Rejected: A love story-Chapter 31: Nathan’s Promise

I woke up with swollen eyes and a headache that felt like it had settled into my bones. For a few seconds I didn’t remember why my chest felt so heavy, then everything rushed back at once. My father at the Dean’s office, his hurtful words and catherine’s annoying voice.

I sat up slowly, hugging my knees, the room was too big when you were alone in it.

I stared at the door for a long time, wondering if he was angry or disappointed. Or worse... hurt. I had blamed him,thrown my pain at him like he was the enemy when he was the only one who had stood up for me.

I pressed my palms to my eyes, i was tired of being angry. Tired of crying and worst tired of losing people.

After a long shower I dressed up simply, it was Saturday so... no classes. By the time I stepped out, the house was already booming. I could hear voices downstairs, Normalcy that felt strange after yesterday.

I paused halfway down the stair when I saw him. Nathan was in the living room with his father and Caleb. His phone was in his hand, he was looking anxious or impatient. Was it because of me?

I guess my words had hurt him, my chest tightened immediately.

Just then he noticed me, his eyes lifted and locked onto mine. The conversation around him se3m to fade as he kept his gaze on me, he didn’t smile or frown. Just watched me carefully like he wasn’t sure which version of me he’d get this morning.

"I’ll talk to him later," Gabriel said to Caleb, standing. "Good morning dear." He turned to me.

"Good morning sir," I replied softly.

Mrs Keith smiled warmly from the dining area. "You’re up early. Did you sleep at all?"

I nodded even though it wasn’t true, Nathan said nothing. That hurt more than if he’d snapped.

"I... can I talk to you?" I asked quietly, looking at him.

He hesitated for half a second, then nodded. "Sure."

We walked out to the back patio. The morning air was cool, fresh. Too calm for how my heart was racing, we stood there in silence. I spoke first. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"I’m sorry."

He looked at me but didn’t speak.

"I shouldn’t have blamed you for everything," I continued, my voice shaking. "I was angry and hurt and I needed someone to lash out at. That wasn’t fair to you."

He leaned against the railing, finally exhaling. "You were allowed to be angry."

"Yes," I said quickly. "But I shouldn’t have turned it on you."

I wrapped my arms around myself. "You didn’t cause my father to choose them over ne. He did that all on his own."

Nathan watched me carefully. "I should have told you."

I nodded. "Yes. You should have."

"But I understand why you didn’t," I added. "You were protecting me. In your own way."

He looked at me, gently. "I know my actions hurt you yesterday and I’m truly sorry. I never want to be the reason you cry".

"I know," I whispered. "I was only like that because of how my father treated me."

He stared again deeply into my eyes. "I want to make a promise to you Fiona, from now on I won’t let anyone hurt you or make you cry. If anyone hurt you, I won’t show mercy... be it family or not "

My throat burned.

"I don’t want to fight with them Nathan," I said. "I don’t have the strength for that."

He stepped closer. "Neither do I, but if it has to do with you then i will fight anyone."

I finally looked up at him fully

"I don’t regret slapping her," I admitted quietly.

A corner of his mouth twitched. "I figured."

"But I regret how I spoke to you."

He reached out slowly, hesitating like he was asking permission. When I didn’t pull away, his hand rested lightly on my shoulder.

"You don’t have to do anything alone, I’ll always stand by you" he said.

I nodded, leaning into his touch just a little. "I’m still mad."

"That’s okay."

"And I’m still hurt."

"I know."

"But I don’t want to lose you."

His hand tightened slightly, i knew he wasn’t expecting that.

"You won’t." He whispered

We stood there like that for a moment.

"Breakfast is ready," Mrs Keith called from inside.

Nathan glanced back at me. "Ready?"

I took a deep breath. "Yeah."

As we walked back in, I realised something important. I couldn’t control my father, or Valerie. Or Catherine... but I could choose who I stood beside.

As Nathan was leaving for work, I slid into his car.

He looked surprised. "Is... anything wrong?"

"I want to ask a favor," I said, and he raised an eyebrow, looking unsure.

"Okay... go on."

"Can Ella come over? She’s my friend at school. I want her to help me catch up on the lectures I missed."

He smiled and nodded. "Of course, why not."

"Thank you," I said softly, staring at him. Heaven knows I wasn’t just talking—his lips, his eyes... oh God, he was too cute.

"Why... why are you looking at me like that? Is—"

I didn’t let him finish, i kissed him, pressing closer, letting my lips do the talking. His hand pulled me closer, deepening the kiss, and for a moment it was like he’d been waiting for my permission all along. Then I remembered that last time he kissed me in the car and pulled away—proof that he wanted this too.

I pulled back immediately.

"Now, who’s eager to kiss who?" I teased, grinning.

His face flushed, and he looked away, clearly caught off guard.

I hopped out of the car, my heart still racing, and headed inside.