Rejected: A love story-Chapter 15: Nathan is falling for Fiona

Fiona slowly pulled out of the hug, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

She felt shy and embarrassed for crying in front of him like a lost child.

Nathan cupped her cheeks gently, his thumbs brushing her tears.

"No more crying on your birthday," he whispered softly.

Fiona nodded, a tiny smile forming on her face. Nathan stepped back, clearing his throat like he was trying not to look too affected.

"Well," he said with a lighter voice, "the cake isn’t the only thing waiting."

"Hmm?"

Nathan snapped his fingers, and two servants stepped forward briefly, placing three beautifully wrapped boxes on the table before quietly retreating again.

Fiona’s heart skipped. There were gifts?For her? She looked at Nathan as if he had just given her the moon.

"All of this? For me?"

Nathan smirked a little, leaning against the table casually.

"You’re my girlfriend, remember?"

His tone was playful but his eyes...

"I couldn’t let your birthday pass like any other day."

Fiona approached the table slowly, almost afraid to breathe.

The first gift was a medium-sized box wrapped in gold paper, tied with a silky ribbon. She opened it carefully.

Inside was a white pearl necklace, simple but elegant — the kind of gift that made her touch her chest in disbelief.

Fiona gasped softly, her fingers trembling over the pearls.

"I’ve never had anything like this," she whispered.

Nathan watched her, feeling satisfied.

"Try it on."

She hesitated — then turned, lifting her hair shyly.

He stepped close and fastened it around her neck, his fingers lingered for a second longer than necessary.

"Perfect."

Her cheeks burned hot. She reached for the second gift — a soft box this time. When she opened it, she found a pair of matching pearl earrings resting on velvet.

Fiona laughed a little, overwhelmed all over again.

"Nathan... you really didn’t have to...."

"I wanted to."

Their eyes met, and she had to look away before her heart jumped out of her chest.

She reached for the third box, the smallest one. Inside was a tiny velvet case. She opened it slowly...

It was a gold bracelet with her name engraved: Fiona.

And on the other side — small cursive writing:

Cupcake.

Her hand flew over her mouth.

"Nathan..."

Her voice cracked again.

"Nobody has ever celebrated me like this. Not once. How did you even know it was my birthday?"

Nathan slipped his hands into his pockets, watching her with a quiet smile.

"I make it a habit to know important things about the people in my life."

She frowned, touched deeply but curious.

"But I never told you."

He leaned closer slightly, lowering his voice.

"I have my ways."

Their eyes were fixed on each other and the room was suddenly feeling warm, he could feel a sort of connection with her and he wondered if she felt it too. Fiona looked at the gifts again, then back at him.

"Thank you... Nathan. Really."

Her voice was gentle and sincere. He brushed a stray curl from her face.

"Happy birthday, cupcake."

He snapped his fingers and a maid hurriedly brought in the sliced cake. Nathan fed her a slice of cake, frosting smearing her cheeks. She smiled and took a slice feeding him also, the servants peeked around the corner, giggling at their usually serious boss being all mushy. They exchanged whispers, amazed at the sight of Nathan smiling like that.

"This is the first time the boss has smiled"

"I think the boss is inlove".

Soon after Nathan led Fiona to the dining room, his hand carefully placed on her back. Lara, the cook, waited with a spread of breakfast dishes, a hint of jealousy flashing across her face before she hid it with a polite smile. She had always had feelings for Nathan, and now he was lavishing attention on this new girl, Fiona.

"Good morning, Lara," Nathan said warmly. "You can leave the serving, I’ll take care of it."

Lara’s eyes turned to Fiona before nodding curtly. "Of course, sir."

As she retreated, Nathan pulled out Fiona’s chair and sat beside her. "You have a bit of frosting on your cheek," he said, brushing it away with his thumb. Fiona’s cheeks flushed, and she smiled, feeling at ease with Nathan.

Lara watched from the kitchen, her eyes fixed on the two. She had thought Nathan was hers and thought her plan of making Nathan like her was working... Well until she came. She had always made Nathan’s favorite dishes, and he had never looked at her the way he was looking at Fiona. She felt a pang of jealousy, wondering what Fiona had that she didn’t.

