Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The morning sun filtered through the large curtains of the Cole’s home, the sound of calm songs were playing in the elegant living room. 

It was a peaceful Saturday, the kind where time seemed to slow down, and for once, everything felt… normal. No businesses, no school, just people living their lives and relaxing after a tiring week. 

Nathan sat at the dining table, scrolling through his phone for important business updates, though his mind was not on the device and contents in front of him.

Vanessa sat opposite him, sipping her morning tea, dressed in a beautiful yet simple gown, her brown hair falling effortlessly over one of her shoulders.

Ethan strolled in moments later, his messy hair a clear indication that he had just rolled out of bed. He yawned and hopped onto a chair. “Morning y'all,” he mumbled.

Nathan glanced up, his lips twitching in amusement. “Rough night?”

Ethan shot him a look. “Something like that.”

Vanessa chuckled, setting her cup down. “Ethan, how many times have I told you to get to bed earlier? You look like a zombie.”

Ethan waved a dismissive hand. “I feel like you think I look, actually but it is the weekend, Mom. Let me live.”

Sarah entered next, her phone glued to her hand as she walked toward the coffee machine. “Ugh, why is it so bright this morning?” she complained.

Nathan folded his newspaper and leaned back in his chair. “Maybe because it is morning?”

Sarah gave him a death stare but did not argue. Vanessa found the joke amusing. 

A few minutes passed in comfortable silence as they all went about their usual routines. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and toast bread filled the air, and the distant hum of the morning television played softly in the background.

Then, as if on an impulse, Nathan cleared his throat. “You know, I was thinking…” He looked around the table. “How about we all go out for dinner tonight?”

Vanessa looked up, surprised. “Dinner?”

“Yeah,” Nathan said, casually reaching for his coffee. “It has been a while since we have all gone out together and spent time as a family, I thought it might be nice.”

Vanessa smiled warmly. “That is a lovely idea. I would love that. Very thoughtful baby. What do you kids say?*

Ethan hesitated for a moment, he captured Nathan with his eyes, then nodded. “Yeah, sure. Why not? But mom, we are not kids anymore.”

Sarah, barely looking up from her phone, muttered, “As long as I get to pick my outfit, I am in.”

Vanessa turned to Ethan, “You should bring that girl you told me about at your workplace, what is her name? Lilly? Yes.”

Ethan stiffened, clenching his jaw and tightening his fingers around his coffee mug. “Uh… I do not know, Mom. She might be busy tonight, plus it is at such short notice.”

“Nonsense, do not pick her schedule for her” Vanessa said, waving a hand. “Give her a call. I am sure she would love to join us.”

Nathan shook his head as he took a sip of his coffee. 

Ethan hesitated but eventually nodded. “Alright. I would ask her.”

Nathan exhaled slowly, lowering his face to his phone. 

The rest of the morning passed uneventfully, with Sarah vanishing into her room to pick out the perfect dinner outfit, 

Vanessa heading to her yoga session, and Ethan disappearing upstairs to presumably call Lilly.

Nathan, however, spent most of the afternoon in his study, trying to focus on work but failing miserably. He could shake the feeling of jealousy knowing that Lilly would be present. 

By the time evening eventually came around, the family gathered at the lobby, dressed and ready for the night out.

Nathan, dressed in a crisp, expensive black suit, stood by the door, waiting for the other members. 

Vanessa descended the stairs in an elegant blue dress, looking so much as the sophisticated woman she was. “Ready?” she asked with a smile.

Nathan nodded. “Just waiting on the kids.”

Sarah appeared next, wearing a red dress, twirling once for effect. “How do I look?”

“Like you spent three hours in front of the mirror,” Ethan teased as he walked up behind her.

Sarah hummed in a mocking tone but did not deny it.

Then, there was a knock on the front door, Vanessa casually said “Come in.” And the door was open, Lilly stepped inside.

She was wearing a short, off-the-shoulder dress that clung to her figure, her wavy blonde hair falling down her shoulders. She flashed a bright smile. “Hey, everyone.”

Vanessa smiled warmly. “Lilly, so glad you could join us.”

Lilly’s gaze flickered briefly to Nathan, then to Ethan. “Wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

Nathan gave a nod, then turned toward the door. “Let’s get going, shall we?”

****

The restaurant was a high-end place downtown, dim lighting with an ambiance of elegance to soothe the mood. The moment they arrived, a waiter led them to their reserved table, a large, round table in the center of the room.

Nathan took his seat at the head of the table, with Vanessa beside him. Ethan and Lilly sat together, while Sarah took the seat across them.

The conversation was light at first, Vanessa chatting about a new art exhibit, Sarah ranting about a new social media scandal, and Ethan making small talk with Lilly.

But Nathan… Nathan barely spoke. He seemed to be observing everyone's actions. 

His eyes flashed toward Lilly very often, noticing the way she leaned closer to Ethan, the way she giggled at his jokes.

Then he noticed something else.

The way her foot slowly slid forward under the table.

At first, he thought it was just nothing but a coincidence. But when he felt the distinct brush of her toes against his leg, his entire body tensed.

Lilly was looking at Ethan, pretending to be engaged in conversation, but Nathan knew. 

He shifted uncomfortably, hoping she’d stop.

But she did not. 

Instead, her foot pressed more firmly against him, teasing, deliberate.

Nathan clenched his jaw, inhaling sharply.

She was trying to flirt with him.

Vanessa, oblivious to the silent game happening beneath the table, took a sip of wine and turned to Nathan. “So, how has work been?”

Nathan barely heard the question.

“Fine,” he said. 

Ethan looked over at him, sensing something was off. “You okay?”

Nathan forced a tight smile. “Yeah. Just need to use the bathroom real quick.”

Without waiting for a response, he pushed his chair back and stood up.

He could still feel Lily's foot lingering against his leg as he turned and walked toward the restroom, his fists folded at his sides.

Inside the restroom, Nathan braced himself against the sink, staring at his reflection in the mirror.

His heart was pounding, his thoughts racing.

What the hell was that girl playing at?

She was supposed to be Ethan’s date, yet she was actively trying to get his attention?

His grip on the sink tightened.

This was not just a misunderstanding. This was in

tentional.

And it pissed him off more than he was willing to admit..