His name was Nathaniel

72

Nathaniel had barely stepped into his office when he noticed the atmosphere had shifted. There was a tension in the air, a heaviness that settled in the room like a storm waiting to break. He immediately knew something was off.

His secretary looked up, her expression unreadable. "Your father is waiting for you in your office, Mr. Donovan."

Nathaniel's steps faltered for a second before he quickly composed himself. His father never visited unannounced. If Edward Donovan was here, it meant something had happened.

Bracing himself, Nathaniel pushed open the door to his office. His father sat in one of the leather chairs across from his desk, legs crossed, his expression unreadable. He was as composed as ever, but Nathaniel knew better than to mistake that for indifference.

"Father," Nathaniel greeted coolly, closing the door behind him.

"Nathaniel," Edward said, his voice as crisp and detached as always.

Nathaniel moved to his desk, unbuttoning his suit jacket as he sat down. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

Edward leaned back, adjusting the cuff of his tailored suit. "I recently came across some rather... interesting news."

Nathaniel remained expressionless, though his pulse quickened. He had a feeling he knew exactly where this was going.

Edward met his gaze, his tone sharp but controlled. "You've been seen with a woman—quite frequently, in fact. And not just any woman. Her."

Nathaniel clenched his jaw. "Her name is Adaliya."

Edward's lips pressed into a thin line. "Yes, I gathered that much." He exhaled slowly, as if measuring his words. "Tell me, Nathaniel, what exactly do you think you're doing?"

Nathaniel's fingers drummed lightly against his desk. "I don't see how that concerns you."

His father let out a short, humorless laugh. "It concerns me because you're a Donovan. And Donovans don't get involved with people who have no place in our world."

Nathaniel's hands tightened into fists. He had expected disapproval, but hearing his father say it so plainly ignited something sharp and hot inside him. "I didn't realize I needed your approval on who I date."

Edward's expression darkened. "You may not think you do, but let me remind you—this family, this business, our name, everything you have is built on generations of legacy. You don't get to throw that away for some—"

"Careful," Nathaniel cut in, his voice dangerously low.

Edward studied him for a moment before leaning forward, his fingers steepled together. "Do you really think this will last? That she belongs in your life? That she'll fit into this world?"

Nathaniel's jaw clenched. "I don't expect you to understand."

"No," Edward said coldly. "Because you're being reckless. Do you think she understands what it means to be with you? The responsibilities, the expectations? Or is she just another distraction keeping you from what really matters?"

Nathaniel's patience snapped. "She's not a distraction," he said, his voice firm. "And you don't get to decide what really matters in my life."

Edward leaned back, his gaze piercing. "I see." He stood, adjusting the lapels of his suit. "I had hoped that, by now, you would have developed better judgment. But it seems I overestimated you."

Nathaniel remained silent, his knuckles white from gripping the armrest of his chair.

Edward turned toward the door but paused before leaving. "One day, you'll realize what a mistake this is. And when that day comes, don't expect me to clean up after you."

With that, he walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.

Nathaniel exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. He had known his father wouldn't approve. He had braced himself for the confrontation. But that didn't make it any less infuriating.

Edward Donovan had spent his entire life controlling everything—including Nathaniel. But this? This was one thing Nathaniel refused to let him dictate.