Destined to be with you (MXM)

Chapter 10

I slipped into the house, my cheeks still warm from the late afternoon sun, and headed straight for the bathroom to freshen up before meeting Nathan. Stepping back into the hallway, my gaze fell on the hanging baskets brimming with petunias—fuchsia, lavender, and ivory blooms spilling over the edges. I couldn’t resist. Their petals, soft as silk, begged to be touched. I reached out and plucked a single blossom, its pale purple veins glowing in the waning light.

“Why are you plucking the flowers?” A sharp voice sliced through the air. I turned to see Elizebeth standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and her green eyes flashing.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, cradling the petunia in my palm. “They’re so beautiful.”

Her mouth twisted. “You always ruin the best things—my family, and now these flowers.” Her words hit me like shards of glass. Hot tears pricked my eyes and spilled down my cheeks before I even realized it.

Without a word, I stumbled off down the hall, each step heavier than the last. In my room, I laid the petunia reverently before my mother’s framed photograph on the nightstand. Her gentle smile seemed to glow in the lamplit dusk.

Why is she so cruel to me? I pressed my forehead against the cool wood of the bedside table, my sobs muffled in the gloom.

A soft click announced the opening door. Edward stood there, silhouetted in the hallway light. I blinked rapidly, hurriedly brushing my cheeks dry, straightening my posture.

He crossed the room in two long strides and gathered me in his arms. His chest was warm and steady against my cheek.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart? Are you thinking of her?” He nodded toward the photo.

I swallowed, my voice a wisp of sound. “I miss her.”

Edward’s large hand found mine, folding my fingers around the stem of the petunia. “Petunias were her favourite. Did you take that from our porch?”

I nodded, voice trembling with guilt. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” He shook his head, gentle. “Whenever I see these flowers, I remember her laugh, her bright spirit. You could have taken them all if you wanted.”

He seated me on the edge of the bed, sitting beside me. His eyes were sorrowful as he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, too—for not being there for you when you were little. If I’d known Aurora was expecting you, I never would have married Elizebeth.”

My heart lurched. “She…she vanished without warning. I’ve always wondered why. I was too afraid to look for her. I had a crush on her and loved her immensely. I thought she doesn’t love me the way I did.”

He stared at me, pain flickering across his face. “Mom loved you more than anything. She used to say you are a great man but due to unfortunate things we must part ways with you”

“No one could have foreseen her illness,” he murmured. “Thank you for being here with me now.”

I hugged him, and he hugged me tighter. “You’re not going anywhere—you’re my son.”

My phone buzzed on the nightstand. I glanced at the screen: Nathan. Heart pounding, I let Edward stand and padded toward the phone.

He watched me, concern etched on his face. “It’s Nathan, I am tutoring him in calculus and maths maybe he has some doubts” I whispered.

He nodded and left quie-tly. I tapped the screen.

“Hi,” I answered, voice hushed.

“I thought I’d find you waiting in my room” Nathan said. His voice crackled with movement—maybe he was putting on his shoes.

“I just came home to freshen up,” I admitted. “And my father wanted to talk.”

“Is something wrong? You sound upset.” He paused. “Did you cry?”

I hesitated. “Maybe,” I breathed.

“I’ll be there soon.” I heard a door close and footsteps. “Keep me on the line, okay? I want to hear your voice.”

My cheeks warmed. “O–okay.”

Moments later, Nathan slipped through my door. He closed it softly behind him, then turned the knob to lock it. The click echoed in the small room. He crossed the threshold, his green eyes searching mine like lanterns cutting through fog.

“Hey,” he said, kneeling before me and lifting my chin so I had no choice but to look at him. “What’s the matter?”

I drew in a shuddering breath. “Today…it’s been three months since Mom passed.” I nodded toward her photograph. My voice wavered. “I miss her so much.”

Nathan’s arms encircled me, his chin resting atop my head. “Do you want to see her? How far is Wimberly by train?”

“Six hours,” I whispered.

He drew back, brushing a lock of hair from my face with gentle fingertips. “We’ll go this weekend, if you want. I will arrange everything?”

I searched his face, my pulse pounding. “Do you want to come with me?”

He shook his head resolutely. “Of course, I am. My father might wonder why I’m not around, but I’ll handle him.”

My heart fluttered, and I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him close. He froze for a heartbeat, then his lips found mine in a sudden, claiming kiss. His mouth was warm and insistent, tasting of mint and something sweet I couldn’t name. I melted into him, pressing closer until the smooth fabric of his shirt and jeans were all I could feel.

My hand drifted down to his waistband, fingertips tracing the hardness pressing against the denim. He groaned into my mouth, and I felt a thrill of power at his response.

“Please,” he breathed between kisses, his voice husky. “Don’t tease me.”