His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

16

He had his assistant bring in a tray with steak and pizza. The smell

filled the room, but I didn't pay attention. My eyes were fixed on the reports in front of me.

"Doris," Nathan said softly, watching me. "Why don't you eat something and take a break? You've been at this all morning."

I didn't bother to look up. "I'm not hungry. I'll take care of this first."

Nathan leaned back in his chair, his voice carrying a hint of

exasperation, "You know, it's really not necessary to split the

companies. Why not just stay as you are? You wouldn't have to do

anything just collect dividends every year. Wouldn't that be nice?"

His words were tempting, but I shook my head firmly. "No need. You've taken care of the company for long enough. I'll compensate you for your work as we would in any professional relationship."

Nathan's smile faded, replaced by a sad, bitter expression. "You haven't called me 'brother' in a long time, Doris."

That caught me off guard, and I finally looked up, meeting his eyes. The memories hit me like a wave, pulling me back to my high school graduation. I had stood there, nervous but determined, clutching a love letter in my hand, ready to confess my feelings to him. In front of everyone, I called out to him, "Brother..."

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His Knees, His Pleas, But Our Son's in Peace

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But he stopped me. His face twisted in disgust as he cut me off, "Don't

call me 'brother.' It makes me feel sick."

The humiliation had stung like a slap. I had stood there, frozen, while he turned his back and walked away, leaving me standing alone in front of everyone. From that day, I had never called him "brother" again.

Now, I watched him closely, seeing the regret in his eyes. "Don't say those words to me," I said, my voice steady but cold. "They make *me* feel sick."

Nathan flinched, the shock and guilt clear on his face. He took a step forward, as if trying to explain, his mouth opening to speak. But before he could say anything, the door swung open.

Sienna stood there, looking between us with wide eyes. Her voice was sweet, almost sickening. "Nathan, didn't you agree to come with me for the photoshoot? Why did you go back on your word...?"

She stopped mid-sentence when she saw me. The room fell into an awkward silence, tension thickening the air. Sienna's eyes flicked from me to Nathan, her confusion growing.

Nathan glanced at me cautiously, searching for a reaction, as if he were unsure of what I would do or say.

I stayed still, meeting his gaze with indifference. The power had shifted now, and we both knew it.

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