Page 11 of Hateful Games

You can’t tell a family resides in here. It feels more like a showing for real estate buyers. Staged to look inviting but missing the mark. I can’t imagine myself growing up here. I would go insane.

No wonder my fiancée is a bibliophile.

“Christ,” winces Nathan. “Here I thought my house was cold.”

“Mihir runs a dictatorship, apparently.”

Before he can respond back with an insult, soft footsteps catch our attention right before a tall willowy woman descends the stairs. I immediately recognize her as Rosalie’s mother, Lily Kapoor. The similarities are uncanny.

However, the mature version before me is more colorful and… amicable.

“Nova, you came,” she greets with a bright friendly smile. I still when she wraps her arms around me, leaving me no choice but to bend and hug her back. Turning to my best friend, she says, “You must be Nathan.”

“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Kapoor,” he drawls and returns her hug. When they draw back, he says flirtatiously, “May I say, the photos don’t do you justice.”

“Oh shush.”

I roll my eyes inwardly. He keeps it up and she might just replace him as her daughter’s fiancé. Hmm, now there’s a plan. If only the dickhead wasn’t my best friend, I would gladly sacrifice him.

Lily switches her attention to me, gaze softening and a bit hesitant as she speaks. “I’m so happy you said yes, Nova. I know the engagement was fast and done the old-fashioned way but I don’t want you to feel pressured, no matter what the men say. I only ask you to give it a chance and get to know Rosa. Our families have suffered enough.”

Yours hasn’t nearly.

I bite my tongue until I taste blood and give a forced smile. “I think it’s too late to back out now. After all, the marital contract is signed and I don’t know if you read it, but it’s binding unless one of us dies.”

Her face pales but I feel no remorse.

She should’ve thought before proposing the idea in front of the two powerful and greedy men. In our families, nothing is traditional or as simple. And a love marriage, it’s a myth.

“But don’t worry, I never back out of my obligations.” I smile coldly, pocketing my hands. “So, I may as well get to know your daughter. Where is she, by the way?”

At the mention of Rosalie, she recovers quickly but the trepidation is alive in her gaze. So someone does care for Rosalie in this house, rather than treating her like a prized toy. I file the information away.

“She’s with Jasmine. I’ll let her know you arrived,” Lily replies. “I’ve arranged for you all to sit in the garden. Let me show you.”

Family portraits hang on the walls as we walk down the hallway, leading to the back. Bright sunlight illuminates the path and the entrance to the garden is decorated with an arch. The weather is nice and warm to hang outside and, in the middle, is a low-rise table and four chairs to sit.

“How are you liking London, Nova?” Lily asks, peering over her shoulder. “You’re studying business, right?”

“Yeah. Although, I’ve been to London before, so I’m familiar with the city.”

“Maybe Rosa could choose a university in London once she graduates from school. I’ll definitely feel better if she knows someone there,” she casually remarks, without bothering for my reply. “What about you, Nathan?”

“I have no plans to study abroad,” he answers. I breathe easy being off the hook. “My father wants me in the city while he grooms me for the company.”

“How’s Kian? I haven’t seen him at any of the galas lately.”

Nathan tenses and gives a tight-lipped smile. “He’s joined the army, Mrs. Kapoor.”

“Will you bring Rosa, Mrs. Kapoor?” I interrupt, before she can continue her interrogation. “I’m afraid I have plans later in the afternoon.”

“Sorry, I tend to get carried away.”

Giving us an apologetic smile, she turns and disappears inside. Nathan sighs and plumps down in one of the chairs, rubbing his palm over his face. “I fucking hate small talk.”

“Suits you for being friendly to everyone.”

“Asshole.” He shakes his head when I raise my middle finger. “If your conversation with Lily is anything to go by, I can see we’re here to waste our time since you have no intention of being a gentleman.”

---