Love and Friendship

Eighteen

Selena POV

I woke up to a big strong arm around my waist. I froze for a second before turning around to face a sleeping Nathan.

He looks calm and beautiful sleeping. I started to remove strands of hair around his eyes.

Nathan: Like what you see? (He whispered with eyes closed)

I chuckled softly.

"Very much."

Nathan opened his eyes and kiss my forehead.

Nathan: Good morning beautiful. Did you sleep well?

"Surprisingly yes."

Nathan: I really am sorry about everything. I dont mean to pull u into all this.

I kiss him gently.

"I knew things are going to get difficult when I chose to be with you. But I really would want to face them together with you."

"So you wanna tell me more?"

Nathan sat up on the bed cuddling me in his arms.

Nathan: My father as you know is a feared mafia king. I cant tell you much on what we are dealing with but our lives outside the business is pretty normal. Pretty much like royalty.

"That explains your car."

He laughed.

Nathan: Well, cars are things I love. I do have a few cars of my own but that black Audi is one of my favourites and it is simple enough to not attract so much attention to my life.

"Simple? I wonder if that is simple, what are luxury to you then?"

Nathan: Well, youll find out.

Nathan: So anyway, my mum does not involve herself in the business dealings but she is feared nevertheless in our world. She can be fierce but she is a sweet lady. To be honest, she never liked Ashley what more getting me married to her. She did try to talk some sense to my dad but of course that didnt work out and she left it at that.

"What does she do mostly?"

Nathan: She's a writer actually. Under a fake persona of course. But she loves what she is doing.

"Anything I might have read?"

Nathan: Im not sure. Maybe "Good riddance romance?"

"Alicia Andrews?" I gasped.

I was shocked! She was one of my favourite writers. I enjoyed her romance novels.

Nathan: Yup that is her. But her real name is not Alicia Andrews. My mum is Elizabeth Anderson. She would love you though. She had always told me that sometimes to find love, you need not look but feel it in your veins.

I smiled up to him.

Nathan: My sister is Ginny Anderson. She is a the same age as you. She is currently in college in London studying fashion. We are very close. We both want to be different than what our families have. These few years are like our escape route before the storm.

"I would love to meet her."

Nathan: She would adore you. I know she hates Ashley. Ashley had backstabbed her and slept with her ex-boyfriend. She is furious with my dad for wanting this marriage. She kept telling me to call it off. It is not so simple really. Calling it off is like suicide. There will be wars between rivals and more problems.

"But doesnt your feelings matter? I mean how can you marry someone you dont love?"

Nathan smiled sadly.

Nathan: That is the reality of my world. A lot of times we aim to bring peace so that our businesses will not be affected. But baby. I really will try. I really will try to find ways to call it off. After being with you, I cannot bring myself to go through with this marriage.

I smiled sadly. This is going to be a hard journey ahead.

--

Nathan left after breakfast with Selena and Tony.

Tony took this time to talk to Selena about everything that's happen.

Tony: Are you ok Sel?

Selena: (smiling) Yes Tony. I am.

Tony: Are u sure you want to do this? It seems like such a big risk and I really hate to see you go through the pain again.

Selena: Yes Tony. I am sure. I love him Tony. I have never felt like this about anyone. I see so much pain and guilt in him. I want to be there with him. I want to be with him always.

Tony nodded and kissing her forehead.

Tony: If you are, Ill support you. Always.

The doorbell rang.

Selena: Are u expecting someone?

Tony shook his head and went to open the door.

Tony: Mum!

Selena ran to the door upon hearing that.

Selena: Mummy! (Hugging her tightly and started crying)

Grace: Hey sweetie. What happen?

Selena: (in between sobs) Nothing... I am happy to see you. I miss you so much!

Henry: (came carrying some bags) Hey honey!

Selena released her mum and hugged her dad.

Selena: Daddy!

Henry and Grace looked to Tony who just stood there silently before pulling them into the apartment.

Tony: So Mum and Dad. What a surprise? I didnt know you're visiting?

Grace: We wanted to come sooner but we had to do some prep work there before flying off.

Grace: (Looking at Selena)Your daddy told me that you sounded off on the phone the other week. So he thought it will be good to visit to see how you're doing.

Selena hugged Henry tightly.

Selena: Oh daddy! I love you! I really miss you.

They chatted a while more before deciding to head out for lunch. They went for lunch at a nice sushi place and dropped by the mall to do some shopping.