Darcey began to breathe deeply, a trick she learned from a yoga teacher in Los Angeles. It usually helped calm her nerves.
Oh, Nathan. Nathan.
A knock reverberated through the library. Her grandfather stepped inside. “Ah, so this is where my dear Darcey has been hiding.” He sat down beside her, taking her hands in his.
“I’m sorry, Grandpa, I was just--” Her voice trailed. What could she tell him?
Grandpa Vaughn wasn’t one to pressure her. “I don’t know what went on between you and Nathan. But whatever it is, I have no doubt you can work it out.”
“I don’t know, Gramps. I really think I messed up this time.”
“We all mess up. I still get in trouble with Grandma.” He chuckled and lifted her chin with his right hand. “Hang in there, sweetheart. These relationship misunderstandings, these are what make life exciting, what make love worth fighting for.”
“But I’m so confused. I have my dream job. I had Nathan. Yet juggling both was too difficult. I just didn’t realise I was hurting the man who loved me.”
“Give it some time. Time is our friend. Things will fall into the right places. At least they do when it’s true love.” The elderly gentleman smiled, the corners of his loving blue eyes crinkling.
“I hope so, Grandpa. I hurt him plenty. I’m afraid things won’t ever be the same again.”
Patting her hand, he studied her face. When Grandpa Vaughn finally spoke, his voice was firm. “That’s not true. I spoke to Nathan a mere fifteen minutes ago. He greeted me and Grandma a Merry Christmas. That, and he apologised for not being able to come tonight. He also told me to hold you tight because you just might need it.” There was a look in her grandfather’s eyes that got Darcey smiling through the fresh tears.
Nathan’s Chapter 3
“Do you think I am stupid, Madeleine?” Nathan shouted. To his own surprise, he found himself slamming his glass of whisky on the table. The loud noise echoed through his study.
Madeleine. He never called her that. He had called her Lena during the few years they had been together.
“I can explain.” Her light blue eyes were moist with tears. She had been crying since she arrived.
It was the day after Christmas. Instead of carols and laughter, he had caught her with another man at her flat.
“Let me make it easy for you, Madeleine. How long have you been seeing him behind my back?”
“Nathan, please.”
“Are you here to apologize, to beg me for my forgiveness? “ He was glad the glass didn’t break, only because he could use the drink. He took a swig, but didn’t take his eyes off her flushed face.
She was beyond beautiful. And his. Or so he thought.
She uncrossed her long legs and stood up, a pleading look in her eyes. To his surprise, she lifted her hand and took off the ring. The engagement ring they had chosen together in Italy. She placed it softly on the table.
“I’m sorry, Nathan, I can’t marry you.”
Just like that.
“Tell me then, did you ever love me? Or did I simply pass all the requirements for the kind of husband your parents wanted for you? Come to think of it, you never even liked me in the beginning, not until you realized I was good enough to date you.”
The pleading expression in her eyes grew deeper. Or was it pity. She wasn’t even denying anything, not her feelings or the man he found kissing her.
Shaking his head, he gave a dry laugh. “I often wondered if you really cared for me, or if you were feigning affection because, maybe, all of those years were wasted.”
He stepped towards her. She didn’t budge. Apology, shame, pity, they were all written on her face. But for some reason, in an instant, he felt something. Was it relief? He couldn’t believe it. Studying the woman he had dated for four years was like studying a stranger. There had been signs. He just refused to acknowledge them sooner. Maybe he was too busy himself.
Sure, it wasn’t the most passionate relationship, but it was a perfect match in many ways. Everyone said they looked perfect together, their families knew each other. She was intelligent, went around the same social circles, and Sissi loved her.
“I’m sorry.” Her raspy voice was huskier than ever. “I never intended to hurt you or lead you on. But we were so young when we met and I thought you were the right one. Don’t get me wrong, I did care for you. What’s not to like? You’re everything any girl dreams of. But—“
She stopped talking. He felt an intense calm, it was worrying him.
“Go on.”
