Holding on to You

Chapter Three: New Beginnings

A day after moving into Nathan’s home as his children’s tutor, I couldn’t help but notice the grandeur of the mansion I had moved into. The walls and floors were adorned with intricate patterns of marble and gold leaf, reflecting the opulence that permeated every corner. Sunlight streamed through stained-glass windows, casting kaleidoscopic hues across the polished parquet. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, their prismatic crystals winking like stars in a midnight sky. As I walked down the sweeping staircase, my footsteps muffled by plush Persian rugs, I wondered what secrets this magnificent house held —what stories whispered through its gilded halls. Nathan’s children, wide-eyed and curious, seemed to sense it too, their laughter echoing against the backdrop of splendor. It was a place where time stood still, where history and elegance converged, and where my role as tutor felt both insignificant and privileged.

Nathan sat in the study, engrossed in a stack of documents. The door stood wide open, yet I hesitated before knocking. His gaze lifted, assessing me with those captivating eyes. The tension in the room was palpable; it was evident that my interruption displeased him.

“Could you assist me to arrange the books I’ll be using to teach the children?” I murmured, my voice soft and conciliatory.

Nathan’s brisk nod signaled his agreement, and he rose to follow me into the children’s study. I handed him a box, and the quiet room filled with the rustle of paper as we unpacked. Then his attention shifted to my collection of novels, curiosity dancing in his eyes. He read the titles and synopses, and I edged closer, my heart racing as if embarking on a perilous quest. Nathan’s demeanor shifted between home and work, prompting me to approach him with caution.

“Do you enjoy reading novels?” I inquired casually, hoping to unravel the mystery behind his fascination with my book collection.

“No, I hardly read any. But I can see you’re the complete opposite,” Nathan replied without lifting his gaze.

“Why don’t you read?”

“I lack the luxury of time.”

“Ah, so it’s all technology and business on your mind.”

“Making money is my forte, Ms. Rayne,” Nathan smirked, brushing off my acerbic tone.

“I won’t argue with that.” I smiled, appreciating his candor.

“There’s a plethora of adult genres out there. Why fairy tales?”

“They keep my hope alive.”

“Hope for what?” Nathan lifted an eyebrow, his captivating eyes peering at me with mystery.

“A happily ever after.”

“The Little Mermaid isn’t exactly a ‘happily ever after’ tale,” Nathan chuckled.

“I thought you didn’t read novels.”

“I happen to know this one. My mother read it to me when I was six or so.”

“Most boys at that age are into video games and cycling.”

“I was different. Still am.”

“No need to get defensive.” I laughed, continuing to unpack my books.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Nathan persisted.

“Fairy tales reveal the true nature of men —whether hero or villain,” I replied.

“Is this about Craig?” Nathan’s smirk deepened. “He’s always been like that. Sadly, you let him into your heart without knowing his true nature.”

“Is he a friend of yours?”

“No. He’s my best friend, James’ brother-in-law,” Nathan replied briskly.

“Debra’s brother is your best friend?”

“He's precisely her cousin.”

“Ah, got it.”

“Once again, I apologize for what happened. Debra is a good person, but Craig's behavior is taking a toll on her.”

“I'm curious though. Won’t James be upset with you for hiring his brother-in-law’s mistress?”

“Business remains business; personal sentiments don’t mix,” Nathan concluded. I nodded with gratitude, dusting my hands.

“I should go and unpack my clothes now,” I said, looking into his eyes. Nathan’s entrancing eyes held mine, sending shivers down my spine as he spoke. There existed an intangible bond, an unspoken connection that defied reason, whenever his gaze met mine.

“I wonder what I should do in the meantime,” Nathan confessed. It appeared that I had diverted his attention from the documents he’d left in his study.

“Read a book.”

“Not exactly what I had in mind, but it’s fine. Which one?”

