Whisper Destiny

Chapter 10

 
  ~ Natasha ~
 
  Sixth months had passed since the Christmas and New Year break, and my life had taken a remarkable turn for the better.
 
  My relationship with my parents had significantly improved. My mother and I now spoke through video calls almost every week, and my father would join us whenever he was around. Reflecting on why I had distanced myself from them, I realized it was partly due to my rebellious teenage years and partly the blame I had put on Cate. But those days felt like a distant memory now.
 
  Despite my efforts to reconnect with my parents, my relationship with Cate remained unchanged. We had never been close, and I had no plans to alter that dynamic. The distance between us felt like a necessary boundary, a way to protect myself from the emotional turmoil that always seemed to follow our interactions.
 
  Things with Nick had also become more stable and serious. He had grown more affectionate, spending most of his time at my apartment. Occasionally, he would even join in on the video calls with my parents, further solidifying his presence in my life.
 
  I completed my master's degree with flying colors, a testament to my intellect and determination. As I had mentioned before, when I set my mind to something, I could conquer the world. The long nights of studying and relentless focus had paid off, and I was ready to step into the future with confidence.
 
  This week marked a significant milestone: my graduation. My parents were coming to town, staying for a week to celebrate and spend time together with Nick and me before we all headed back home. The anticipation of their visit filled me with excitement and a sense of accomplishment.
 
  Life couldn't be better. These past months had been the happiest of my entire life so far.
 
  ******
 
  Finally, the day arrived when my parents met Nick face to face. I introduced them on the day of our graduation. Saying I was nervous would be an understatement. My heart pounded like a drum, and my palms were slick with sweat. However, the meeting went surprisingly well, and a wave of relief washed over me.
 
  Tonight, Nick and I are having dinner with my parents. Chase will join us as well, despite Nick's initial reluctance. He felt that the dinner should be an intimate affair, just the four of us, like a true family gathering. However, I explained that my parents wanted Chase to be there as well, and Nick just let it go, still feel dissatisfied.
 
  Chase and I still spend time together now and then, but our time is more limited since Nick often stays at my apartment. The tension between Chase and Nick remains palpable, as Chase still harbors a strong dislike for him. Most of the time, when I'm with Nick, Chase avoids us, and the same happens when I'm with Chase. I hope that one day, they can see eye to eye and find some common ground, because these two is most important person in my life.
 
  As I stepped out of the car, I dragged Nick inside the restaurant, the air buzzing with the excitement of the evening. My mother spotted me almost instantly and waved enthusiastically. I walked towards her, enveloping her in a warm hug. My father stood up to do the same, his embrace firm and reassuring. Chase was already there, comfortably chatting with my parents, which didn't surprise me—he always had a knack for fitting in effortlessly. I gave Chase a quick side hug, grateful for his easygoing nature.
 
  My parents and Nick exchanged introductions, their polite smiles masking the underlying tension. So far, so good, I thought, feeling a mix of relief and stress.
 
  After we ordered our meals, the conversation turned casual. Mostly, my father asked Nick questions, probing gently but persistently. Nick, ever the picture of composure, answered every query with a steady confidence that made me proud. I caught Chase rolling his eyes whenever Nick took the opportunity to compliment himself. What could I do? My boyfriend, soon-to-be fiancé, was undeniably confident and unabashedly full of himself.
 
  Nick began sharing his plans for life after graduation. With unwavering confidence, he outlined his aspirations, painting a vivid picture of a future filled with success and prosperity. His ambition was palpable, each word dripping with the determination to leave a mark on the world.
 
  "I see myself building a career that will be as good as you, Sir, if not better" Nick declared, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "And of course, Natasha, you'll be right there by my side, my love," he added, looking at me with a smile.
 
  From the corner of my eye, I could see my parents' expressions—part curiosity, part scrutiny. They were observing Nick carefully, weighing his words, judging his character. I silently willed them to see the good in him, to like him as much as I did.
 
  The dinner went better than I had dared to hope. As we prepared to leave, we parted ways with my parents heading back to their hotel and Chase returning to his own place. Nick and I decided to take a walk before heading back to our apartment, the night air cool and refreshing against my skin.
 
  As we strolled down the pavement, Nick's question hung in the air like a delicate thread waiting to be pulled.
 
  "Do you think they liked me?" he asked.
 
  "You nailed it, my love," I replied, offering him the reassurance he sought.
 
  Nick nodded, a self-assured smile playing at the corners of his lips.