Whisper Destiny

Chapter 5

~Natasha~

I could hear the distant murmur of conversation drifting from the dining room. For a moment, I considered slipping away entirely and avoiding dinner altogether.

Chase, however, had other ideas. Insistent as ever, and eager to finally meet what he calls 'his muse', he pulled me along toward the dining room.

The moment we stepped in, my mother noticed us and called out, drawing every pair of eyes in the room toward us.

"Come join us, Nat and Chase. We've all been waiting for you." She smiled warmly. "I'll ask Aliah to serve dinner."

"It's not good to keep people waiting, Nat," my father added, his voice carrying a quiet note of disapproval at my lateness.

"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 Catherine.

"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" Catherine 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 Catherine.

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 was filled almost entirely with business talk between Catherine and my father, occasionally interrupted by my mother.

Chase looked thoroughly impressed by the discussion.

I, on the other hand, was not.

Somewhere between the endless talk of contracts, projections, and whatever else they seemed fascinated by, I lost my appetite completely.

Then, to my surprise, my phone lit up with a call from Nick.

Perfect timing.

My perfect excuse to escape this dinner.

"Hello..." Nick's voice greeted me the moment I answered.

"Oh, thank goodness," I breathed dramatically. "You just saved my life, Nick. I'm barely hanging on here. If I have to endure one more minute of this, I swear I'll die of boredom."

The words slipped out before I remembered that I was supposed to be annoyed with him.

"What happened, my love?" Nick asked, his voice full of concern.

"The usual," I sighed. "I just can't stand that woman. I wish you were here."

"Me too, babe. I'm sorry I couldn't be there. Do you miss me?" he asked softly.

"I miss you so badly, Nick..." I admitted.

As we continued talking, he explained why he hadn't been able to answer my calls or texts earlier.

I didn't like his excuse. Not really. But somehow, like every other time, I found myself giving in.

After a moment of silence, I decided to bring up what had been on my mind.

"I'm thinking of telling my mom and dad about us, Nick. Maybe even about our plan to get engaged after we graduate."

"That's fantastic, babe. Let me know how it goes, okay?"

I smiled at his response.

"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 let it slide.

******

I knew Catherine 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 Catherine 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 Catherine, 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 would no longer hide in my own house. It was ridiculous to let Catherine's presence make me feel like an intruder.

As I headed downstairs for breakfast, I found my mother sitting in the backyard, enjoying her meal in the soft morning light. The weather was perfect today, so I made a spontaneous decision to join her outside.

I took a seat, and Aliah, our ever-attentive housekeeper, served me coffee and toast just the way I liked it.

My mother noticed Cate passing by and invited her to join us. Catherine politely declined, mentioning she needed to take a shower first.

I believe we both knew the real reason. She knew I detested being in the same room with her, and so she avoided me just as much as I avoided her. In that regard, at least, the feeling was mutual.

"Natasha..." my mother 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've seen her trying to please you."

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, shifting the subject.

"This year, our company is hosting a New Year's Eve party. I've already scheduled a fitting for your outfit with Ortiz's designer."

Before I could even react, Chase burst onto the scene, practically radiating enthusiasm.

"Oh gosh, may I join the party too, Mrs. Grayson?"

"Of course, dear. I'll inform them to prepare something for you as well," my mother replied, smiling at his excitement.

"I can't wait! I'm so excited," Chase exclaimed as he settled into the seat beside me.

"And yes, Catherine will be there as well, darling. She's part of our family," my mother added, confirming the silent dread creeping into my mind.

I ignored the remark, briefly considering an escape plan. But I knew 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 little get-together."

As my mom and Chase continued their animated conversation, I remained mostly silent, half-listening while my thoughts drifted elsewhere, trying to figure out how I was going to tell my parents about Nick.

Just as we were finishing breakfast, Catherine reappeared. Even in casual clothes, she looked effortlessly perfect.

It was infuriating.

And that was my cue to leave.

Before I could make my escape, my mother's voice stopped me.

"Don't forget the fitting appointment tomorrow."

Catherine and I exchanged a brief glance, just long enough to acknowledge the tension simmering between us before I turned and walked away.

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.