“Any of your choice,” I replied in a mild tone before departing. As I disappeared down the hallway, I felt Nathan’s gaze on me. It was so intense, like a tempest brewing behind a calm facade, but I dismissed the thoughts. While I was growing curious about his reasons for hiring me, I didn’t want to read into nonexistent sentiments. As he had rightly said, business remained business, devoid of personal entanglements.

After unpacking my clothes and taking a refreshing shower, I made my way to the lounging area. To my surprise, Nathan sat there, engrossed in Beauty and the Beast. Curiosity tugged at me, and I announced my presence, clearing my throat.

“I am done now,” my voice was calm.

“Good. I was bored.”

“Reading isn't boring?”

“We are different, Ms. Rayne.”

“Yes, indeed.” I settled into a seat on the opposite sofa.

“Is there anything you need to make your stay here comfortable?” he asked meticulously. “Just name it, and I will get it for you.”

“I require my computer,” I alluded to my desktop, which he had forbidden me to bring. “For communication.”

“You cannot bring that to my house. I’ll get you a laptop,” his voice was calm yet firm.

“What’s wrong with my computer?”

“You know the answer to that question. Why a desktop when we have laptops now?” Nathan stood up. “Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything. The children are waiting for you in the study.”

I nodded gratefully and rose to leave. I half-expected him to leave the novel behind, but he carried it with him. Catching my gaze, he chuckled.

“I might as well finish it since I’ve already started, right?” Nathan said, feigning nonchalance.

“Yes, I understand,” I replied, suppressing a smile as I left to meet the children.

After conversing with Charles and Charlene, I entrusted them to their nanny’s care and retreated to my room. As I approached the door, Nathan’s eyes beckoned me. I turned, drawn by an inexplicable force, and he guided me to a stunning balcony.

“The children were delighted to see you, Ms. Rayne,” Nathan affirmed, as if he were part of our shared moment. It felt peculiar, yet I dismissed it. “I’m pleased they adored my grand surprise.”

“I’m hardly that special to them.”

“You are. They chatter about you incessantly,” Nathan admitted, his smile wide. “Through them, I’ve come to know you.”

“What exactly did they divulge?”

“You regaled them with stories during lunch breaks and cared for them.”

“Is that all?” I chuckled heartily.

“They also mentioned your generosity —how you shared your food and chocolates with them.”

“That’s hardly noteworthy.”

“Is it? You’re the first woman I’ve encountered who shares chocolates so freely,” Nathan teased.

Blushing, I regarded him fondly. Nathan was inherently good, yet life had dealt him harsh blows. Lost in my musings, his gentle pat brought me back to reality. One of the staff members appeared with a bottle of champagne and two delicate glasses. Nathan expertly poured the effervescent liquid into each glass, handing one to me. Then, with an unexpected gesture, he clicked his glass against mine.

“Welcome to Falls Creek Street,” Nathan said, rising. “And welcome to my home, Ms. Rayne."

The next morning, I encountered Nathan on the staircase, and together, we headed to check on the children. To my astonishment, they were in the company of a striking woman who clearly wasn’t their nanny. I turned to Nathan, my gaze demanding an explanation. Why was I in his house if he already had someone caring for his children?

“Veronica?” Nathan’s voice held surprise. The children rushed to him, and he embraced them protectively, his eyes fixed on the woman.

“Hi, Nathan!” The beautiful woman chimed, planting a kiss on his cheek and hugging him tightly as the children scampered away. Then, she turned to me, her expression insipid. “Who is she?”

“This is Sophia Rayne, the children’s tutor,” Nathan replied briskly. “Ms. Rayne, meet Veronica Swell. She’s my best friend and Felisha’s doctor.”

“Nice to meet you, Dr. Swell,” I said, feigning enthusiasm. Veronica’s handshake was frosty, clearly signaling her disapproval of my presence.

“You’re welcome, Ms. Rayne,” Veronica said. “But isn’t it early to tutor the children? Shouldn’t you have waited until noon?”

“Ms. Rayne is a live-in tutor,” Nathan corrected her promptly.

"Excuse me?” Veronica looked taken aback.

