Holding on to You

Chapter Five: The Binding Fights

When Nathan returned from work, Veronica informed him that James had kissed me. Listening to her account, I sighed with disdain, hoping she would delay her impending attack. I retreated to my room, settling down and waiting for Nathan to seek me out. Then came the knock. Exhaling, I braced myself, opened the door, and turned, heading back to my bed to sit down. Nathan followed me inside, but he didn’t take a seat. Instead, he stood there—angry yet composed. Calm as a tranquil lake, I met his eyes, and he averted his gaze. Walking to my window, he stared outside into the dark, starry night. Apparently, it held more allure than I did.

“Good evening,” his voice pierced the quiet room.

“Good evening,” I murmured, making him look at me.

“We need to talk,” he declared, his gaze as dark as the night.

“Go ahead,” I confidently replied, ready to defend myself. I hadn’t done anything wrong. No need to worry or fear. Veronica was mistaken if she thought I was a pushover, I mused as Nathan faced me.

“What happened between you and James?” Nathan’s mesmerizing eyes bore into my unyielding expression. His tone remained stern, his demeanor rigid, yet a hint of jealousy flickered across his features.

“James is your best friend,” I responded bluntly. “You should ask him. He won’t hide anything. I’m sure he knows when he’s being enticed or not.”

“James wouldn’t lie to me,” Nathan countered. “But he might cover up for people he cares about. And you, Ms. Rayne, have the power to make people care about you.”

Nathan’s enigmatic words ignited my anger without a second thought. I stood up, facing him. “Are you insinuating that I charm people, Mr. White?”

“What’s your side of the story?”

“Would you believe me if I said Veronica is lying?”

“Yes, I would,” Nathan asserted. “Just tell me what happened. Veronica claims you and James kissed. So, Ms. Rayne, your word holds more weight with me at the moment.”

“Do you trust Veronica’s word?” I asked, my heart stinging. I should have anticipated this—Veronica was his best friend, after all.

“Don’t be obstinate,” Nathan retorted, his expression cross. “Did you and James kiss or not?”

“You’re free to believe Veronica if you wish,” I challenged him. “But the truth stands by my side. James, the children, and the staff can vouch for that.”

I abruptly turned away, the lump in my throat threatening to betray my pain. Tears hovered, but I blinked them back relentlessly. Just when I thought I might find peace in Nathan’s home, my hopes crumbled once more. Veronica’s bitterness exacted a toll, and I was the one paying.

“You don’t trust me, so why employ me?” I blurted out, avoiding his gaze.

“Asking for the truth doesn’t imply a lack of trust, Sophia,” Nathan replied, my name slipping from his lips with precision. Shocked, I turned to face him, our eyes locking.

“Kindly consider terminating our contract,” I said without thinking. “I’ve told you before, Mr. White—I despise drama, and your house is clearly a theater.”

Nathan’s expression shifted, replaced by amusement. He subtly smiled and stepped closer. “Then where’s the popcorn?” he quipped, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he settled behind me, close enough to make me wince at his untimely sense of humor. But then, reluctantly, I smiled.

Then his touch on my shoulder froze me—an electrifying connection I couldn’t break, “I apologize,” his gentle voice brushed against my ear. “Forgive me.”

Speechless, I stared hard at him. Then without warning, he kissed the bare skin of my neck. Nathan’s kiss left me both flustered and bewildered. The air in the room seemed to thicken, charged with unspoken tension. I struggled to regain my composure, my mind racing through a whirlwind of emotions.

“Sophia,” Nathan’s voice was a mere whisper, yet it resonated through every fiber of my being. “I don’t want to doubt you. But I need to understand what happened with James.”

His proximity was intoxicating. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, the magnetic pull between us impossible to ignore. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts.

“James and I didn’t kiss,” I said, my voice steady. “Veronica misunderstood. He was merely comforting me after the accusations.”

Nathan’s jaw clenched, and he stepped even closer. “Veronica is convinced otherwise,” he replied, his gaze piercing. “She thinks you’re manipulating everyone—playing a dangerous game.”

“Veronica has her own agenda,” I retorted, my frustration bubbling over. “She’s been trying to drive a wedge between us from the beginning.”

Nathan’s fingers brushed against my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. “And what about us?” he asked, his voice raw. “I can’t deny what I feel when I’m near you. But trust is fragile, Sophia.”

My heart skipped, unable to belive that Nathan was confessing his feelings to me. This was too good to be true.

"Say something, sophia," Nathan desperately echoed.

“I never wanted this drama,” I confessed, my eyes locking with his. “I came here seeking solace, not chaos.”

He leaned in, his lips dangerously close to mine. “I can believe you,” he murmured. “But I need more than words.”

“Then give me a chance to prove myself,” I whispered, my heart pounding. “Let me unravel the truth, Nathan.”

He hesitated, torn between doubt and desire. “One chance,” he finally said. “But if you betray it, there won’t be another.”

