Page 40 of Carnal Games

“Killjoy.”

I roll my eyes at her antics, catching Nathan’s attention, who narrows his gaze at Rosalie as if he can listen to her wild ideas.

Thankfully, the music changes to a slow and romantic song, the lights dimming to create a sultry mood while the chandelier bathes us in its golden illumination.

Stepping closer, Nathan lifts my left hand and slides the emerald diamond ring onto my finger. The crowd applauds. The camera flashes go off.

Bianca and Rosalie cheer loudly when I take Nathan’s hand and slip the band onto his ring finger, officially becoming engaged.

“Congratulations!”

“So freaking happy for you both,” Bianca utters.

I slip into my role, putting on my fake smile as my fake boyfriend-turned-fiancé pulls me into a hug and twirls me around. Before setting me on my feet, I hear him whisper, “Thank you for everything.”

***

An hour of dancing and drinking with my friends, and mingling with guests, whose names I won’t remember come morning, I trudge upstairs alone.

Nathan is busy talking to some of his colleagues while my two best friends are occupied by their needy and possessive husbands. People say women are clingy. Wait until you meet Dash and Nova. It’s like they can’t breathe without their wives.

It brings a longing so strong that my ribs squeeze tight.

Seeing them madly in love awakens a ripple of envy inside me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m over the moon for them.

But it’s a constant reminder thatIdon’t have that.

Unlike them, I’ve always desired to fall in love and settle down. As Nathan said, I ache for the whole nine yards. Ahusband to come home to. Our kids running around in our backyard. Along with a career I’m proud of. I dream to have it all.

The stupid irony isn’t lost on me.

Rosalie and Bianca concocted schemes to avoid the very thing I’m desperate for.

Burying those conflicting feelings, I take a left turn after reaching the first floor. It’s lit up like the Fourth of July. Every inch of the mansion is. You can see it glowing from down the street because no expense was spared.

To this day, I haven’t become used to the opulence, the constant lavish parties, the silent competition of boasting one’s wealth, or the seedy gossip from men and women alike. I feel like an alien in these circles. With a few exceptions, everyone is vapid and snobbish. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been looked down upon.

Because the one line I drew in the sand when I began fake dating Nathan was to never let him buy me stuff just to fit in his world. Or let him spend money on me. It would’ve changed the dynamic of our arrangement. He understood it too and respected my wishes.

At least until last year when mydaduhad to be admitted into the hospital due to his stroke. I was under the impression that the insurance covered the numerous bills. Only to be shocked when I got called into the administration office and informed that my final year’s tuition hadn’t been paid. My scholarship only covered a part of it. I was certain there was a mistake. They were adamant it wasn’t and gave me an ultimatum: if I didn’t pay it soon, I’ll have to drop out.

I immediately ran to my dad to confront him, hoping my college was wrong. But one look at his face and I got smacked with the upending reality.

Apparently, the health insurance had run out and he had to pay the medical bills with the money he had saved for my collegefees. We’ve already taken a house loan, so another wasn’t an option. Friends and family had all backed out with excuses.

I had put on a brave face for Dad, who promised he’d come up with something. However, the minute I was alone with Nathan, I had broken down. It was the culmination of everything that happened. He had held me while I cried my heart out, desolate and in agony.

The next week, I was called to the admin office again, this time to be told my entire year’s fees have been paid. Turns out, Nathan had given a donation, along with paying my tuition disguised as scholarship so my father couldn’t find out.

The stark relief I had felt… I’d forever be grateful to him. Even though I was mad he went behind my back. I told him I plan to return every penny and he will have to accept it. He was wise enough to agree.

My pulse kicks up when I reach the deserted hallway.

The part of the house no one trespasses.

An unsaid rule set in stone.

The pull I have to this corner of the house has me breaking it without a regard for the dire consequences. I have no idea whether or not the room I’m drawn to will be open.

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