Love and Friendship

Twenty Five

Selena POV

I am heading to the library to catch up on some work. With all that is happening, Im behind on assignments. I got a text from Nathan telling me he will come over later.

He told me everything that went on at his parents place. I was conflicted. I love this man to bits but I dont want to be the cause of him leaving his family. Yes I dont want him to marry that bitch but it seems so hard for him to bear all of this. I wish the solution was simpler.

After completing as much as I could, I decided to head back. It was already 6 pm and Im mentally tired. While waiting for the bus, a black Mercedes stopped in front of me and a man in suit stepped out.

Man: Good evening Ms Selena.

"Erm.. Good evening. Can I help you?"

Man: Yes, Mr Gareth Anderson would like to meet you. If you would kindly come with us?

Nathan's father? What would he want with me?

I wanted to refuse but thought the better of it and climb in.

I was brought to the same villa Ginny brought me the other time. As I stepped into the hallway, I saw a man sitting on the couch reading a paper. He looked up and smiled.

Gareth: Ah! You must be Selena.

He pointed to the opposite couch motioning for me to sit.

"Nice to meet you Mr Anderson."

Gareth: Would you like tea or coffee?

"Im good thanks. May I ask the reason you wanted to see me?"

Gareth. Oh yes Ms Moralez, or is it Ms Parker?

I was stunned by the mention of my previous name.

"What?"

Gareth: Oh yes. I did my research on you. I know all about your real family and your adopted family and also your accident. Everything.

"Why? What do you need it for?"

Gareth: When I need to use it for my benefit?

I stared at him horrified.

Gareth: Now Selena, maybe we should talk about some arrangement which will benefit us. The arrangement will be... Leave my son.

"How will that benefit me in any way?"

Gareth: How about compensation? I could give you however much you want.

"With all due respect sir, I dont want your money. Im not that kind of girl. I love your son very much. I promise him Ill stay with him no matter what."

Gareth laughed.

Gareth: Im sure I can change your mind.

"I dont think so. And if you have nothing else, I would like to take my leave."

I stood up ready to go.

Gareth: How about in exchange of the safety of your adopted family? Your best friend Ava? Or your good friend Leo? Will that be a good enough consolation?

I could not believe my ears.

"You wouldnt." My voice quivered.

Gareth: Im a businessman. A ruthless one. I will do what it takes to get what I want.

I tried to hold back my angry tears threatening to flow.

Gareth: I tell you what. Ill give you some time to think. Maybe 24hrs? You call me when you have decided.

"You are making me choose between my family and the man I love? And you will hurt them if I choose to stay with Nathan?" I spat out.

Gareth: Yes. It is simple really. Do the math and look at the profit and loss. You will find your answer.

With that, he left the room. I was shaking and the tears flowed furiously.

The same man dropped me back to the campus bus stop where he picked me up from.

How can this happen? What do I do?

I tried to cry out as much before heading back. This is going to get messier if the rest starts asking questions.

I entered the apartment to a worried Nathan.

Nathan came to pull me in tightly.

Nathan: God baby! Where were you? I was worried you tried to pull the same stunt again.

I managed a small laugh but he stared at me.

Nathan: Selena, what happen?

"What do you mean?"

Nathan: Your eyes are swollen. Have you been crying?

I dismissed it saying I accidentally touched a cat on the way. They all know Im highly allergic to the cat's fur. My eyes will swell and my nose will run. It was the perfect excuse for the mess on my face.

Nathan: Oh. That explains. Why were you near a cat anyway?

"It was there at the bus stop and it came over to me. I started sneezing non stop." I lied.

Nathan chuckled.

Tony and Ava came over to me asking the same thing and I had to repeat the entire lie.

We spent some time watching TV cuddling on the couch. He smell so good with his arms around me.

I looked towards Tony and Ava who were doing the same except on the floor.

I love them so much and I cannot let them get hurt. I know what I must do. My heart breaks thinking about it.

Nathan stayed with me and we slept cuddling. I couldnt shut my eye. I wanted to treasure every moment with him. I wanted to remember every inch of his face.

I must look like crap come morning. I pretended to be still sick from the cat allergies that I choose to stay home. They bought it and left for school. Nathan insisted on staying with me but I shooed him out saying I need to sleep.

I dialed the number.

"Mr Anderson. I have made my decision. But I have some conditions."