What is Love?

Chapter 5

"Just plain trashy," Nik retorted. "Don't worry about why I'm here," Nik reached out to me and I took his hand. "My lady."

"What the hell is going on, Nik?" Ethan asked. "You're with my uncle now? What a w***e! We just broke up, Lydia," Ethan shouted.

"A w***e is someone who begins a relationship before ending the one they were in, Ethan," I responded while rolling my eyes. I glanced at Jessica who stood there with wide eyes.

"Uncle Nik, she slapped me. Are we going to let her get away with this?" Jessica asked. Nik looked at her, and said, "Who are you to call me uncle?" Jessica gasped, "Uncle Nik, Ethan and I are to wed in three weeks. He proposed." She stuck out her hand to show a huge sparkling diamond resting on her left ring finger.

"You are not to call me uncle, especially if you two are not married yet," Nik responded. "Nik, she's my fiancé. Show some respect. You may be older than me, but I run this family," Ethan shouted.

"Your fiancé, not mine. I owe her nothing. As for running this family, no you don't. Soon I will take your position as CEO. You have proved yourself unworthy of such a title," Nik said.

"You'll regret saying that Uncle Nik, I'll make sure of it," Ethan said. Jessica was sobbing loudly, "I thought your family loved me, Ethan." "They do love you, Nik is an exception. They'll be happy to hear of our upcoming marriage."

Nik rolled his eyes and looked at me, and nodded towards the door.

Nik and I walked away gracefully from the bathroom. "Are you ready to leave?" He asked. "Yes, I just can't be here with those two," I responded. Nik took me home and watched me walk inside. I bathed and went to sleep.

Waking up the next morning, I kept thinking back to last night. Does Nik have feelings for me? I never thought Nik Montgomery would take it up for me. He's a quiet and reserved man. He's in the tabloids as a playboy, but I have never seen him bring anyone home before.

A ding from my phone rudely interrupted me from my thoughts. It was the Montgomery family group chat.

Richard — Family, please meet us all at Montgomery Manor tonight at 7pm. We have a family meeting, and an announcement from Ethan!

Everyone started responding instantly that they would be attending the dinner. Out of respect for Richard, I responded that I would be attending. I got up and got ready for a shift at the hospital. The day went by fast, and not many patients came in today. That was a relief.

After leaving the hospital and cleaning up, I made my way to Montgomery Manor. Taking a. Deep breath, I got out of the car and made my way inside.

Everyone was congratulating Ethan on his upcoming marriage when I walked inside. Jessica was crying what I assume to be happy tears. Richard looked at me with sad eyes. "Don't worry dear, this doesn't change anything," he said. He gave me a hug, "Thank you grandpa, Richard. Some things just weren't meant to be. My time will come," I responded.

"Will you join us for dinner?" Richard asked. With a defeated look, I responded with, "Sure."

I followed him to the grand dining room and took a different seat than I usually do, sitting away from Ethan. Nik came in and took a seat right next to me.

"So, Ethan, when is the wedding?" Casey asked her son. Beaming with happiness, Jessica responded for him, "Three weeks." Casey clasped her hands together, "My son is getting married to the most beautiful woman, I'm so proud!"

"Mrs. Montgomery, you are too kind. I'm honored to take Ethan's hand in marriage. I'm so grateful he waited for me," Jessica said with tears welling up in her eyes.

Jessica and Ethan joined hands, staring into each other's eyes, smiling. "Ethan, my love, I love you," Jessica said. "I love you, too Ethan responded.

"I truly couldn't have picked anyone better than Jessica. She is my world and everything I have asked for in this life. My beautiful bride to be. Cheers to us!" Ethan said, everyone raised their glasses speaking their congratulations.

I gritted my teeth and ignored their comments. Nik squeezed my hand under the table, then stood up while clinging his wine glass with a spoon.

"I also have an announcement," he proclaimed. Everyone put their forks down and turned all attention to him.

"I have decided to begin pursuing the beautiful Lydia Crawford."

The room was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.