Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Nathaniel's smile was soft as he slipped the tub of food into the fridge. "Have you had breakfast, honey?" he asked with his voice full of affection using one of the many endearments he used with her now.

Laura who was sitting by the counter, leaned forward and rested her arms casually on the surface. "I have. What about you? Where's Auntie?" she asked, her tone light and her expression innocent as she glanced around looking for Mrs. Reed.

"Mom," Nathaniel corrected playfully, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Laura chuckled, shaking her head lightly.

"Apologies, I'm still trying to get used to it."

"It's fine. Take your time," Nathaniel replied in his warm and reassuring smile. As he stood there, his gaze locked onto her soft, pinkish, plump lips—the craving to kiss her was overwhelming. He leaned in closer, unable to resist the magnetic pull between them as his eyes lingered on her mouth as if the whole world had narrowed to just that moment.

Meanwhile, Jonathan sat in the living room, gritting his teeth. His gaze was fixed on Nathaniel and Laura. Watching Nathaniel look at her like she was his entire world made something snap inside him. His heart twisted, and the jealousy he tried so hard to deny began to claw its way to the surface. He clenched his jaw, the tension growing unbearable until he couldn't take it anymore.

Without warning, Jonathan stood up and slammed his mug on the counter. The sound echoed through the room and startled Laura. His intent was clear and it is to stop Nathaniel from kissing her. Nathaniel's eyes flicked up knowingly. A smirk of satisfaction tugged at his lips as he straightened up, raising his chin slightly. "Need a refill?" he asked coolly.

Jonathan didn't answer. Instead, he reached for Laura, grabbing her arm with the intent to pull her away. But before he could take a step, Nathaniel's hand shot out, gripping his wrist firmly. Their eyes locked, and Nathaniel's expression hardened.

"Careful, little brother," Nathaniel warned, his voice low and controlled. "She's not your best friend anymore. She's going to be your sister-in-law. It's time you understood some boundaries."

Jonathan's heart raced as he stared into Nathaniel's eyes, the weight of his brother's words began sinking in like a stone. A fire ignited in his chest, fueled by anger and a sense of betrayal. "Boundaries?" he spat, wrenching his arm free. "You're talking about boundaries? No. This is not about that. This is about you taking what was mine!"

Laura's wide eyes flicked between the two brothers as confusion etched her features. "Guys, can we just—"

But Jonathan cut her off, his voice rising. "You just waltz in here, acting like nothing has changed! You don't get to claim her like this, Nathaniel!"

Nathaniel stepped forward, his demeanor shifting to one of calm determination. "What do you want me to do, Jonathan? Just pretend I don't love her? That I haven't waited for this moment? You had your chance."

Jonathan shook his head, incredulous. "Love? You think this is love? This is some twisted game to you!"

Laura shifted uncomfortably, her brow furrowing. "Both of you, stop it! This isn't helping anyone."

But Jonathan continued, ignoring her plea as his voice became laced with desperation. "You don't even know her the way I do! You didn't grow up with her, you don't know the real Laura! You only see the surface."

Nathaniel held his ground, the corner of his mouth twitching into a slight smirk. "And yet, she chose me. You pushed her away, Jonathan. You can't blame me for that."

"You think you can just step in and be everything I failed to be? You don't deserve her!" Jonathan's fists clenched at his sides. He fought the urge to yell again and lash out.

"I said stop! Both of you!" Laura suddenly yelled, rising abruptly from her seat. She looked at Jonathan, grabbing his hand—the one that had been gripping her arm—and yanked it away.

"Haven't I made it clear? Stop this nonsense, Jonathan." Her voice trembled with frustration, almost pleading. "Talk it out, both of you."

With that, she turned her back and walked toward the door. "I'm leaving," she declared with her tone resolute. Jonathan watched, helpless, as she stepped outside. The door then closed behind her with a quiet thud.

Nathaniel crossed his arms as his expression showed both of concern and irritation. "You're making a mess of this, Jonathan. You need to stop acting like a child."

Jonathan shot his brother a glare, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "You think this is easy for me? You think I wanted any of this to happen?"

"Then stop fighting it. If you care about Laura, prove it. But don't drag her into your chaos. She deserves better." Nathaniel stepped forward, his voice low but firm. "You are a mess. You are a man-child. Grow up." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Jonathan reeling.

"Damn it," Jonathan cursed under his breath, rubbing his temples in frustration.

Why is it that everything becomes a mess when it's about Laura? he thought.

He grabbed the mug from the counter in a fit of anger and hurled it to the floor, where it shattered into countless pieces. The sound echoed through the kitchen like a tiny explosion. But then came Nathaniel's voice from upstairs, cutting through the chaos.

"Clean that up, fucker!" Nathaniel yelled, his tone of annoyance.

Jonathan couldn't help but let out a snort. "It wasn't me fucker! It's the cat!" he shot back, rolling his eyes dramatically.

"You might want to put on a little apron next time you're throwing dishes!" Nathaniel teased, poking his head over the banister. He grinned mischievously, his arms crossed. "You can borrow mom's floral one. It'll really bring out your eyes!"

"Very funny," Jonathan replied with a groan, muttering under his breath, "Next time I'm throwing a plate instead."

Nathaniel chuckled to himself, amused by Jonathan's grumbling. It wasn't that he hated his younger brother. In fact, he loved him. After all, when he was a kid, he had asked for a baby brother to care for. He even asked for the baby's name to be taken after his— and that was how Jonathan was named.

But when Jonathan was born, everyone's attention shifted to the adorable little bundle. Jonathan quickly became the family favorite—the active, talkative, and utterly cute child who could charm anyone.

While Jonathan basked in the spotlight, Nathaniel felt like he had been shoved into the shadows. He had to grow up fast, learning to cater to Jonathan's every need and adjusting to the demands of being the older brother. Their parents had grown accustomed to his responsible demeanor, and their expectations for him to set a good example weighed heavily on his shoulders. He was often forced to achieve things he didn't even like, just to please them.

Unbeknownst to Nathaniel, Jonathan watched all this unfold with growing envy. As their parents praised Nathaniel for his achievements, Jonathan felt like a forgotten child, slowly slipping into rebellion. He thought he had been overshadowed, his worth overlooked in favor of his brother's accomplishments.

But the truth was far from that.