“Ms. Rayne resides here with me and the children as their tutor,” Nathan explained, placing his hands on her shoulders.

“That’s unnecessary, Nathan,” Veronica retorted, unable to conceal her displeasure.

“It’s necessary, my dear. The children adore her, and since she resigned from their school, I’ve been dissatisfied with their progress.”

“I understand your concern, but a live-in tutor? Seems excessive.”

“I’ll go find the children,” I interjected, leaving the room. Even without looking back, I sensed Veronica’s lingering stare.

“I’ll join you shortly,” Nathan’s voice followed me as I closed the door behind me.

I found the children having breakfast in the dining hall, a gigantic table spread before them with a variety of delicacies. I joined them at the table, and I could see they loved it very much. Charles began chattering about his toys and games, and Charlene talked about her dolls and tiaras, offering me a tiara.

"It will look nice on you, pretty Ms. Teacher." She said cheerfully.

"I will try it out," I assured her.

"You should try out my games too, teacher." Charles pulled my hand.

"Of course, I will. But you have to do something for me too."

"Just name it and I will do it." Charles said, reminding me of Nathan. Indeed, like father, like son.

"Your wish is our command," Charlene added. I smiled, knowing my work would be easy.

"Before playing or eating ice-cream, we need to learn and study."

"That is non-negotiable, remember?" Charles replied smilingly.

"We really missed you, teacher. Where did you go?" Charlene asked suddenly.

"I traveled to the South, but now I'm back."

"Where is the South? Charles asked curiously.

"Is the South beautiful?" Charlene asked too.

"It's beautiful. I will take you some time."

"We can't wait!" The children chirped. Then their nanny came and took them away. It was time for school. I lingered behind, dozing off on the couch in the study. Half-asleep, I sensed something covering my body and woke abruptly. Nathan’s gaze met mine, intense, and entrancing —and our eyes locked. Then, just as abruptly, he looked away.

“I apologize for Veronica. She’s strict and untrusting, but she’s also an angel,” Nathan said, taking a seat on the opposite sofa.

“No need to apologize. I don’t expect everyone to like me,” I replied, my voice tinged with sadness.

“Still, I apologize.”

“It’s alright.” I took a deep breath, preparing to broach a sensitive topic. “Are you having an affair with Veronica?”

Nathan turned to me, his feelings mixed. Was I prying too much into his life?

“I should be offended by your question. However, let me remind you that we’re not in a close relationship for you to question me this way.”

“I apologize, Mr. White. It’s just that Veronica’s treatment of me raised suspicions. It seemed as though—” I hesitated.

“Since there’s no stopping you, go ahead and say what’s on your mind.”

“I need a conducive environment to teach the children effectively. Veronica’s ongoing animosity toward me won’t help. She may be your best friend and your late wife’s doctor, but it’s clear she has feelings for you.”

“And how can you tell?” Nathan asked.

“I’m a woman too, Mr. White. I can see that she likes you.”

“What do you suggest I do?”

“If there’s nothing between you two, make it clear. Tell her to stay out of my way too. If you can’t do it, I’ll handle it myself,” I replied sternly. Nathan's chuckle echoed, his gaze fixed on me, making me wish I could retreat into a hole to escape his penetrating scrutiny.

"Have you always been this brutally honest?" Nathan finally spoke.

"I detest intimidation and drama more than anything."

"If Veronica bothers you, please let me know. I will handle it myself."

"I'm relieved to hear that." I smiled heartily.

"The problem is solved then. I hope to see you at the dining table for dinner tonight."

"I'm used to eating alone."

“That’s because you lived alone. Here, we eat together. It helps me bond with others, even though there’s no formal requirement for it,” Nathan replied. The sound of this sent euphoric chills down my spine. Nathan White wanted to bond with me. I felt happy and relieved. Finally, I had met someone who respected and cared for me as a person. This was a new beginning for me. And I would make the most of it.

“I’ll come down and eat with you all,” I told him, smiling. Nathan returned the smile, his hand briefly brushing my shoulder. Then, with a nod, he left for work.