Chapter 16
“Even if you’re an adult, you still grew up by my side. With your parents gone, I have to protect you. I can’t let you end up with just anyone,” Nathan said irritably.
His anger was unmistakable, and his gaze at David was nothing short of icy.
Kathleen couldn’t tolerate Nathan’s unreasonable interference. She spoke her mind bluntly. “I didn’t start a relationship with David out of spice. I genuinely think he’s a good person. I’ve been happy and contented while spending time with him these few days.
“I said no, and that’s final!” Nathan interrupted furiously, slamming his fork on the table with a loud thud. “Kathleen, come home with me.”
Kathleen had reached her limit and was no longer willing to tolerate his behavior out of respect for Clive. She stood up abruptly and retorted, “This isn’t the Meyer residence, where everyone has to yield to your demands!”
“I’m worried that you’re being deceived and taken in too easily!” Nathan argued.
“You keep insisting you have to look after me. Fine, then tell me, under what identity are you doing this? Are you a somewhat familiar stranger, or do you consider yourself my… brother?” Kathleen asked, emphasizing the last word.
Nathan found himself in a dilemma. If he admitted that he was looking out for her out of brotherly love, he would forever be just that–a brother in name, unable to be anything more. But if he refused, he’d have to forfeit any right to interfere in her personal life.
The atmosphere grew tense.
Clive tried to smooth things over when he sensed that they were arguing over Kathleen’s relationship.
He glanced at David apologetically and said, “Mr. Meyer, even if you have someone suitable in mind, there’s no need to rush. Let Kathy share her thoughts, and then we can discuss it.”
“No,” Nathan said firmly. “There’s no room for negotiation on this matter.”
Not wanting Clive to feel troubled, Kathleen grabbed her coat and apologized, “I’m sorry for ruining lunch. Please enjoy the meal. I’ll be leaving now.”
She left without hesitation, specifically telling David not to follow her and to stay with Clive.
Nathan, being ignored once again, felt his frustration boiling over. He ignored Clive’s advice to let Kathleen have some space and quickly followed after her. “Kathleen! Stop right there!”
Kathleen acted as if she hadn’t heard him. She walked even faster down the street.
When Nathan saw that Kathleen was about to leave the area, he rushed over and grabbed her arm. Finally, he set his pride aside and pleaded, “Kathy, listen to me…‘
“Nathan, how many times do I have to say it for you to understand? I know what you’re going to say, but I don’t want to hear it!” Kathleen said dismissively.
Their argument ended with Nathan forcefully leading her to his car, where he put her in the passenger seat and locked the doors from the inside. Though Kathleen didn’t want to talk to him, she had no choice but to stay in the confined space with him.
“You’ve already disrupted lunch. What more do you want?” Her eyes were slightly red with anger, and her voice trembled as she spoke. “We’re abroad, so your usual tactics won’t work here. If you don’t let me out, I’ll report you for false imprisonment!”
When Nathan spoke, his tone was nothing like his firm attitude from earlier. He took in a deep breath.
In a raspy voice that Kathleen had never heard from him before, he said earnestly, “I’m sorry. I’m doing this because I realized something after you left. The person I’ve always liked has always been you.
“So, no matter who you choose, I won’t agree to it. I’m the only one who should be with you for the rest of your life.”
For the first time, he showed vulnerability, though even his confession sounded like a demand. Kathleen felt it was absurd. She let out a soft laugh and said, “I think you’re mistaken. You should be saying these things to Kelsey.”
Nathan’s frustration was evident. He pinched the bridge of his nose and said, “Can you stop mentioning her?”
“No, I can’t,” Kathleen replied. As if to remind him, she went on, “I’ve accepted Kelsey as my sister–in–law and wish you both happiness and a long life together. What else could you be dissatisfied with?”
“That’s enough…” Nathan said helplessly.
“Or did you and Kelsey argue?” Kathleen continued.
With every sentence, she made sure to bring up Kelsey. Each time, it made Nathan’s head throb and his chest tighten.
He wanted to tell her to stop doing that but couldn’t find the right words. So, he only grew more frustrated. “You-”
Before he could say more, Kathleen saw her chance. She suddenly pounded on the car window and shouted, “Help!”
A patrolling officer happened to be nearby. Upon hearing the commotion, he immediately approached the car and knocked on the window on the driver’s side. “Sir, please step out of the car.”
Reluctantly, Nathan unlocked the doors and faced the police with Kathleen beside him. He explained, “Officer, this is a misunderstanding. We know each other.
He didn’t want to be her “brother” anymore, but his explanation only deepened the officer’s suspicions.
The officer looked him over carefully and turned to Kathleen for confirmation. “Is that true?” Kathleen replied coldly, “He’s just a so–called “brother” with no blood relation at all.”