She touched his arm. “I-I haven’t felt this way. Not the way Nicholas makes me feel. You know, he makes my heart beat. Oh, I’m so comfortable with you, I can tell you anything, right? Nate? He gives me this fuzzy feeling and I-”
“Furry, fuzzy feeling? Or you’re just an unfaithful slu-.” He stopped himself and stepped away from her. “Let’s get this over with.” His voice sounded flat to his own ears. He felt nothing. He might as well have been closing a business deal. He may have lost in this transaction but, if he were to be honest, he wasn’t all in the losing end. He did care for her. He had once adored her and truly enjoyed her company. But things did get too comfortable, she wasn’t wrong. Yet he did all he could to make her happy.
“Good bye, Madeleine.”
She nodded, tears streaming down her exquisite face. “Thank you for my Christmas gift. Let me get yours.”
Before he could protest, she had picked up a wrapped present on the desk and handed it to him.
“Goodnight, Nathan.” She stepped out of the study, her French perfume lingering in the air.
He emptied his glass and sat down on the couch. Alone. He felt alone. Nothing but volumes of leather books surrounded him now, along with the cold night air of London. He wanted to scream, fight, destroy something. But instead, he felt empty and drained. Remembering the gift on his lap, he ripped open the paper. Inside was a coffee table book about the Louvre. He turned the page to find she had written a note inside.
To Nathan, You are my favourite piece of art, I couldn’t stop to stare at you, Lena.
He immediately turned his neck to glance at the door. She was gone. He almost wanted to call out to her, wanted her to explain that it was just a mistake, that what she did would never happen again. He wanted her to tell him the four years they shared were important for her and that she wouldn’t just give up on what they had.
But none of those words were to be spoken that night. And even if she did apologize, he knew he would never trust her again.
Everything was a lie, even the words on the book was a lie. He knew that now. Lena had gone on a cruise to the Caribbean with her friends just before Christmas, while he flew to Japan to meet with investors. Between the cold Tokyo winter and being so far away from home in an exotic country during the holidays, he felt lonely and he missed her. His fiancé. He had flown back a few days earlier than expected and he immediately drove to Southampton where his father owned a house and docked a yacht. The plan was to surprise Lena. He figured it was time to spice things up. While she agreed to meet him and was full of energy, he noticed a change in her. It was more than the golden tan from the cruise.
While they watched the stars from inside the yacht, he turned to study her. Her perfect profile gleamed under the moonlight. He had bought the finest wine, prepared a decadent feast and bought her expensive presents from Japan. She barely glanced at them and he noticed she wasn’t wearing the new bracelet he bought for her.
“You seem distracted.”
She waved a hand in the air, mild annoyance touched her face. “No, I was just surprised. I didn’t realize you would come so soon. I felt bad leaving my friends.”
What she said made sense. But her eyes couldn’t lie. Something in their silvery blue depths betrayed her. He knew her too well. He had been seeing her for almost four years, the only woman his mother approved of. Lena came from the right family, her father being a baron. And she was stunning. They met while
she studied in a prestigious university in Boston and he worked as a barista. His parents had cut off any financial support in college to teach him to value money, a lesson he learned well. Since then, he had lived far below his means.
The first time he saw her, he found her beautiful. She was also driven and smart. Sure, she had been aloof when he approached her, but that all changed when one of her friends chatted with him and Lena realized she knew his family. Her mother was a good friend of his aunt, one of Sissi’s sisters. Nathan took time getting to know her, they built a friendship. She was ambitious, determined and graceful, the perfect partner for what would be his destiny in life. But he hesitated in making her his own. To say she was high-maintenance would be an understatement. Despite her pristine manners and intellect, she possessed many of the traits he expected out of women in his circle: posh, vain, possessing a certain kind of arrogance.
He had almost completely written her off as a friend and nothing more, but she made it clear she wanted him. The few girlfriends he had were not Sissi-certified and they ended quickly for various reasons. Although he wouldn’t admit it to his friends, he was a romantic. He believed in courtship and he thought highly of women. His sister was very close to him and he always sought her advice. His mother, on the other hand, would say nothing but disapproval in most situations.