I nodded briskly, not sure why I allowed this situation escalate. Then our lips met, the room blurred into insignificance. The kiss was a promise—a fragile bridge spanning trust and uncertainty. And in that stolen moment, I vowed to protect what little hope remained.

Then Nathan's phone rang, and he stepped back, lookinga ta the screen. Veronica was calling, "Please excuse me." he said and left.

Sighing with relief, I locked the door behind him and clasped my face in my hands. "What are you doing, Sophia?" I loudly mused.

Later when I did nt show up for dinner, Nathan sent his newest staff, Kimora. she was a youtthful and vivacious young woman, with not much experience of the world, I judged. Kimora's first task was me. She had to convince to have dinner and she begged. feeling sorry, i agreed to go with her t the dining room.

Kimora and I entered the hall, and she graciously pulled out a chair for me—the very one that belonged to Felisha. I hesitated, glancing at Nathan, who gestured for me to sit down. As usual, Veronica’s glare bore into me, accompanied by an indignant snort.

“Veronica?” Nathan’s gaze sliced through the tension, reprimanding her.

“I apologize, Ms. Rayne,” Veronica’s apology was as insipid as her expression. I nodded disinterestedly and focused on my meal.

“The dress looks beautiful on you, Ms. Rayne,” Nathan teased, his eyes dancing with mischief. “Like a theater actress.”

“Thanks,” I awkwardly replied. Charlene, ever perceptive, noticed my gloominess and reached out to touch my hand.

“Are you still upset?” she blurted out, her voice louder than necessary.

“And why do you think your teacher is upset, princess?” Nathan inquired, playing along.

“Aunt Veronica was really mean to my teacher today,” Charlene pointed directly at Veronica.

“And why did your aunt behave that way?” Nathan deliberately pressed.

“I don’t know,” Charlene explained. “She started shouting when Uncle James left.”

Veronica interjected defensively, “Charlene darling, nothing like that happened.”

But Charlene remained resolute. “You did it, Aunt Veronica. I saw you. The teacher looked like she was about to cry.”

Charles chimed in, “I saw it too. Aunt was really mad at my teacher.”

“It’s okay, children,” I interjected swiftly. “Let’s pray and then enjoy our meal.”

“Yes, teacher,” the twins happily agreed. Charles led the prayer, and we all settled in to eat

As dinner progressed, the tension in the room remained palpable. Veronica’s apology was as hollow as her previous glares, and I couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was merely biding her time. Nathan’s eyes bore into mine occasionally, a silent plea for understanding. I wondered how much of his trust I had lost.

The twins, oblivious to the adult drama, chattered happily about their day at school. Charlene’s innocent honesty had exposed Veronica’s true colors, and Charles seemed equally unimpressed by his aunt’s behavior. I found solace in their presence—their laughter and curiosity a welcome distraction.

When dessert arrived, Nathan leaned toward me, “Sophia,” he murmured, “Why didn't you tell me that Veronica shouted at you?”

“It's not worth it,” I replied, my voice low. “But Veronica won’t stop until she gets what she wants.”

“And what does she want?” Nathan’s gaze held mine.

“You,” I confessed, my heart pounding. “She’s always wanted you, Nathan. And she’ll do anything to get you.”

His jaw tightened, and he reached for my hand, “I won’t let her succeed,” he vowed.

After dinner, I escorted the children to their room, weaving tales of magical lands and brave adventures until their eyelids drooped. Then, with a gentle kiss on their foreheads, I left them in the embrace of dreams. My own room beckoned—a sanctuary of quietude and solace. The day had been a tempest of emotions, and now, I craved peace and rest.

I settled into bed, the soft sheets cocooning me. Just as I was drifting into slumber, a familiar knock echoed through the room. Nathan, my inner voice echoed. By now, I recognized the rhythm of his knocks—the measured urgency that spoke of secrets and shared burdens.

“Come in,” I murmured, my voice heavy with fatigue. Nathan stepped inside, his eyes widening as they met my appearance. I wore comfortable pajamas.

He hesitated, caught off guard by my casual demeanor. Perhaps he expected the same guarded woman who had first crossed his threshold—the one who had unwittingly ignited this tangled web of intrigue.

“Sophia,” Nathan’s voice held a hint of surprise. “I didn’t expect to find you like this.”

“Lesson learned,” I replied, my lips curving into a wry smile. “Sometimes, comfort trumps appearances.”

Nathan stepped closer, the air charged with unspoken words. “You intrigue me, Sophia Rayne,” he confessed. “Your layers—each one unravels a new mystery.”

His gaze bore into mine, and for a moment, we stood suspended—an enigma within an enigma. Then, with a resolve that defied logic, he closed the gap between us. His lips brushed against mine, a promise of more questions, more answers, and a shared journey through the labyrinth of our intertwined lives.

At midnight, I stirred from my slumber, my throat parched. The kitchen beckoned, promising cool relief in the form of water. As I padded down the hallway, the dim light cast elongated shadows on the walls. And there, like a specter, stood Veronica—her tension palpable as she glanced from side to side, ensuring she remained unobserved.

