BEHIND THEIR MIEN

CHAPTER 23- NATALIE

To say Nathan's Family...or should I say extended Family is very hostile towards me would be an understatement. It's been one whole month we decided to get married and found nothing until now. Oliver Invited his brother James Wild's family, his friend's families over for an annual dinner. No clue who broke the news over but it's been a total chaos. Both in personal and professional life. Nathan has decided to separate his company from the Family company.. a really huge decision and it's a total chaos in the office. No doubt Both companies are going to be in loss and it's a war going on in the office. It's all over the news too. And not to mention the personal life. The only gentle person towards me is Mellissa, Nathan's mother. But I am sure she is gentle only because of her non existing grandchild. But it still stinks in how everyone is giving me eyes and silent taunts as they pass by. It's like all over back to high school. Mason said it was a bold foolish move and for sure Luke is playing us.

We are also on high alert since the dinner is taking place in the house itself. Mason and I are taking turns in guarding Mary. It really is brutal to suspect everyone. But right now their reaction and judgemental looks are playing in our favor that they aren't white angels they pretend to be.

Right now I am nervously sitting at the dining table without Nathan or Mason. Nathan has been working overtime to get his company out of loss since the separation and Mason's sitting by Mary.

"Why isn't Mason joining us? I thought it was family dinner" one of the wives, whose name I didn't even bother to learn since her glaring, spoke.

" He is looking after Mary. The kids don't leave her alone for even a moment. They take turns watching her" Melissa said with a gentle tone.

" Well it's family dinner time, tell Mason to come and join the Family, the nurse can look after Mary. After all, isn't that what she was hired for in the first place before she tried to trap Nathan?" Elizabeth Wild, James Wild's wife, spoke in a venomous tone while throwing a dagger through her eyes at me.

"Beth..!" Melissa spoke in a warning tone but before a fight could break out I stood, "No.. it's ok.. anyhow its time to check Mary's vitals.. I'll send Mason" I said and left but not before I heard her say

"No idea how that whore bewitched our Nathan. Not only has he fallen into the trap but also has gone mad about the company! Our poor Nathan. What's happening to your Family? No matter how...different Mary was, she was a great daughter in law. Lost your grandson and Mary and now your sons too. " she said but Oliver was the one who spoke.

" That's enough Beth. It's a nice family dinner, let's just enjoy it and not cause any drama" he said. And before anyone else could say anything more I left the area.

"You are needed at the Dinner. Fix yourself, I'll stay with Mary now" I said and sat on the spare chair with a headache rising in my temple.

"That's bad huh? Told you it was a bad idea. Just pray they don't ask for the scans or ask to go and check it for themselves" he says chuckling at any misery.

I scowled at him, " Earlier I felt terrible to lie to them all but seeing how they are not even bothering to conceal their hatred and open slut shame me ..I don't even feel guilty now. I just really hope they don't do it in front of Nathan...he for sure is going to fight and cause a scene. He is taking the husband's act a bit too seriously.... Sometimes I doubt if he is that great of an actor or if he is confused with acting and reality. The probability of him being real about it makes me panic. I don't want to hurt his feelings or any of his delusions." I tell Mason and see so many emotions pass his face that it got me confused about what he actually thought.

" You do an excellent role of wife too...it's not real for you?" He says after some careful thought. I shake my head," It's just friendship. We make great friends without the romantic aspect. And that should not be changed..." I say, words getting stuck in my throat.