The night he had proposed to Madeleine, she had cried. But he wondered if she was crying because she was happy, or sad he actually proposed. And on Christmas day, he flew to London to surprise his fiancé, but he instead got the surprise of his life.
A man opened the door at her flat.
“Hello.” He was tall. His dark brown hair was swept up and a big smile was on his face. Nathan noticed he wore an apron.
“Hello. I’m Nathan. Are you the chef she hired to cook for her family?”
The other man laughed in a good natured manner. “Oh no, mate. I’m making Lena and myself dinner, she’s in her room getting ready. You know how women are.”
The man was in high spirits.
“We weren’t expecting anyone else, but of course you’re free to join us. I’m Nicholas.” A hand was extended.
Nathan didn’t know what to say.
“Who is it?,” a frantic voice called from behind.
Lena. She came out of her bedroom wearing nothing but a silk negligee. It clung tightly around her small waist and rounded hips.
“Nathan? What are-”
Dropping the shopping bags he had in his hands, Nathan looked at her coldly. His throat felt dry and his fists wanted to punch someone. He turned to the other man.
“You’re not the hired chef, are you?”
“No, I am a chef, but-”
“And how long have you known her?” Nathan cut him off.
“Since the cruise. But who are you to come here and interrupt us?” The tone was strained, as if the other man was fighting off anger.
“Nicholas, please stop it. Nathan.” She stepped between them, her arms folded across her chest.
That wasn’t the type of outfit to wear around a hired chef, Nathan thought. His breathing was rapid. He shook his head.
“Are you confused, Lena? Are you trying to figure out which of us you’re trying to keep and who to kick out? You’re one class act. But since I clearly have more sense here, Happy Christmas to both of you.”
And with that he turned away. God knows what he would have done had he stayed. As he walked back to his car parked in the street, his father’s words echoed in his mind.
“Son, if there’s one piece of advice about woman I have to pass on to you, it is this: Find a good and faithful woman, a lifetime is way too long with the wrong one. A divorce will not only leave you poor, but the hurt and loneliness can last a lifetime.”
*****
“Here it is, Mr. Cromwell.”
The lady from Harry Winston returned, bringing him back to reality. In her hand was the box that could change his life. And Darcey’s.
He stared at the precious diamond. Its brilliance was of another world. The twinkle reminded him of the twinkle in her eyes when she was excited.
“It is beautiful. Excellent choice, sir.”
“That’s magnificent.” An older lady who had been perusing the shop next to him couldn’t help but gasp. “You have good taste, my boy. She must be really special.”
He smiled. “She is indeed. She’s more precious than this ring.”
“Oh, you are in love.” The woman’s voice was warm and giddy. “If I didn’t know it was an engagement ring and your eyes didn’t speak of romance, I would have told you to marry my granddaughter instead.”
Laughing, he shook his head. “I’m sorry, but someone already stole my heart. You are too kind, however. I will consider your proposal if this lady says no.” He was joking of course, but something in him was indeed worried.
What would Darcey’s response be? Would she say no?
The old lady patted his arm. “There’s no chance a woman would ever say no to a ring like that.”
“Indeed, she would be so happy,” piped in the saleswoman.
“I hope so. She’ll make me the happiest man alive if she accepts.”
A sigh. “Ah, she’s incredibly lucky.”
“No.” Nathan turned the ring over in his hand. “I’m the lucky one.”
Chapter 18
Sleepless nights were sadly becoming the norm. No amount of red wine, chamomile tea or junk novels could lure in the Sandman. Nathan had been ignoring her calls, every single one of them. He did send her one text message, one that said the simple and disappointing “Happy Christmas. I wish you all the best of luck in the world.”
It was time to swallow her pride. With clammy hands, Darcey picked up the phone and dialed Sissi’s number.
Her boss’s stern voice did nothing to alleviate the pain. “If you’re not calling about something important and work-related, do not bother me.”
“Sissi, uh, no. But, um, I was just wondering if you know where Nathan is?”
