Bound By Lies: His Brother’s Obsession

The dining room shone in soft golden light, it was a room fashioned to wow people, but tonight, it was designed for intimacy. Crystal glasses caught the glow of the chandelier, as polished cutlery reflected in the porcelain plates. At the center of the table was a bouquet of white lilies with a delicate fragrance which spread across the room.Viola smoothed the edge of the silk tablecloth for the third time. Her fingers brushed over the fabric, which she had carefully chosen weeks ago. Soon, her gaze glanced toward the clock on the far wall.Checking the time, she saw that it was quarter past eight, which meant Nathan was late again.Earlier, she had told herself not to hope too much. After all, four years of marriage had taught her that expectations could be dangerous things, especially with a husband who lived more for business meetings and boardrooms rather than for shared moments at home. But yet, she couldn’t help herself but felt sad. Four years together, it had to mean some

“Maybe you should go check up on mum and dad”. Claire said softly but secretly she hoped he wouldn't go. And just like she wished, Nathan sat beside her, holding her hand tightly, refusing to move. “They will be fine. I’m more worried about you”. He said, because the thoughts of her struggling to get out of the crashed car was suffocating him and making him feel that that has traumatized her. So he wanted her to rest as long as she could. Hearing Nathan’s words, Claire smiled inwardly, but kept a pitiful face outwardly for Nathan to see. Just as he was about to say something, the door slammed open, startling them both . Alexa stormed in, her eyes blazing with fury. “Are you serious, Nathan? Mom and Dad are in the other room, broken because they lost big bro Xander, and you are here, clinging to Claire as if she’s the only one who matters?” Nathan’s jaw clenched, but he stayed silent, his arm tightening around Claire. Alexa stepped forward and continued saying . “She didn

The crash was so loud that it made Viola freeze. She stared at the shattered vase, her chest tightening as tears filled her eyes. It was the one her mother had given her on her wedding day to Nathan, a piece she had treasured more than anything, but now it was ruined by Claire’s daughter. As for Bella, she froze and smiled happily, but just then, her eyes darted up and collided with Viola’s who was staring at her with anger. For a few seconds, guilt flashed across her face. But she became startled after being caught, so to escape from it, she let out a loud cry and shouted, “Mommy! Uncle Nathan! I didn’t mean it!” she cried loudly. Nathan and Claire who were touring around the house with happiness on their faces heard her cries and ran back to the living room. On getting there, Claire gasped and rushed to Bella’s side when she saw the broken vase. She quickly bent down as she inspected her. “Oh no sweetie, are you hurt? Did you cut yourself?” She asked. Nathan also came over qu

At that same moment, In New York City, Mr Samuel Anderson sat in the living room of the Anderson estate, sipping his afternoon tea with a calm face.He was seated beside his wife, Mrs Sarah Anderson, a graceful woman with a kind look, while their first daughter, Vivian Anderson, sat opposite them, flipping through a business magazine. The atmosphere in the living room was calm and peaceful, until his phone began to ring.They all froze for a moment, while Mr Anderson frowned slightly. Hardly anyone called him on that number because it was his private line which was known only by a handful of close friends and family.With a suspicious look, he glanced at his daughter and asked, “Vivian, did you give my number to anyone?”Hearing this, Vivian shook her head immediately, with confusion written all over her face, “No, Dad. Why would I?” She asked back, which immediately deepened his curiosity.He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, but when he saw the name on the

It was already late into the night before Nathan finally stepped out of Claire’s room .Had it not been for the maid’s polite knock announcing dinner, neither Nathan nor Claire seemed prepared to leave the bedroom anytime soon because they were having fun with Bella.“Uncle Nathan, let’s go together”. Bella said softly as her small hand clutched his fingers possessively. Even though Nathan was tired, he couldn’t resist her request, especially her bright smile that immediately softened his tired face. “Alright cutie, let’s go together”. He said and smiled faintly as he bent down and carried her up in his arms, making her giggle.And as if it wasn’t enough , he tickled her on her stomach, making Bella scream and laugh. The hallway was quiet, so her laughter echoed through, which brought a smile to his face.Claire, who was watching them from the doorway, hid her satisfaction in her mind and put on a look of concern. “Bella, stop that,” she said in a gentle tone, pretending to scold