Rejected: A love story-Chapter 53: I lied

Fiona POV

Dinner was already ongoing when I came downstairs. Nathan looked up the moment he saw me. His gaze lingered, like he was checking if I was okay. I gave him a small nod and took my seat. I waited until plates were halfway cleared before speaking.

"I’ll need to head out after dinner," I said. "My friend Ella is in the hospital. I want to visit her."

Anne’s face softened immediately. "Oh no. Is she alright?"

"Yes," I said quickly. "It’s nothing serious."

"I hope she feels better soon," Anne said. "You’re sweet to go."

Caleb leaned forward. "Which hospital?"

I hesitated for half a second too long.

"I can drop you," he added. "It’s late."

Before I could answer, Nathan spoke.

"I’ll go with her."

Caleb frowned. "You don’t trust me to make sure she gets there safely?"

"That’s not what I said."

"That’s exactly what you’re implying," Caleb shot back. "You need to relax, Nathan. You can’t keep hovering over her like she’s fragile. She’s not your property."

Nathan’s jaw tightened. "I’m not hovering. I’m making sure she’s safe."

"And I wouldn’t?"

"Okay.. you don’t get to decide what I do for the woman I love," he replied coolly.

The word love echoed in my head..my heart did a quick flip.

Natasha watched them, clearly annoyed, like she hated the fact that they were even arguing over me. Oh yeah, she did.

Gabriel finally spoke. "That’s enough. If you both want to go, then go. No need for this."

They both stood at once. Before anyone could move, I turned toward Leo.

"Do you want to come with us?"

His head snapped up, surprise written all over his face. Then he smiled, a real smile...

"I can?"

Natasha cut in immediately. "No. Hospitals are not places for children."

"It’s not an accident ward," I said carefully. "Just a stomach issue. Nothing contagious."

She shook her head. "Still not appropriate."

Leo’s smile disappeared and Nathan noticed instantly.

He looked down at his son. "Do you want to come, Leo?"

"Yes, Daddy."

Nathan didn’t hesitate. "Then you’re coming."

Natasha stepped forward. "He could get sick—"

"Stop," Nathan said flatly. "He’ll be fine."

Gabriel glanced at her. "Let it go."

Natasha said nothing after that.

Leo walked over and slipped his hand into Nathan’s. Nathan held it without thinking, like it was natural. That sight alone made e smile.

As we headed out, I didn’t miss the look Natasha gave me.

"I’ll take my own car and follow," Caleb said as we stepped outside.

Nathan glanced at him briefly, then nodded once. "Do that."

There was no argument this time. Caleb didn’t push it either. Leo was already bouncing on his feet, barely containing himself as Nathan guided him toward the passenger side.

I slid into the front seat as Nathan adjusted the seat belt on Leo at the back before taking the wheel. The moment the doors shut, Leo let out a small excited breath, like he’d been holding it in for too long.

The car pulled away smoothly, Caleb’s headlights appearing behind us seconds later.

We drove in silence for a bit. Nathan’s focus was on the road, one hand resting on the wheel. Leo hummed quietly to himself, swinging his legs back and forth.

I watched them both, feeling fulfilled. "You’re awfully quiet," I said to Nathan.

He exhaled through his nose. "Fiona."

"We’re not going to the hospital," I admitted.

His brows furrowed slightly. "Then where are we going?"

"A play fair."

Nathan glanced at me again, this time fully turning his head for half a second before refocusing on the road. "A what?"

"A fair," I repeated. "There’s games, rides, food and of course lots of noise."

Leo’s head snapped toward me. "A fair?!"

I laughed softly. "Yes."

His eyes widened. "With games?"

"And prizes."

"And popcorn?" he added quickly.

"Yes, popcorn too."

He practically vibrated. "Daddy! Did you hear that?"

Nathan didn’t look amused. "You planned this?"

"I did," I said calmly.

He sighed. "Fiona—"

"When was the last time you actually spent time with him?" I interrupted, not harshly, just honest. That caught his attention.

"I mean really spent time," I continued. "Not meetings. Not dinners where you’re distracted. Just... time."

Leo went quiet beside me, suddenly listening. Nathan’s grip tightened slightly on the wheel. "I’m busy."

"I know," I said. "But he’s bored. And he’s lonely. And tonight, he just wants to have fun."

Leo leaned forward between the seats. "Please, Daddy?"

Nathan stayed quiet.

I leaned in too, exaggerating my pout just a little. "Please, my love?"

He glanced at me again. My face must’ve done something to him, because his expression softened despite himself.

Leo added quickly, "Pleeeeease."

Nathan shook his head, a small smile betraying him. "You’re both impossible."

"So... is that a yes?" I asked.

He sighed. "How can I say no?"

"Yes!" Leo shouted.

"Yes!" I echoed, laughing.

Leo turned to me and threw his hand up. I met it with a high five.

Nathan glanced at us, shaking his head. "I don’t stand a chance, do I?"

"Nope," Leo said cheerfully.

I smiled at Nathan. "Not even a little."

I reached forward. "Can I borrow your phone?"

He handed it back without question.

"I need to call Caleb."

"Password?" I asked.

He smirked. "Cupcake."

I froze for half a second, then turned toward the window so he wouldn’t see my face as I typed it in.

The phone unlocked immediately. I glanced back at him, heat rising in my cheeks. He caught my look and smiled to himself before facing the road again.

I dialed Caleb.

"Please tell me you’re not kidnapping us," he said the second he answered.

"Plans changed," I said. "We’re heading to a fair."

"A fair?" he repeated. "Am I being sold?"

Leo leaned closer to the phone. "Uncle Caleb, we’re trapped!"

Caleb laughed. "I knew it."

"It still involves Ella," I added quickly.

"Well," he said, "in that case, I’m in."

"Just keep following us," I told him.

"Roger that," he replied before hanging up.

I handed Nathan his phone back. "The place is called Silvergate Fair."

He nodded. The car’s system chimed softly, the GPS automatically switching routes.

"Next turn in two kilometers," the voice said.

Leo clapped his hands. "This is the best night ever."

Nathan glanced at him again, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.