The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction and Lies

19. A Glass of Wine

I barely make it to the top of the steps when the front door swings open, and Aunt Lizzie is standing there, blinking in surprise. “Natalie?” She presses a hand to her chest, her face etched with concern. I didn’t inform her that I’d come, so this reaction is justified and expected — especially given how I haven’t come to visit her in years. But I’m feeling good, so I give her a bright smile, hoping it will help her relax.

“Hey, Aunt Lizzie. Hope it’s alright I’m here?” I say with a light shrug.

She looks me up and down, finally matching my smile, although hesitantly. “Alright? Of course it is, honey! You know you’re welcome here anytime.” She studies my face, a hint of worry still lingering in her gaze. “But everything’s good?”

“Better than good,” I assure her, giving her a quick hug. “I just thought I’d drop by... reconnect a little, you know?”

The worry melts into a warm grin. She takes my arm, leading me into the house, her heels clicking softly against the marble floors. “Well, reconnecting sounds wonderful. But the fact that we have to use a word such as that doesn’t. Anyways, come, let’s have a drink and catch up properly.” She guides me to the sitting room, already signalling for the housekeeper to bring over a bottle of wine and two glasses.

I sink into the plush armchair opposite her, reaching for my glass once she hands it over. Aunt Lizzie studies me for a moment before leaning back, her eyes full of understanding. “I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking about you, Natalie. It can’t have been easy with... everything happening. I’ve seen the headlines. It’s been impossible to avoid them, and I just can’t believe Mike — well, you know I never was his biggest fan.”

I feel the familiar sting that comes with his name, but her sympathy is a welcome balm. “Well, you’re not alone, believe me,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I never thought it would get to this.”

Lizzie frowns, reaching for my hand. “And your father, how is he handling it all?”

I hesitate, letting out a bitter laugh. “Dad? Siding with Mike, of course. As if this whole thing’s a minor inconvenience that’ll pass. If anything, he’s more irritated by my reaction to all of it than by anything Mike’s done.”

She sighs deeply, sipping her wine. “Your father… He’s always been difficult. Not to make excuses for him, but it’s just… who he is.”

“I know,” I say, letting my voice speak my mind. “It’s just exhausting… being around him. He’s my father but I’m starting to hate the sound of his voice”

She nods, taking a slow sip from her glass, her eyes soft. “Sometimes the people we love surprise us, and not always in the best ways. Your mother and I talked about that often.”

I glance up at the mention of my mom, feeling a prick of sadness. “Mom always seemed to know, didn’t she? Like she could see right through people.”

Lizzie smiles, a bittersweet glint in her eyes. “Hyacinth had that gift. She was gentle, but she knew how to spot someone’s flaws without ever letting on that she did. But she loved them regardless. And she loved your father. God knows she did.” She sighs, her gaze drifting to a framed photo on the side table — a picture of her, my mom, and Neil at a family gathering. “Sometimes, I wonder how things would be if they were still here. Your brother, too. Neil would’ve given Mike a piece of his mind long before things got so complicated.”

I nod, the familiar ache of loss flaring up in my chest. “He would have beaten Mike to a pulp. He always had my back, no matter what.”

We sit in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, each lost in our own memories. Lizzie sets down her glass and reaches across, placing her hand on mine. “You know, honey, I’m proud of you. It takes strength to walk away, especially when everything’s pulling you in different directions.”

I manage a small smile. “Thanks, Aunt Lizzie. I guess I just needed to hear that from someone.”

“Your Aunt is always here for you,” she assures me, her smile warm. “And you better not stop trying to make his life hard. Oh, yeah, I saw that event’s interview too. But, hey, no more talks about him." She bites her tongue. "Well, how about a light dinner now? You can’t just drink wine all night.”

I laugh, nodding. “Sure, dinner sounds perfect.”

She insists I stay the night, and I agree, grateful for her hospitality and the chance to unwind. She has the housekeeper set up the familiar guest room I stayed in during countless visits as a child — its soft hues, cozy bedding, and an array of candles lining the windowsill make it feel like a private oasis. I take a shower and change into the soft robe provided, settling into the cozy ambiance.

As I lean back against the pillows, my gaze drifts to my new phone on the bedside table. Almost without thinking, I reach for it, pulling up Ric’s number. I hesitate for a moment, then hit the video call button, my heart beating a little faster as it rings.

The screen lights up, and his face fills the screen, looking slightly surprised but pleased.

“Well, look who it is,” he teases, his grin easy and inviting. “To what do I owe this call?”

“Couldn’t help myself,” I reply, settling back against the pillows. He looks fresh, like he just walked out of a meeting. My eyes linger on those lips a little too long, and I'm reminded of the things he did to me today. “Just thought I’d check in.”

“Is that all?”

“Maybe I just wanted to... see you,” I tease, letting my voice drop a little.

His grin softens. “Well, I’m all yours, beautiful. What’s on your mind?”

“Well, honestly…” I say, feeling a mischievous smile tug at my lips, “I figured I’d be a little generous and give you a private show. You game?”

His expression shifts, his eyes darkening as he watches me intently. “Is that so?” he murmurs, his voice lower. “What exactly do you have in mind?”

I lean back further, adjusting the camera so he can see my whole figure. “Let’s play a little game.”

Ric raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “A game, huh? Alright, I’m listening.”

I smirk, settling back into the pillows. “It’s simple. For every piece of clothing you take off, I’ll take one off too.”

He chuckles, clearly interested. “Now you’re speaking my language.”