I instinctively retreated, my curiosity piqued. Veronica moved with purpose, leading me to a massive door, slightly ajar. I peered through the gap, my breath catching. On the bed lay a woman. Tubes snaked from her arms, and an oxygen pump covered her mouth. Then the reality hit me like a thunderclap.

“Felisha!” My inner voice pounded with astonishment. “She’s being treated from home. No wonder Veronica is always here.”

Suddenly, Veronica’s voice sliced through the silence. “Hi, Felisha. I’m here to give you your injection once again.”

She jabbed Felisha, who squirmed under the assault. My disbelief swirled into anger. Veronica was administering harmful drugs—perhaps the very ones that had plunged Felisha into a coma. If this was the truth, then Veronica was weaving a web of deceit around Nathan, masking Felisha’s true condition.

I saw Veronica’s self-satisfied smile through the door. It sent shivers down my spine. This woman was dangerous, I thought. Suddenly, she turned toward the door, her purpose fulfilled. Panic surged within me, and I slipped away, leaving the room behind. But the revelation clung to me—an intricate puzzle with Felisha at its heart.

Early morning, after Nathan and the children had departed, I spotted Veronica heading toward Felisha’s room. This time, I walked in without fear. Startled, Veronica pricked her thumb with the injection she was about to administer to Felisha.

“What are you doing here? This is a restricted area,” she yelled at me, pain etched across her face.

“I am here to help,” I replied firmly.

“You’re not a doctor. Get out!”

“I’m not leaving, Dr. Swell.”

Veronica’s warning echoed, but I paid it no heed. I focused on Felisha, who lay on the bed. Her fingers twitched, and I instinctively reached for her hand. Veronica’s anger flared, and she pushed me away.

“I said don’t touch anything, Ms. Rayne!” she screeched.

“I apologize, but I think she moved her fingers.”

Veronica’s anger shifted to shock. “She moved? Are you sure?”

“I can swear I saw it. Does that mean she’s getting better?”

“Stop pulling my leg. You’re not the doctor here.”

“I saw it.”

Veronica’s tone softened. “It was just a reflex. It happens to people in a coma. Please don’t tell Nathan about this. You’ll only give him false hope.”

“But I really saw her…”

“Stick to your job description, Ms. Rayne. Don’t poke into mine,” Veronica said, pushing me out of the room. She locked the door behind me.

Later that evening, Nathan stormed into my room, his anger surpassing even the previous night’s intensity, “How dare you, Ms. Rayne?” His voice reverberated off the walls. “You went into Felisha’s room!”

“I wanted to help,” I replied, my frustration mounting. Veronica’s betrayal still stung.

“Is that why you administered the wrong medicine to her?”

“When did I do that?” I asked, incredulous. “I merely held her hand when she moved her fingers.”

“I don’t care what happened, Sophia. Just stay away from Felisha,” Nathan grunted. “You’re not a doctor. You’re a tutor. Stick to your job or leave!”

“Veronica is lying to you. Perhaps she’s lying about Felisha’s condition too.”

“And you’ve reached this conclusion after just few nights here?”

“It’s the truth. Please believe me. Why would I lie to you?”

“Ms. Rayne, let Veronica do her job. If you don’t stop this nonsense, I’ll send you out of here,” Nathan threatened.

“Let me make it easier for you, then. I quit!” I snapped, shoving my clothes into the suitcase.

“What are you doing?” Nathan raised an eyebrow.

“I’m leaving.”

“Stop.” Nathan’s voice softened. “You can’t leave. You signed a contract.”

“You can terminate it. I’m ready to face the consequences.”

“Sophia, can we both calm down first?”

“I won’t stay here another moment.”

“Stop it!” Nathan grabbed some clothes from the suitcase and placed them on the shelf. But I defiantly tossed them back in, prompting him to seize my hand and pull me toward him.

“Sophia!” His shout flustered me. We locked eyes, anger and frustration swirling between us. I was furious too—angry that he believed I could administer the wrong medicine to his ailing wife. Angry that he employed me despite his lack of trust. And most of all, angry because my days of peace and harmony had vanished, thanks to Veronica’s relentless campaign to have me ousted from Nathan's house.

“Please don’t go,” Nathan’s plea reached my ears, his breath palpable against my skin as he stepped closer.

“This isn’t what I signed up for,” I admitted, my hands cupping my face. “Things here are so complicated. You’re complicated. Clearly, I’m more entangled now than I ever was with Craig. Yu're married too. What was I thinking? I’m so stupid!”

“No, you’re not,” Nathan tried to comfort me. He pulled me into a tight embrace, flustering me further. “I’m sorry.”

“Please let go,” I protested, but Nathan’s grip only tightened.

“Don’t fight it, Sophia,” he whispered, resting his head on my shoulder. This isn’t right, I thought, pushing against his hold. But then he kissed me, silencing my struggles.