Loving You Too Long

Steven remained silent. He chose to stand, leaning his shoulder against the wall, observing the changes Reia made on her. And voila, in less than fifteen minutes, Haisley transformed from casual Haisley to a more feminine version.

“We’re leaving now,” Reia said, not allowing Haisley to see her own reflection in her bedroom mirror.

A dozen minutes later, they arrived in the Chayton residential area. Haisley recognized several cars parked along the road leading to the large house. She could also see Gilbert’s car intentionally parked on the side of the road, not inside the garage as usual.

The Chayton family home was not decorated as lavishly as parties usually were. There were only a few additional lights as decorations and to enhance the view. The rest was just filled with tables laden with food and drinks.

Reia didn’t release her hold on Haisley’s right arm, while Steven stood by her side, looking like a guard. They entered the Chayton residence. Mrs. Monica and Gilbert were there to greet them at the door. Mother and son welcomed the guests with openly displayed happiness. As for Mr. Samuel or Nathan, Haisley didn’t dare to ask where they were.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Haisley,” Mrs. Monica’s greeting was loud, making Haisley wince. The woman hugged Haisley tightly, ignoring Steven and Reia, who had been accompanying her since earlier. “You look absolutely beautiful tonight,” she praised, spreading her arms so she could look at Haisley clearly. Haisley just smiled in response. “I’m sorry, dear, I really haven’t had the face to meet you lately,” the woman continued, her face full of regret.

“It’s okay, Aunt. Forget it,” she replied. She then glanced at Gilbert and knew her friend hadn’t told his mother anything about Haisley’s plans. If he had, Mrs. Monica wouldn’t behave like this. She would bombard her with various questions and prohibitions and deliver a stack of reports to Haisley’s family in America.

“Come on in,” Gilbert said, his hand on Haisley’s shoulder, replacing his mother’s hand, leading Haisley inside the house.

The central part of the house didn’t seem too crowded. Gilbert guided Haisley towards the backyard where some people were already present, holding food and drinks in their hands.

“I only invited a few friends. But then Dad and Mom had some guests too. So well, there you go. Let’s just enjoy,” he said when Haisley noticed some unfamiliar faces.

Although she didn’t know all of Gilbert’s friends, if they were college friends, she probably recognized them, even if she didn’t know their names one by one.

The event was quite lively. Mrs. Monica invited an indie band, friends of Gilbert, to perform. Haisley’s friends used the opportunity to dance. As for Haisley herself, she chose to step aside and enjoy the food. Steven stood beside her, while Gilbert was currently dancing with Reia, who clearly displayed her happiness.

“Haisley?” The cheerful call made Haisley turn around. There, standing next to the man she ‘used to’ admire, was a beautiful woman in an undoubtedly expensive dress.

“Hi,” Haisley greeted as Loretta approached, kissing her cheeks in turn.

“How have you been? You know, I really missed you. But you’re always so busy,” the girl complained at the end of her sentence.

“I’m fine,” Haisley replied truthfully. “And yes, I have been busy lately,” Haisley said. Busy avoiding heartache if I hear you talk about Nathan and his perfection, she thought inwardly.

“I didn’t think you’d come,” Nathan’s cold voice emerged.

Haisley just raised the corner of her mouth. Challenge. The voice in her head commanded. “Why shouldn’t I come? Gilbert specifically invited me. I wouldn’t disrespect that,” she said coldly.

Nathan looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

“You’re here?” The voice came from Gilbert, who was back with Reia. Apparently, the music had changed, and both of them seemed tired now.

Nathan deliberately went to pick up Loretta even though he was reluctant to do so. But he needed to stall for time before meeting Haisley. For some reason, just thinking about meeting Haisley disturbed him. Ever since his mother said they were going to have a birthday party for Gilbert, Nathan felt uneasy every night.

Yes, ever since the incident with the spilled water, Nathan’s already distant relationship with his mother became even more strained. But if before he felt indifferent, now he felt uneasy under his mother’s sharp gaze. It was as if every time she looked at him, she wanted to pierce him with a trident.

He was embarrassed too. The fact that Gilbert knew what he did to his little sister’s best friend, when Nathan thought it would remain a secret, made him lose face in front of his sister. Although until now Gilbert’s treatment towards him remained the same, still, Nathan felt like he had no face left when meeting his sister.

And about Haisley. He was angry and suspected that the girl had said things to his mother and his sister. Then he realized that Haisley wasn’t the kind to gossip. She often covered up her difficulties rather than asking for help, even from Gilbert, who was very close to her.

Throughout his journey to pick up Loretta, Nathan couldn’t focus on their conversation. He was tense. His mind kept replaying scenes of what he would do when he met Haisley. What greetings he should say. What kind of attitude he should show. None of it was clear, even when the car he was driving had stopped in front of his own house.

Nathan glanced at the car he recognized as Steven’s. The man who openly picked up Haisley once when Gilbert wasn’t around. The man who always stuck to Haisley like a leech whenever they went on trips together. Imagining the face of his sister’s friend made Nathan snort irritably, which caught Loretta’s attention.

“Why?” the girl asked, curious. Nathan just shook his head. He couldn’t possibly say what was on his mind to the girl.

Nathan led Loretta inside the house. Nobody greeted them, not Gilbert, not his mother. Where was his brother?

Nathan walked towards the backyard. At the end of the pool, a simple stage was set up, about forty centimeters high, now filled with entertainment from Gilbert’s friends. Nathan and Gilbert had contrasting personalities. If he preferred to have a few friends, Gilbert was the opposite. Nathan was even surprised because wherever they went, someone always greeted his brother.

Across the simple stage that was obscured by the pool, Nathan could see his brother dancing with a female friend. Yes, a female friend, not a girlfriend. Initially, he thought he would see Haisley dancing with his brother. But he didn’t see him. Until his gaze shifted to the left corner of the garden and saw the girl standing next to Steven, who was acting like a bodyguard.

Haisley hadn’t noticed him yet because she seemed engrossed in watching the people dancing. And Nathan could only see her back. Her smooth back, half-exposed due to the dress she was wearing.

I don’t know, even though he hadn’t seen her face yet, he was sure it was Haisley. Her short hair was tied back and clipped with a simple hairpin.

“Haisley?” Loretta’s call made the girl and her bodyguard turn simultaneously.