Summertime Smiles.

13.

Nathan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to avoid his father's piercing gaze. They were sitting in the study, surrounded by the familiar scent of old books and leather.

"So, Nathan, I hear you're making progress with Alaya," Roberts said, his voice dripping with intrigue.

Nathan's gut twisted. "What do you mean?"

Roberts leaned forward, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "I mean, I can tell you're interested in her. And I have to say, I'm intrigued."

Nathan chuckled darkly and raised an eyebrow.

"You're so wrong this time." Nathan said and sipped his vodka.

But Roberts just chuckled. "Oh, come on, Nathan. I know you too well. You can't hide it from me."

Nathan's anger simmered just below the surface. "What do you want from me, Dad?"

Roberts leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "I want to know what you plan to do about it. About Alaya."

Nathan's mind raced. He didn't know what to say, how to explain the tangled mess of emotions he felt. And how to hide it from his father who's always hell bent on taking away everything he likes.

"She's just a mere employee. I hope you won't expect me to treat her better than others." Nathan said.

"Huh? But you're already treating her better than others." Robert said with a smirk.

"I'm not." Nathan replied firmly.

"You are. You definitely developed something for her." Robert said.

"I..I don't." Nathan said.

Roberts raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's not like you, Nathan. You're usually so decisive."

Nathan's frustration boiled over. "That's because this is different, okay? This is...personal."

Roberts nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I see. Well, in that case, I think I'll just have to wait and see how things play out."

Nathan's unease grew. He knew his father was plotting something, but he had no idea what.

Chapter 13: Family drama.

Just then, Roberts's phone ringed.

He excused himself and walked away.

Meanwhile, Nathan was left lost in his thoughts.

You can't like her Nathan. She's just his pawn. She'll ruin you and the estate you built with your hard earned money
.
.

Why am I here?

He looked at the house he just parked his car outside of.

He could see the whole mansion clearly.

His breath got stuck in his throat as he saw Alaya standing in her balcony. She was leaning on the railing and was smiling too. Her hair was swaying in the wind.

"What are you doing to me?" Nathan said to himself as he stared at her.

She looked so ethereal. I couldn't help but look at her. She's so serene, she brings peace to my existence.

He rolled down his windows, mindlessly.

"Why have you occupied my mind?" He whispered.

"Why are you so beautiful?" He said and just got lost in her beauty.

Time itself appeared to bend to the will of their enthralling connection. The air was alive with an electric charge, as if the very fabric of reality was being rewritten to bring them closer.