The second choice who became his first

Family matters

Chapter 7

Nathalie’s POV

Being surrounded by my family had helped me more than I realized.

For a few hours, I didn’t think about Zachary, Ivanka, or the painful reality of my marriage.

But deep down, it still hurt.

It felt like I was living through a one-sided love story.

I loved a man whose heart belonged to someone else.

“Lia, how are things going between you and Zachary?” Mom, Jessica, asked.

I immediately plastered a small smile on my face.

Before I could answer, Kim teased, “Mom, you don’t even have to ask. Can’t you see she’s blushing?”

Everyone burst into laughter.

I rolled my eyes.

“I’m not blushing.”

“Of course you’re not,” Erica teased.

Dad, Matthew, smiled.

“That’s good. At least things seem to be going well.”

I lowered my eyes.

If only they knew.

“Okay, enough!” Sam announced dramatically. “Let’s eat nowwwww!”

I laughed.

She could be so childish sometimes.

Everyone began serving themselves, and soon the table was filled with laughter and conversation.

“So, tell me,” Erica said between bites of chicken lasagna, “what are you going to do about your career?”

I opened my mouth to answer, but Mom immediately interrupted.

“No work talk at the dinner table.”

She pointed her fork at Erica.

“Let her eat. Lia, eat more.”

I smiled and nodded.

“Yes, Mom.”

For the rest of dinner, I tried to enjoy myself.

And I did.

For a little while, I actually forgot about everything waiting for me at home.

⸻

After dinner, Royce offered to drive me home.

Dad had insisted that I shouldn’t spend the night.

I was secretly disappointed.

I didn’t want to go back yet.

I just wanted to stay here a little longer, surrounded by people who made me forget about Zachary.

At the door, Kim hugged me.

“Don’t worry. Thaddeus and I are hosting a party next month. We’ll definitely invite you.”

She kissed my cheek.

“Bye, guys.”

I waved goodbye before getting into Royce’s black BMW.

The moment he pulled away from the house, silence filled the car.

Then—

“Nathalie.”

I looked at him.

Royce only called me Nathalie when he was being serious.

“Huh?”

He glanced at me before returning his eyes to the road.

“Are you unhappy about something?”

I quickly shook my head.

“No. I’m fine.”

He gave me a knowing look.

“I know you, Nathalie. You’re my little sister.”

I sighed.

“I’m really okay.”

“Is it because Ivanka is back?”

I froze.

Royce continued.

“Are you scared she’s going to take Zachary away from you?”

I stared out of the window.

He reached over and gently squeezed my hand.

“Don’t worry. If you need me, I’ll talk to Uncle Ben.”

I smiled sadly.

“Roy…”

“What?”

I swallowed hard.

“There’s nothing you can do.”

He frowned.

“Why?”

Because how could I explain that the problem wasn’t Ivanka?

The problem was that Zachary had never chosen me in the first place.

I looked down at my stomach.

And suddenly, I wondered if my baby would be enough to make him stay.

Or if one day, Zachary would leave us both behind.