Chapter 53: She lied to him

She lied to him

Nathan Brown

The next morning was a bit shocking. It felt like a wave of cold water chilling Nathan to his core. He had seen the most unexpected. Seemed like the first time he was given a surprise that was heart-wrenching. He acted nonchalant while watching the one who had changed his whole plan. But in his mind, his emotions went from rage to regret, sick, and heartbreaking that every stare he gave her was filled with a deep icy glare.

She had lied to him.

Tacha had lied to him.

The door to Nathan's extravagant sitting room opened wide. Nathan's eyes were nothing different from a burning furnace. His eyes were glowing hot charcoal. He had cried. Could there be anything as heartbreaking as realising you were being lied to and was never given the chance to be in your child's life? There should never be any excuse for that. Though he had cried a little, his head hurt. His vision was blurry. His head was completely messed up.

He…felt…cheated…on.

Four years later, this woman was back in his life again. And not only that, she was with a child that belonged to him.

What in the world had he witnessed?

What in the world had he seen?

His child grew up without him.

Because he was a beast.

Because he would have snatched her away.

Because he would have shoved her aside and taken his child.

Because he would have forced her into marriage with him.

Damn!

His head was blowing hot.

His eyes were glistening with tears.

What could she have thought about that made her act in such a manner towards him?

Nathan had so many thoughts running through his mind, trying to think of what Tacha could have thought about that made her hide a child from him up to that age, and clearly from what he saw, she had no intention of ever telling him.

He wasn’t sure if he was happy seeing her or was angry discovering what he saw.

At that moment, Nathan knew what he could do. But his heart was still crazily invested in this woman, and yes, his heart, but for a moment, rejoiced to see her. And then, his heart completely quickened for another moment as if it had longed to see her. True, this was the woman he had once cared about. He couldn’t say it was love, but he liked everything she was. He wanted everything she gave.

He craved for her.

How he felt and still feels. No woman had ever made him feel that way. And without denying it, his heart couldn't handle it the way he should have for her actions.

Nathan walked in quietly towards his living room. He kept his head down the moment he saw who was sitting comfortably on his sofa.

“Anthony, you are here too.” Mrs. Brown, who was now standing looked in between the brothers before facing Nathan. “I thought I didn’t make it on time when I didn’t meet you. Is everything alright?”

“Did you cancel your trip?”

Mrs. Brown added again when she wasn’t getting any response. “I thought it would be nice if you met my friend's daughter since you are going to Dubai.” A smile then spread on her face. “She's so beautiful and well cultured. You will like—”

“What the hell again, Mum! Stop this! How long do you want to keep doing this!”

Anthony's voice echoed with not just a bit, but extreme anger that was terrifying to his mother and made her stare in horror. Anthony had a shameful expressive face, undeniably ashamed of his mother's selfish attitude. Not again. Not this time. Not now for this woman to say this again. Anthony's eyes poured heavily sad and upset. He felt sick in his stomach that their mother was only adding to Nathan's pain. His brother obviously was a mess.

“I just—”

“You just what! When are you going to ever stop with your friend's daughter syndrome? How do you wake up doing this to your children? You drive everybody away and make a mess of everyone. Aren’t you ashamed of this selfish decision that only keeps wrecking our lives? Stop this for crying out loud, Mum! Stop! And you know you can’t try this shit with me.”

Mrs. Brown was stunned. Tears were threatening to fall listening to her son yelling at her. His harsh voice drained all the excitement in her eyes and left her with a shock. Mrs. Brown stood where she was, the shocking expression deeply rooted on her face. She stared at her son blowing hot to her face.

She only wanted the best for them as a mother and she could only trust her friends' children.

“Anthony, I'm only trying to make your brother also settle down too. I noticed he has been alone after what happened…” A tear rolled down too quickly.

Anyone could see Nathan doesn't look well. His brother looked like shit. For years, he buried himself inside his work, avoiding everyone. Refusing to come home, to attend any gathering, or be in any genuine relationships. And he was pained because the cause of what happened to his brother was hugely played by their Mum from the beginning.

At this point, Mrs. Brown was frozen when none of his sons responded. She was shocked. Ashamed. Clueless. Seeking his sons' faces to ask what she had done wrong. Whatever made her son this angry terrified her. Yes, she was almost close to tears again. This time, it could be a heavy downpour.

“Mum, just leave.”

Nathan who was close to the door of his room stopped in his tracks. “Anthony, that's enough.” Then he turned to Mrs. Brown. “Mum, there is an issue I must attend to, but I will give you a call for us to talk better.”

Nathan turned to Anthony. “Please instruct Kilani to take her home.”

The door to Nathan's room opened and immediately he shut it behind him.

•••••

“I saw Tacha today.”

Nathan might have acted like he didn’t hear what Anthony said to him, but when he proceeded to lift the glass of water before him, it hit the white tiles in haste. Shattered like his heart had been for many years.

And the truth was, his hands were shaking by the reason of the information.

And he couldn’t offer a response because his chest was tight with panic.

He had no reason to display excitement because she clearly must have moved on.

“Why is that something so important? Stop talking to me about someone who doesn’t want to be seen. I have a flight to catch tomorrow. I need to rest.” Nathan's eyes were sharp. His voice was cold and firm. His attitude remained nonchalant.

They stepped out for the maid who came running in. Nathan's broad shoulders carried itself with pride. He did a victory walk for making himself clear without acting like the person bearing the name meant so much to him.

“You should see your child. She's obviously not going to look for you.”

Before Anthony could finish his statement, Nathan's shoulders slumped. His victory walk was defeated and he stopped in his tracks. When he turned around, his eyes blazed with murderous looks. His mouth must be too marvelled to speak as he took a step one after the other towards his brother. “I have a child.”

“A girl that looks everything like you.”