Rejected: A love story-Chapter 17: Meeting Nathan’s family

Fiona’s Pov

Nathan drove into the mansion, and the air felt welcoming—almost like home.

"Stay where you are. Don’t even think about getting out," he said, his face serious. It wasn’t until he stepped out and opened the door for me that I realized what he meant.

I lingered in the car, staring at him.

"Do you want me to carry you inside, cupcake?"

I shook my head in disbelief and climbed out. He smirked. The driver took the car keys and drove them to the garage. Emily appeared almost immediately.

"Mr. Nathan, sir. Welcome. Welcome, madam."

I turned to make sure she was really talking to me. *Madam?*

"Sir Nathan, your family arrived an hour ago. They’re inside waiting."

Nathan’s expression turned icy.

"You waited until I arrived to tell me?" His voice wasn’t loud, but the coldness behind it could not be ignored.

"I’m sorry, sir. I thought you knew they were coming." Emily trembled.

"You *thought*?" His voice dipped even lower.

I tugged at the hem of his suit.

"Nathan, let it go," I whispered, already scared. His gaze softened on me.

"Leave." He commanded sharply, and Emily hurried away.

"Didn’t you know they were coming?" I asked.

"They were supposed to come tomorrow..." he sighed.

"Are they... that bad?" My stomach churned.

"No, cupcake. It’s just that it’s your birthday, and I wanted you to enjoy it. My siblings... they’re mischievous."

I cringed. Almost had a heart attack just now. Oh, good lord.

"Don’t worry, cupcake. You don’t have to say much—just smile. I’ll do the talking."

I nodded nervously as he placed his hand on my shoulder, guiding me inside.

From the couch, a young man stood up.

"Look who decided to grace us with his presence," he said, grinning. The rest of the room turned to look.

Oh great. My knees are wobbling.

"Hey bro, who’s this? Your secretary?" He stepped forward and, without warning, took my hand and planted a kiss on it.

"Hi, beautiful. I’m Caleb... Nathan’s brother."

I couldn’t deny he was cute... but flirty. Very flirty.

Nathan’s hand immediately found my waist, pulling me closer and away from Caleb.

"Dude! Fuck off!"

Okay... first time Nathan swore around me. Interesting.

A little girl suddenly ran at Nathan, and I had to jump aside. She looked my age and jumped on him like she hadn’t seen him in years.

"Brother is here!!!" she screamed, bouncing with excitement.

Nathan spun her around, grinning wider than I’d ever seen.

"You’ve grown! What have you been eating? You weren’t like this last year."

"Brother, that was two years ago. I’m sixteen now. A grown woman," she said, practically vibrating with energy. Then her eyes landed on me. Dramatic. Not friendly.

"Who’s she?" she asked. I wanted to roll my eyes.

Nathan pulled me close again, enjoying holding my waist. I forced a smile.

"Everyone, meet Fiona, my girlfriend," he announced. The room went silent. I could hear my own heartbeat.

"Hiii," I said nervously.

A woman approached and cupped my face.

"Oh my goodness... my darling, you’re so beautiful—"

She paused. Was something wrong with my face? I hadn’t worn makeup. Was I... smelling?

Nathan’s eyes scanned the room, he was as confused as i was.

"Guys! She’s not a minor! My cupcake just looks petite..." He turned to his sister sharply. "And she’s way older than you, Hannah."

The woman hugged me tightly.

"Oh, my dear, you’re beautiful!" she repeated, squeezing me.

"Wait! She’s really your girlfriend?" Caleb asked, disbelief all over his face.

"What now? Am I too old to date?" he teased.

"Well, Mom said you were lying. That you’re a hopeless romantic," Hannah said, rolling her eyes.

"Shush, Hannah," their mother murmured, embarrassed.

"Oops... Mom messed up," Caleb said, stretching out the words. The mother tensed immediately.

"What do you mean?" Nathan asked, confused.

Caleb opened his mouth but she shushed him.

"Well, I thought you were lying and only said you were engaged to get us off your back. So I..."

She paused. Nathan’s curiosity deepened. Caleb just went to the couch, whistling softly.

"So... what, Mom?" Nathan asked. I was curious too.

Just then, a woman came down the stairs.

"Hey, Nathan."

Gosh. She looked stunning—older than me but elegant, powerful.

"Natasha??" Nathan exclaimed.