Chapter 86 86
Brooke was amused by Nathan's words. It was clearly written all over her expression. “Wh- what?” She stuttered.
"Bee, you know it is almost inevitable. Liam's last name has to be changed to mine. He is the sole heir to Leo's family business. I want him to be aware of his rights, as early as possible." Nathan explained.
After some seconds of opening and closing her mouth, she spoke.
"Alright then." A breath she was holding followed. "But before anything is done, we have to talk to my parents first." She added.
"Of course." Nathan agreed. "I had that intention for a long time. I will come back to have a talk with them when they return."
"They are not going to be happy with you." Brooke informed him.
"I know. They might hate me and even hate to hear what I had to say. But I can't escape facing them eventually." Nathan said with courage. "I am ready. In fact, I have been ready for eight years."
With a furrowed brow, Brooke asked. "Ready for eight years?"
Nathan nodded nonchalantly. "Yes. I have written my speech of apology and asking for forgiveness from them since then. I kept practicing and practicing to the extent that I don't need the paper anymore. It is all up here." He pointed to his head. "So I am ready for whatever is coming."
"I am ready." He confirmed again.
"Okay then. If that is all, I think you should go see Uncle Robert." Brooke suggested.
"Oh Bee, I noticed you are now always eager to get rid of me, any chance you get." Nathan said.
Brooke flared her nose. "I am tired because I had a long night shift. I need to sleep now." She explained. "So, Mr Leo, me telling you to leave has nothing to do with you personally. Don't flatter yourself."
Nathan hissed. "Back to the formality I see. I really like it when you call me Nathan, though." He teased her.
"Hmmm." Was the response he got from Brooke.
Nathan got up from the couch, shaking his head. "I got to say Bee, you really have changed."
"Well..... I am glad you are finally acknowledging that. It is best you get used to this version of me. The old one is gone. Forever." Brooke advised.
They both walked to the entrance of the house. His hotel service car was already back from dropping his mother off.
"Bee, I really appreciate you forgiving me. Even though my heart yearns for more, I would settle with what I got. So thank you." Nathan said, while they were standing at the entrance.
Brooke only looked at him and nodded without saying a word. She didn't want to say something that would lead him to bring back the topic she was able to avoid earlier.
"So, we are friends now, right?" Nathan asked, not sure if she sees it that way at that moment.
"Friendship is a strong word. Let's just say..... Acquaintances." Brooke suggested.
"Oh come on Bee, at least we can be friends again." Nathan tried to push.
"Friends have a mutual bond. The bond that brings them together at the same time excludes any form of intimacy." Brooke explained. "We do not have any of that."
"You are right." Nathan agrees, not because he wanted to. "But the friendship too starts somewhere. We can build that bond if you let us. We can start by having dinner together before I leave for Silverbrook." Nathan suggested. "We can catch up at dinner. We can schedule it for Thursday because we are leaving on Friday."
With a stern face, Brooke spoke. "That would not work for me. I would be very busy that day with consultations and surgery. There is every possibility that it is going to last all day. So sorry, I can't." She turned the offer down.
Nathan felt like she was just using her job as an excuse to not have dinner with him. So he probed further. "Come on Bee, Please. We have to think of the bigger picture here. Liam."
"What does having dinner with you have to do with him?" She asked, a bit confused about his logic.
"We need to show Liam that his parents are getting along. That would make him happy I am sure." Nathan explained.
Brooke shook her head. "We don't need to show anything more than we are already doing, Nathan. Besides, we get along just fine." She said before walking back into the house and shutting the door. She did not give Nathan more room to insist.
Four days later
"Grandpa, let me help you get up." Liam offered, rushing to the free side of Robert, while Marise supported him from the other side. They helped him to the dining table of their hotel suite.
"Oh my sweet little boy. Thank you for your help. You really are a good boy." Robert said, placing a hand on Liam's head, after he settled on the chair.
Robert was discharged from the hospital four days ago. Since he came home, Liam has been visiting for three days straight.
After school, Nathan would bring him over. Liam would then spend a few hours with his paternal grandparents before he is taken back home by his father.
Robert and Marise found a source of new happiness from the boy's presence. They were really happy to have him in their lives. Liam also never says away from showing his affection towards them. They all felt loved.
Nathan came towards the table all dressed up again.
"Daddy, aren't you having dinner with us?" Liam asked his father.
"No, son. I have to go to the hospital." Nathan answered. He had a smile on his face as he spoke. "You have dinner with your grandma and grandpa, okay?"
Liam nodded. "Ok, daddy." But he still wasn't clear on his father going to hospital. "Daddy, are you getting mommy from the hospital?" He probed further.
"Uhhh.... Not exactly. But I am going to see her." He explained. "I wanted to have dinner with her before I leave tomorrow. Wish me luck, son." He kissed Liam's forehead before walking away from the table.
"Good luck daddy. Don't forget to take some apples. Mommy loves apples and steak." Liam called out.
"Thank you, Buddy. I will do that." Nathan said with a wink.
"Good luck son." Robert wished him well.
"All the best, dear." Marise also shouted out.
Nathan thanked them and waved at them before exiting the hotel suite.