“You’re ridiculous! What do you think of me, his personal secretary?”
Someone was in a worse mood than usual.
No, but you are just his mother, Darcey wanted to say but knew better than to irate Sissi anymore than she already was.
“You’re right. I’m apologise. I’m sure he’s fine.” It sounded more like a question than a fact.
“Why are you looking for my son? Is it not enough that you betrayed him and broke his heart? It’s about time you know your place. If you’re all about making him unhappy, as his mother, I’ll make sure you’ll not get away with it. As your boss, I could hardly care for personal matters. And if you’re worried I’ll sack you for being heartless, well, rest assured I’m a professional. I always separate my professional and personal feelings. And so should you.”
“But it’s all a misunderstanding. Sissi, I can’t tell you everything right now.”
“Good, because I’m not interested in your drama. But I do care about my son’s feelings.”
“I just need to know how to reach him. As soon as I see him and explain, things will get better.” She knew she sounded desperate but she didn’t care, even if it cost her this job. Her heart yearned for Nathan and no amount of chocolates, Sissi attitude or denial could change that.
“Well, you have a week until you start work, don’t you? I believe Nathan is attending the New Year’s Eve ball of C’est La Vie. If you want to speak to him, like you say you do, then why don’t you surprise him?”
Darcey’s curiosity soared. “Oh. Where will it be? What’s the dress code?” She immediately snapped her eyes shut as soon as the words escaped her lips.
“I’m going to pretend you never said that. Consider this a post-Christmas present. Look, my grandchildren have arrived. Bye.” And with that her boss hung up.
Darcey pushed herself out of bed and walked over to her laptop. She typed C’est La Vie’s website to get information about the ball.
Her fingers
trembling, she picked up her phone once more.
“Luis, I’m sorry, but I can’t go to the Warwick’s New Year’s Eve party. I need to see Nathan!”
“Go get him, tiger. Ah, you’re such a romantic. But it’s a No from me if you’re thinking of a Las Vegas wedding. I’ll never speak to you again. Ever. Forever and a day.”
She giggled. Thoughts of surprising Nathan dressed in a fabulous gown tickled her soul. “Agreed, of course. You should be in the bridal entourage.” Her breaths came short and fast. Nathan! “Luis! Do you think he’ll forgive me? Will he ask me to marry him?”
“Of course! You’re about to flake on the best New Year’s Eve party in England, a party to be attended by the crème de la crème of British society. But it’s going to be worth it, darling. I heard Jerilee’s rock star father is coming to sing a few songs. But, Darcey?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t break a heart.”
*****
She was ready. The ball was to be held at the Castaway, a venue overlooking the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. Trisha, her ever generous best friend, had provided a brand new Alexander McQueen gown, a simple black evening gown, its hem reaching the floor. It was chic and romantic, nobody could find fault in such a classic. On her neck glimmered a simple diamond heart necklace Nathan had given her for her last birthday. A pair of diamond earrings from her grandmother matched the piece perfectly.
The masquerade ball awaited. Darcey was grateful she had a mask to loan her confidence. How would Nathan react? Will he have a stunning blonde by his side? The thought was enough to fill her heart with the kind of dread she never knew existed. At least the mask would hide her shame. Her Grandpa’s assuring words echoed in her mind. Nathan had asked for her family’s permission, for marriage!
Nathan’s perfect lips, his stunning blue-grey eyes, his caring nature, these assailed her every thought.
Timidly, she stepped into the elegant restaurant. The band was playing festive tunes, laughter floated in the chill evening air. The motif and costumes took her to Venice. This was, without a doubt, the most beautiful Venetian ball she had ever attended. Slim bodies with shimmering hair and perfect white teeth donned intricate masks and carefully crafted gowns. The scent of jasmine, French perfume and salty air daintily danced all around her. She decided to check herself in the loo, make sure her makeup was perfect and her mask hid her face. In Los Angeles, it was too easy for every insecurity to bubble up to the surface.
Be Mine Forever_Darcey's_Book 2 Page 12
