Chapter 14
Chapter 14
+25 BONUS
Jonathan sat on his bed, his elbows resting on his knees, while Tabitha settled just a meter away, watching him closely as she waited for him to talk. He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
“I think Laura has a boyfriend,” he finally blurted out, his voice low and uncertain
Tabitha’s lips twitched at the admission. “So?”
Jonathan frowned, not expecting that response. “What do you mean ‘so‘? I just said Laura has a boyfriend.”
“Yeah, I heard you,” Tabitha shrugged, almost sounding tired of the subject already. “So what if she has a boyfriend? What’s
the big deal?”
“She should’ve told me! I’m her friend!” Jonathan’s voice rose, his frustration clear in every syllable.
Tabitha scoffed, shaking her head. “A friend is a friend, Jonathan. It’s up to her whether she wanted you to know about certain things or not. That’s her personal life.”
He stared at her in disbelief, unable to accept what she was saying. “But-”
“No buts,” she cut him off, raising her hand as if to physically stop his spiraling thoughts. “You’re both grown adults, Jonathan. She knows how to live her own life, and yes, she knows how to fall in love, too.”
Jonathan ran a hand through his hair, his frustration bubbling over. “Yeah, and that’s exactly the thing. If she has a boyfriend
now, then she’s probably in love, right?” His voice wavered, and he groaned, burying his face in his hands.
“Right… so?” Tabitha raised a brow, genuinely confused about where he was going with this.
He dropped his hands, his eyes filled with confusion and frustration. “She confessed to me, days ago. Told me she’s in love
with me. So, you can see why I’m confused when I suddenly see her with another guy! It’s the first time I’ve ever seen her
with someone other than me or her dad.”
Tabitha exhaled deeply, a knowing look crossing her face. “No, Jonathan,” she said softly. “That wasn’t the first time she was with another guy. That was your first time seeing her with one. You’ve never looked her way before–not really. You never paid attention.”
Jonathan blinked, stunned, but Tabitha didn’t let up.
“Even I knew she liked you. Everyone knew. You just… you never noticed her. You were too wrapped up in your own world. And now, suddenly, because you’ve seen her with someone else, you care? That’s on you, not her.” She paused, letting the weight of her words settle in.
“She can’t always chase after you like some loyal pet, Jonathan,” Tabitha said, her voice soft yet firm, the truth cutting
through the tension. “Yes, she’s your friend–your best friend, even. But she has a life to live, and maybe she’s found someone who can give her the family she’s dreaming of.”
Jonathan let out a heavy sigh, his brows furrowing as he shut his eyes, the weight of her words sinking in. Before he could respond, Tabitha smirked, scoffing lightly as if a realization had hit her. “Let me guess, you rejected her, didn’t you?” she teased, watching her brother’s reaction.
His eyes opened, locking with hers, and that was all the confirmation she needed. “Ah, I knew it,” she said, shaking her head. ” Good for her.”
She stood up, chuckling to herself, clearly amused at how this conversation was going nowhere. Jonathan, still reeling, stared at her, confused and a little insulted. “What do you mean, ‘good for her‘?” he asked, his tone defensive.
“I mean, she’s finally moved on. That’s a fact,” Tabitha shrugged casually. “Now that I think about it, it’s good for you too. No more clingy best friend chasing after you, shooing away your potential women, right? You’re free now, Jonathan. Isn’t that
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Chapter 14
+25 BONUS
what you’ve always wanted?”
11
She gave him a knowing look before turning to leave his room when Jonathan suddenly spoke, his voice sharp with alarm. What? When did I say that?” His heart raced, thinking that maybe Laura had heard something from Tabitha, and that was why she had been avoiding him lately.
Tabitha paused, slowly turning back to face him, her brow arched in mild amusement. “Well, you didn’t exactly say it… through words,” she replied, her tone laced with sarcasm. “But from all your actions? Oh yes, a hundred percent.”
Jonathan’s jaw tightened as he stared at her, feeling a surge of defensiveness. “What actions?” he demanded, his mind scrambling for clarity.
Tabitha crossed her arms, giving him an exasperated look. “Really, Jonathan? You’re going to pretend you haven’t been pushing her away for years? The way you treat her like an afterthought? The way you run after every girl except the one who’s been there for you this whole time? Trust me, you didn’t have to say it. Laura got the message loud and clear.”
Her words hit him like a punch to the gut, and for the first time, Jonathan was speechless.
Tabitha scoffed, satisfied as she walked out of the room, leaving Jonathan to his thoughts. She headed back downstairs and, upon seeing her mother and eldest brother, pouted playfully, acting like the innocent little sister again. “Are you done already?”
“Yeah, I’m going out later to prepare the venue for tomorrow’s party,” Nathaniel replied with a light smile.
“Ooh, I want to go with you!”
“Of course! Why don’t you and mom get dressed and join me?” he invited, prompting excitement from both of them.
“Yes! Let’s go, mom!” Tabitha exclaimed, leaping with enthusiasm as she pulled her mother along.
As soon as they were out of sight, Nathaniel glanced toward the direction to Jonathan’s room before sighing deeply, and decided to head to his own room to change into more comfortable clothes. 1
“Woah… this place is beautiful,” Tabitha whispered in awe, her voice barely containing her excitement as her eyes wandered to every corner. The chandeliers above cast shimmering light across the room, making the entire space seem to glow. She spun slowly, taking in the grand marble floors beneath her feet, the intricate detailing along the walls, and the soft drapes
that framed the massive windows.
“You really outdid yourself this time,” she said, her breath catching. “Mom and dad were right, brother. You’re good at everything. This place is huge! Everywhere you look, it’s sparkling–like something out of à dream!”
Nathaniel chuckled, glancing at his sister. “I’m glad you like it. I just hope she does too,” he sighed in relief.
“Are you kidding me?! What kind of woman wouldn’t like this?” Tabitha nearly laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.
“She’s a simple woman,” Nathaniel explained, his tone softening. “Her family’s well–off, but she never lived extravagantly. That’s what I love about her–she’s perfect for me.” He smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across his face.
Their mother smiled too, her heart full as she watched her son finally find true happiness. Meanwhile, Tabitha remained in awe, unable to believe how head over heels her brother looked.