Nathan, oblivious to Lara’s growing unease, continued to chat with Fiona, making her laugh and smile. He was enjoying her company, and it showed. Fiona, too, was having a great time, feeling like she had known Nathan forever.

Fiona’s smile slowly faded as she wondered if her father remembered her birthday. Nathan noticed the change in her expression and quickly intervened. "Hey, you should get dressed," he said, his voice gentle. "We’re going out."

Fiona’s eyes snapped back to his, a hint of surprise on her face. "Where are we going?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Nathan just smiled, he loved how she always acted. "It’s a surprise. But I want you to put on the best dress you’ve got."

Fiona’s face lit up with excitement, and she let out a squeal of delight. She jumped up from her seat and ran upstairs, Nathan watched her go, a wide smile spreading across his face. He loved the childish part of her, the part that was still young and carefree. He chuckled to himself, he was liking this girl and there was no turning back.

Fiona wore the red dress he had bought for her, she had no idea where he was taking her but she wanted to look good for him. She stared at herself in the mirror, the dress hugged her curves perfectly. She put on a simple footwear and hurried went downstairs. Nathan’s eyes widened, he lost his voice for a second.

"You look amazing,"

Fiona blushed. "Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nathan held out his arm, and Fiona took it, letting him lead her out of the house. They walked to the sleek white lamburgini urus, Fiona was practically bouncing with excitement, and Nathan couldn’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm.

As usual, he opened the door for Fiona. As they drove through the city, Fiona tried to guess where he was taking her to but he only smiled and refused to give away the surprise.

They pulled up to a restaurant, Fiona’s eyes widened in surprise. It was one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, she had only heard of it and some of the students talked about it but she had never been there before. Nathan got out of the car and came around to open her door, offering her his hand.

"Ready?" he asked.

Fiona nodded, her heart racing with excitement. As they walked into the restaurant, Fiona’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the elegant decor and the quiet murmur of conversation, her gaze suddenly landed on her father, Duncan, he was sitting at a table. She felt a jolt of surprise, her heart racing with uncertainty.

Nathan followed her gaze and gave her a reassuring smile. "I wanted you to connect with your father," he said softly. "But I won’t go with you. He might still be angry you ran away... I’ll sit close, just in case anything happens."

Fiona’s eyes locked onto his, and she felt a surge of gratitude. She hugged him affectionately, her face buried against his chest. "Thank you," she whispered.

Nathan’s eyes closed, and he hugged her back, He was clearly moved by her gesture.

As she pulled away, Fiona took a deep breath and made her way to her father’s table. Nathan watched her go, his eyes never leaving her until she reached her father’s side.

Duncan looked up, his eyes widening in shock as he took in Fiona’s appearance. "Fiona... what are you...?" he stammered, his face pale.

Fiona’s eyes welled up with tears as she said, "Daddy..." and hugged him tightly.

Duncan’s arms wrapped around her, his expression etched in surprise. "Fiona... how...?" he muttered, his voice muffled against her hair.

Nathan strolled casually to a table a short distance away, his eyes never leaving Fiona. A waiter approached him, recognising him immediately, his face lit up quickly.

"Sir Nathan, welcome back," the waiter said, excitement in his voice.

Nathan gave him a brief nod. "No drama please, get me a cup of coffee, no milk."

The waiter’s eyes darted to Fiona and Duncan before returning to Nathan. He nodded and hurried off to fetch the coffee.

Nathan’s gaze returned to Fiona, his eyes locked onto hers for a moment before she looked away, her face buried against her father’s shoulder.

Duncan’s eyes were still wide with shock as he pulled back from the hug, his gaze scanning Fiona’s face as if trying to convince himself she was really there. "Fiona, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion.

Fiona hesitated, her eyes darting to Nathan before returning to her father’s face. "I... I wanted to see you, Daddy," she said softly, her voice trembling.

Duncan’s expression shifted, a mix of emotions crossing his face. He gestured to the chair across from him. "Please, sit down. Let’s talk."

Fiona hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking to Nathan. He was sipping his coffee, his gaze locked onto hers, reassuring her. She nodded almost imperceptibly and took a seat.

