Forever Yours

Chapter 7

"Hello, beautiful," Nathan said now standing in front of Michelle and Chloe.

He took Michelle's right hand and placed a kiss on it, she couldn't help but blush at his action.

"Welcome home, Nathan." She finally said.

"Hi, I'm Chloe, Michelle's best friend." Chloe introduced herself, not wanting to be left out of the conversation.

"Hi Chloe, I'm Nathan. It's nice to meet you." He replied taking Chloe's hand in a warm handshake.

Michelle suddenly felt someone's arm snake around her waist, she was surprised to see Derek beside her. She thought he was with a friend just a while ago. He held her quite close to himself.

Nathan smiled at his brother.

"Hey little bro, don't you wanna give me a hug?" Nathan asked opening his arms wide for Derek. They exchanged a bro hug.

"Welcome home, bro," Derek said into the hug.

"It's so good to be home," Nathan said with a long sigh after the hug.

"I kinda wasn't expecting all of this," He said gesturing at the party.

"That was the reason I chose to stay here... But I guess I can't avoid it."

They all laughed at his comment.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault... You've been away for quite a while, that's why I decided to organize this for your return." Michelle apologized.

"Oh well... I'm loving the attention, to be honest," He concluded.

"I would've planned something better if only you had told me of your coming," Rebecca said joining their little group.

Michelle suddenly became uncomfortable with her presence as the atmosphere became tense among them.

"Mom, I prefer it this way," Nathan said trying to ease the tension among them.

"Good day, Mrs Howard," Michelle greeted Rebecca.

Rebecca ignored her greeting.

"Nathan, Derek, I'd like you to come say hello to Christopher, your dad's best friend. It's been quite a long time since you both saw him." She said before walking away from their midst.

"If you'll excuse me," Nathan said and followed his mom.

Michelle felt bad about Rebecca's reaction towards her but she managed to shake it off because she didn't want to ruin the party with her mood.

"I'll be right back. Just give me some minutes, okay?" Derek said.

"It's okay, go ahead."

He then excused himself and followed after his mom and brother.

"She's such a witch," Chloe remarked.

"Oh Chloe," Michelle said with a sad smile.

"If I were you, I would've already put her in her place by now."

Michelle just let out a heavy sigh.

"Could you excuse me for a minute?" Michelle said to Chloe.

Chloe looked at her best friend with sympathy. She knew Michelle was excusing herself because she was hurt and wanted to be alone. She nodded in reply and Michelle went upstairs.

Nathan greeted his guests and chatted with some old friends and colleagues. Dinner was later served and after that,t the guests gradually started leaving. Nathan made sure to say goodbye to all of them and so did Derek and Michelle.