Page 164 of Hateful Games

“We’re not living in the old ages that I can’t serve you, Rose,” he huskily admonishes. “Relax and enjoy.”

From the corner of my eye, I see his parents share a glance and smile.

“How are you liking your new home, Rosalie?” Danish asks, sipping his scotch. While Nova’s mother has a untouched glass of red wine placed in front of her.

Nova’s side is strangely empty. So is mine, which is fine because I never really liked alcohol. Certainly not with food.

I don’t notice I’m tapping my foot nervously until Nova rests his wide palm on my upper thigh and squeezes discreetly. My heart climbs up to my throat when he leaves it there while continuing to fill his plate with the other.

“The house is beautiful,” I answer him politely. Tonight, I’m seeing my father-in-law in a new light. He’s almost friendly, making genuine conversation to get to know me, and sweet in a fatherly way. “Nova mentioned you both bought it for us. Thank you.”

“Are you liking your library, Rosalie?” asks Teresa with a twinkle in her eye, and points to her son. “Nova was adamant to have one and renovated the room downstairs. Said you’re an avid reader.”

That stuns me.

He specially made a library for me.

Until now I thought it came built with the house. I gape at Nova and he gives me an impassive look before facing his mother.

“You’re making it sound like a big deal, Ma,” he brushes off flatly, lifting his hand away from my thigh. “Everyone has a library at home these days.”

Completely untrue.

“It was very thoughtful of you, Nova,” counters Teresa, shaking her head.

“The library is my favorite part of the house,” I confess. “I always wanted one.”

“What else did you like growing up, kid?” curiously asks Danish, digging into his food. “I heard you won the state level swimming championship in school.”

How the hell does he know that? “Yes, I did.”

“Your parents must be proud.”

“Yeah, they were,” I lie, avoiding Nova’s assessing gaze.

It began as a hobby to avoid staying alone at home and losing my mind. My swimming coach saw something in me and pushed me to try out in competitions. Since I was competitive by nature and enjoyed the sport, I decided to go all in.

“Why didn’t you go to nationals?” The question comes from Teresa.

“My father didn’t allow it. Said it interfered with my studies.” And the fact I was already roped into being engaged to Nova, which disrupted my life so drastically that I lost all interest. I had locked myself in my room for days. It was Bianca who got me out of the dark void.

“Your father is stupid,” insults Danish in an angry tone. “I hope you know we’ll never raise objections if you ever want to pursue anything in your life, no matter what. You’re still young. I know the wedding came in the way but if you wish to continue with your studies, don’t hesitate.”

I stare at my father-in-law, speechless and blinking back tears.

Everything begins to feel overwhelming.

Nova’s parents have shown me more love and respect in the last hour than my own have in all of the years.

“I appreciate it, Mr. D’Cruz.” My voice is thick with emotions. Unable to get my bearings, I wait a minute before excusing myself, “Can I use the restroom, Aunty?”

“Of course, beta.”

Standing up, I rush out of the room just as the first tear falls. It’s like I’m missing and grieving the loss of something that I never had. From the earlier tour, I find the bathroom easily and lock it.

Taking deep breaths, I calm myself down and clear the tears away.

I jump when there’s a knock.

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