As she did, Duncan spoke up, his voice a little softer than before. "So, Fiona... how have you been?"

Fiona took a deep breath, preparing herself for the conversation but before she could answer, Duncan’s eyes scanned her. "You’re... you’re looking well," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity. "You’re... living with someone?"

Fiona’s eyes dropped, her face flushing with a mix of emotions. Nathan’s gaze intensified, his eyes locked onto Duncan’s, a warning signal.

But Duncan didn’t seem to notice. He leaned forward, his voice taking on a slightly condescending tone. "Fiona, you’re only 19, the street isn’t nice, people ain’t as nice as they seem..."

"I’m 20, Daddy," Fiona interrupted, her voice trembling "And it’s my birthday." She said fighting back her emotions.

Duncan’s eyes widened, his face going pale as he realized his mistake. "Oh, Fiona... happy birthday, kiddo," he stammered, his voice filled with regret.

Nathan’s eyes never left Fiona’s face, his expression was calm filled with empathy. He was glad he had brought her here, given her this chance to reconnect with her father. But he was also ready to intervene if things took a turn for the worse.

He gradually noticed Fiona’s expensive dress and the delicate perfume wafting from her skin. "You’ve... you’ve been doing well for yourself, haven’t you?" he said, his voice tinged with a mix of surprise and suspicion.

Fiona smiled, she remembered she had secretly taken Nathan’s perfume. "I’ve been lucky, Daddy," she said with a soft voice.

Duncan’s mind was racing, recalling the conversations he’d had with his wife and stepdaughter. They had said Fiona ran off with a man, and now, seeing her like this, he couldn’t shake the feeling that it was true. The expensive clothes, the perfume... it all added up.

His wife had warned him, and his stepdaughter had confirmed it. She had said Fiona threatened her not to reveal secrets about her man. Duncan’s expression hardened, a coldness creeping into his eyes. "Fiona, who are you living with?" he asked, with a firm voice.

Fiona’s smile faded at once, her eyes darting to Nathan before returning to her father’s face. She saw the suspicion there, the doubt, and her heart sank. "Daddy, it’s not what you think," she said, her voice trembling.

But Duncan wasn’t listening. He was already convinced, his mind was made up. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Fiona’s face. "You need to come home, Fiona," he said, his voice cold. "This... arrangement you’re in, it’s not healthy."

Nathan noticed the tension and set his cup down, prepared to intervene any second.

"I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my life, Daddy," she spat. "At least here, someone treats me like I’m worth something."

Duncan’s face darkened immediately. "You’re happy now because of the money he’s spending on you, Fiona," he sneered. "What’s his age, huh? Does he even love you or is he just using you?"

Fiona’s face went blank, her eyes dropping to the floor as she realized she didn’t know Nathan’s age. She felt a surge of uncertainty, but Duncan took it as guilt.

"Come with me, Fiona, before it’s too late," he said, his voice rising. "You’ll regret everything."

Fiona’s raised her head up, ready to defend herself. "Oh, so I can be a slave to your wife and stepdaughter again?" she sneered. "No, thank you."

Duncan’s face twisted in anger as Fiona brought up her dead mother. "If Mummy was alive, she wouldn’t be watching you treat me like this," she said.

"And if you died, I’m sure she wouldn’t remarry like you did."

Fiona’s words truly hit Duncan, his face turned red with rage. "You ungrateful little-"

He raised his hand, and Fiona flinched, but the slap never landed. Nathan was there, shielding her, his eyes cold and hard.

"Time to leave, Fiona," he said, his voice low and menacing.

Duncan’s eyes widened as he realized what he was about to do. "Fiona, wait-"

But Nathan wasn’t having it. He pulled Fiona to her feet, his arm around her shoulders. "Don’t come near us," he warned Duncan, his voice dripping with venom. "You’re done. If you weren’t her father, trust me you’ll pay for trying to hit her"

The restaurant patrons were staring, and Duncan’s face was crimson with embarrassment. He tried to stop them, but Nathan was having none of it. He led Fiona out of the restaurant, his eyes flashing with anger.

As they walked out, Fiona’s eyes welled up with tears. Nathan pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "It’s okay, I’m here," he whispered, his voice soothing. "You’re safe now."