asked.
Nathalie nodded, barely. “I said yes doesn’t mean I want to.”
Tessa got up and walked over to her. She wrapped her arms around Nathalie’s shoulders from behind “Want me to come with you?”
Nathalie smiled. “You’d cause a scene.”
“I’d do it with style.” Tessa smiled.
“I just wanted to stay here a little longer,” Nathalie said. “Breathe a little more.”
“You can always come back,” Tessa said. “But go, and fulfill your promise to your grandma. Let them play whatever game they want, but you walk in there with your head high girl.”
Nathalie sighed. “I hate it when you’re right.”
Tessa kissed the top of her head. “Then hate away.”
“Ewwww, don’t do that,” Nathalie said, cleaning her forehead.
Tessa laughed hard.
By the time the weekend came, Nathalie was standing in front of her family's house. It looked the same.
The tall gates and the long driveway leading up to the large cream house with glass windows that reflected the sky. But she didn’t feel the same. Not one bit. She lived in the same city , but it’s been a long time since she visited.
Her fingers curled around her purse strap. The car that brought her had already left. There was no turning back.
She took a deep breath and walked inside.
The door opened before she could even ring the bell. A butler stood there waiting. He gave a small nod and stepped aside. “Miss Nathalie.”
The inside smelled of flowers and something too clean. She stepped into the hallway and saw her stepmother first. Eloise Smith. She was tall with a perfect posture.
“Nathalie,” her stepmother said, stepping forward with a tight smile. “You came.”
“I did,” Nathalie said without looking at her.
Her father appeared behind her. David Smith. He wore a sharp suit and his eyes were cold.
He didn’t smile but gave a short nod like he was checking off a box. “Welcome home.”
Nathalie didn’t answer.
A few footsteps echoed and then……“My baby.”
Her grandmother’s arms wrapped around her. Nathalie hugged her with so much love.
“Hi, Grandma,” she whispered.
“You look tired,” Grandma said, holding her cheeks. “But beautiful as always.”
“Thank you for calling me,” Nathalie said. “I almost didn’t come.”
“I know.” Her grandmother’s smile was kind but sad. “I’m glad you did.”
They led her into the dining room. The long table was set. The candles were lit and plates were arranged perfectly.
Nathalie sat near her grandmother, across from her parents. The maidens poured some wine in the glasses. Conversations were light. Her parents asked her about work and her company, where she was staying and what her plans were. Nathalie gave short answers. She didn’t ask anything back.
She felt uneasy since it seemed like they had planned the entire affair and were just waiting for something.
Halfway through the meal, her stepmother abruptly used a serviette to wipe her lips and left it on the table.
Eloise said, "We wanted to talk to you about something."
With her fork halfway to her mouth, Nathalie paused.
David adjusted his chair forward, placing his on the table. “We didn’t call you here just for dinner.”
Her heart sank. Her grandmother was quiet.
“What is it?” Nathalie asked, her voice low.
“There’s a proposal,” Eloise said. “One that will benefit the family and you.”
