CHAPTER FIVE
1021 Words
“What's going on here?”
“Nothing,” Seven answered,standing abruptly.
“Hey man,” Jaime greeted, standing up from where he was sitting. “I and Seven were just talking about you,I didn't know you'd be back today,neither did your wife”
“Jaime,you only get to speak with my wife when I'm around,not when I'm on a trip” Nathan snapped.
“Jealousy much?” Jaime asked,smirking.
“No,and I need to speak with my wife privately” Nathan said heading to his study while Seven followed behind but only after giving Jaime a small wave which was returned.
“You didn't have to be that rude. He's your friend isn't he?” Seven said as she closed the door to the study.
“And you should focus on your wifely duties instead of sucking up to my Friend. Why is he even here when I'm not around?”
“You're never around. He is always around and he keeps me company”
“Keeps you company?” Nathan asked,angrily.
“Not the kind of company you think, I'm not like that” Seven said.
“There's going to be a family dinner tonight. Prepare for it with Lucy,it's high time you start doing something” Nathan said dismissively.
Seven headed out,slamming the door behind her. She called Lucy and prepared dinner with her. Later that night,Emilia,Jaime,Nathan and James were all sitting down at the dining table having a luxurious dinner.
“I'm still angry you got married without telling me” Emilia said.
“I told you,it was fast and unplanned,” Nathan replied.
“It was,” James added.
“Grandpa” Nathan warned.
“What? I'm just saying, you could have taken your time, you didn't have to rush into marriage especially not with her”
Seven sat not uttering a word since they all pretended she wasn't present. Only Jaime gave her short reassuring looks.
“It's unfair though,getting married after putting my own boyfriend behind jail” Emilia added while swirling her wine glass.
Seven sat up getting more interested in the conversation. From what she had gathered so far Emilia was Nathaniel's childhood friend,they grew up together and her family also has a small company they were managing. But now he is in Jail.
“Nolan deserved what was coming to him,he was running us down” Nathan defended himself.
“But he was your brother and my boyfriend, you should have been lenient. He made mistakes and you buried him” Emilia added.
He puts his brother in Jail? What a family! Seven thought and scoffed loudly. She had always thought Nathan was ruthless but this was next level.
“Is there a problem, honey?” Nathan asked.
“No,I'm just wondering what your brother did so bad for you to put him behind bars” Seven replied.
“He was embezzling company's fund,and also engaged in money laundering,” Nathan replied.
“That's funny,” Seven said.
“What's funny about that?” Nathan asked, giving her his full focus.
“It's just that you put your brother in jail for the same_” Seven started but was cut off by Jaime.
“Seven,I think you're drunk”
“No,I'm not. I didn't even touch my wine” Seven replied.
“Let me see you to your bed,I think you're tired,” Jaime said, pushing his chair back.
“Why would you do that?” Nathan asked his voice dangerously calm
“Yeah,Jaime, why would you do that?” Emilia added,her tone was light and playful but with an edge to it.
The room fell into tensed silence.
“I'm sure he was just joking,” Seven said, trying to break the awkwardness.
Emilia gaze lingered on Seven,assessing her then she let out a soft laugh. “Of course. It's just so interesting how concerned Jaime is for you”
Seven met Emilia's stare,understanding a challenge. Emilia wasn't just annoyed about Nolan,she didn't like her and this isn't just about the past,Emilia was going to be a problem. For the first time that night,Seven smiled. She could be a problem right back.
“I guess it must be hard for you. Nathan getting married, Nolan in jail,you must feel….I don't know,stuck” Seven said smoothly.
“Oh darling,I don't mind waiting. Good things come to those who do” Emilia said.
“Does it?” Seven asked, smiling.
“So tell me Seven,how does it feel to be thrown into this world?” Emilia said, trying to distract her.
“Life is full of surprises,isn't it?” Seven answered with yet another question pissing Emilia off who was still faking her smile.
“That is it. Some of us work for what we have while some people just stumble upon it” Emilia said.
“And some of us don't cling into childhood friendship to feel important’
“Okay,I think you ladies should put an end to this conversation,” Jaime said.
“Why are you always so protective of Seven, I thought your loyalty lies with Nathan?” Emilia asked.
“Emilia,enough” Nathan finally said, getting tired of the scenario.
“What? I'm just making a conversation”
“You know exactly what you're doing,” Nathan added.
“Fine. I don't want to stress our darling hostess. I'm sure it must be exhausting keeping up with the family”
“Not as exhausting as waiting on something that will never happen,” Seven replied.
“That's it,” Nathan said, dropping his cutlery. “Dinner's over. Come Emilia,I'll see you out” Nathan said standing up.
“Finally” James said, also standing up to leave.
“Lovely meal. I'm sure we'll have a lot of time to chat soon” Emilia said, standing up to join Nathan who was already waiting for her.
Seven didn't respond and the group dispersed.
“Be careful with her,” Jaime said as he walked past Seven.
She should be careful with me.
Seven watched as Nathan disappeared with
Emilia. Her fist curled into a ball.
Let the games begin.
- Writer
