Whisper Destiny

Chapter 5

  Chapter 5
 
  ~Natasha~
 
  I can hear the distant murmur of people conversing in the dining room. She seems to be dragging herself to join them, considering ditching the dinner altogether.
 
  However, Chase is insistent, eager to meet with "my muse", as he puts it, pull me towards the dining room.
 
  Her mom notices her and call out, make all eyes on them.
 
  "Come join us, Nat and Chase. We're all waiting for you both. I will ask Aliah to serve the dinner" my mom urged.
 
  "It's not good to keep people waiting for you, Nat" my father disapproved of my tardiness.
 
  "Why are waiting for me? Just go ahead and start your dinner, then" I replied assertively. Chase nudged my arm.
 
  The atmosphere in the room shifted as I reluctantly made my way to sit next to my mom, while Chase settling in beside Cate.
 
  "Hi, Natasha. Welcome home. I hope you're having a good break. And you, Chase right? I hope you're having a great time as well" Cate greet, kill the silent.
 
  I didn't respond to her, but I can see Chase's face lit up with a big smile, showing how happy he was with the interaction with Cate.
 
  Her polished and perfect demeanour makes me want to roll my eyes. She seems to strive for an unattainable perfection, and it irks me to no end.
 
  During dinner, the conversation is full with business talk between Cate and my father. Occasionally interrupted by my mom.
 
  Chase seemed impressed with the discussion, but not me.
 
  At that moment, I lost my appetite, and to my surprise, I received a call from Nick. It was a perfect timing for me to escape dinner.
 
  "Hello..." I heard Nick voice greet me.
 
  "Oh, thank goodness. Thank you for saving my life, Nick. I'm just barely hanging on here; if I have to endure one more minute, I swear I'll just die from boredom," I exclaimed as I greeted Nick, momentarily forgetting that I was still annoyed with him.
 
  "What happened, my love?" Nick asked full of care.
 
  "The usual. I just can't stand that woman. How I wish you're here" I confided.
 
  "Me too, babe. I'm sorry I couldn't be there. Do you miss me?" He asked.
 
  "I missed you so badly, Nick..." I confessed.
 
  As we continued our conversations, he explained the reasons for not being able to answer my calls or texts.
 
  I dislike his excuse, but I find myself submitting to him, like every other time.
 
  After a while of talking, I decided to broach the subject.
 
  "I thinking of sharing with my mom and dad about us, Nick, and maybe our plan to get engaged after we graduates"
 
  "That's fantastic, babe. Do let me know the outcome, okay" I smiled to his respond.
 
  "Sorry, I need to go. Jim needs me. Talk to you later. Love you," he said ending the call abruptly, before I could even reply. Once again, I just let it slip.
 
  ******
 
  I knew Cate had stayed the night. This morning, when I woke up, I saw her just came back from her morning run.
 
  I can't denied that Cate is a very attractive woman. She stood tall, her figure the envy of sculptors and a magnet for envious glances. At around 5'8", she possessed the elegance of a runway model, her slender frame accentuated by curves that seemed perfectly placed. Her presence was magnetic, commanding attention and admiration effortlessly.
 
  There was something undeniably compelling about Cate, a blend of physical beauty and an inner confidence. It was the way she carried herself, with a confidence that bordered on regal, and an aura that suggested she was both aware of her allure and utterly unperturbed by it.
 
  I couldn't help, but checking her out, but quickly dismissed the thought.
 
  Last night, I decided I wouldn't hide in my own house anymore, It was ridiculous to let Cate's presence make me feel like an intruder.
 
  As I headed downstairs to have breakfast, I find my mom sitting in the backyard, enjoying her break fast. The morning was perfect today, so I made spontaneous decision to join her outside.
 
  I took a seat, and Aliah, our ever-attentive housekeeper, served me my coffee and toast, just the way I liked it.
 
  My mother, noticing Cate, invited her to join us. Cate politely declined, mentioning she needed a shower.
 
  I believe, we both knew the real reason - she knew I detested being in the same room with her, hence she avoided me as much as I avoided her.In that area, our feeling is mutual.
 
  "Natasha..." my mom began, her voice gentle but firm.
 
  "Could you try to be more friendly with Cate? She's never done anything wrong to you. In fact, I saw her even trying to please you," she pleaded.
 
  I took a bite of my toast, and absentmindedly scroll through my phone. Refusing to engage with her question. My mom sighed and shook her head, disappointed but unsurprised.
 
  "By the way..." she continued, changing the subject.
 
  "This year, our company is hosting a New Year Eve's party. I've scheduled a fitting for your outfit with Ortiz's designer"
 
  Before I could react, Chase burst into the scene, brimming with enthusiasm. "Oh gosh, can I join the party too, Mrs. Grayson?"
 
  "Of course, dear. I will inform them to bring something for you as well." my mom replied, smiling at his excitement.
 
  "I can't wait for it. I'm soooo excited." Chase exclaimed, settling beside me.
 
  "And yes, Catherine will be there as well, darling. She's part of our family." My mom added, confirming my silent dread.
 
  I ignored the remark, contemplating an escape plan but knowing better, I had no choice but to attend.
 
  "Will there be famous designers at the party, Mrs. Grayson?" Chase asked eagerly.
 
  My mom nodded, smiling. "Yes, it's unfortunate your parents can't make it, Chase. I haven't seen them in so long. Perhaps after their trip, we can arrange a get-together."
 
  As my mom and Chase continued their animated conversation, I just be a listener, my thoughts elsewhere. Planning how to tell my parents about Nick.
 
  Just as we were finishing breakfast, Cate reappeared. Even in casual attire, she looked effortlessly perfect. It was infuriating.
 
  And that's my cue to leave.
 
  Before I could escape, my mom's voice halted me, "Don't forget the fitting appointment tomorrow."
 
  Cate and I exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of the tension simmering between us, before I turned and left.
 
  Little did Natasha know that the tension between them, born of resentment and avoidance, was the beginning of a deeper connection between them. One that would evolve from animosity to something entirely unexpected.