Chapter 14 Chapter 14 +25 BONUS Jonathan sat on his bed , his elbows resting on his knees , while Tabitha settled just a meter away , watching him closely as she waited for him to talk . He took a deep breath , trying to find the right words . " I think Laura has a boyfriend , " he finally blurted out , his voice low and uncertain Tabitha's lips twitched at the admission . " So ? " Jonathan frowned , not expecting that response . " What do you mean ' so ' ? I just said Laura has a boyfriend . " " Yeah , I heard you , " Tabitha shrugged , almost sounding tired of the subject already . " So what if she has a boyfriend ? What's the big deal ? " " She should've told me ! I'm her friend ! " Jonathan's voice rose , his frustration clear in every syllable . Tabitha scoffed , shaking her head . " A friend is a friend , Jonathan . It's up to her whether she wanted you to know about certain things or not . That's her personal life . " He stared at her in disbelief , unable to accept what she was saying . " But- " " No buts , " she cut him off , raising her hand as if to physically stop his spiraling thoughts . " You're both grown adults , Jonathan . She knows how to live her own life , and yes , she knows how to fall in love , too . " Jonathan ran a hand through his hair , his frustration bubbling over . " Yeah , and that's exactly the thing . If she has a boyfriend now , then she's probably in love , right ? " His voice wavered , and he groaned , burying his face in his hands . " Right ... so ? " Tabitha raised a brow , genuinely confused about where he was going with this . He dropped his hands , his eyes filled with confusion and frustration . " She confessed to me , days ago . Told me she's in love with me . So , you can see why I'm confused when I suddenly see her with another guy ! It's the first time I've ever seen her with someone other than me or her dad . " Tabitha exhaled deeply , a knowing look crossing her face . " No , Jonathan , " she said softly . " That wasn't the first time she was with another guy . That was your first time seeing her with one . You've never looked her way before - not really . You never paid attention . " Jonathan blinked , stunned , but Tabitha didn't let up . " Even I knew she liked you . Everyone knew . You just ... you never noticed her . You were too wrapped up in your own world . And now , suddenly , because you've seen her with someone else , you care ? That's on you , not her . " She paused , letting the weight of her words settle in . " She can't always chase after you like some loyal pet , Jonathan , " Tabitha said , her voice soft yet firm , the truth cutting through the tension . " Yes , she's your friend - your best friend , even . But she has a life to live , and maybe she's found someone who can give her the family she's dreaming of . " Jonathan let out a heavy sigh , his brows furrowing as he shut his eyes , the weight of her words sinking in . Before he could respond , Tabitha smirked , scoffing lightly as if a realization had hit her . " Let me guess , you rejected her , didn't you ? " she teased , watching her brother's reaction . His eyes opened , locking with hers , and that was all the confirmation she needed . " Ah , I knew it , " she said , shaking her head . " Good for her . " She stood up , chuckling to herself , clearly amused at how this conversation was going nowhere . Jonathan , still reeling , stared at her , confused and a little insulted . " What do you mean , ' good for her ' ? " he asked , his tone defensive . " I mean , she's finally moved on . That's a fact , " Tabitha shrugged casually . " Now that I think about it , it's good for you too . No more clingy best friend chasing after you , shooing away your potential women , right ? You're free now , Jonathan . Isn't that 1/2 Chapter 14 +25 BONUS what you've always wanted ? " 11 She gave him a knowing look before turning to leave his room when Jonathan suddenly spoke , his voice sharp with alarm . What ? When did I say that ? " His heart raced , thinking that maybe Laura had heard something from Tabitha , and that was why she had been avoiding him lately . Tabitha paused , slowly turning back to face him , her brow arched in mild amusement . " Well , you didn't exactly say it ... through words , " she replied , her tone laced with sarcasm . " But from all your actions ? Oh yes , a hundred percent . " Jonathan's jaw tightened as he stared at her , feeling a surge of defensiveness . " What actions ? " he demanded , his mind scrambling for clarity . Tabitha crossed her arms , giving him an exasperated look . " Really , Jonathan ? You're going to pretend you haven't been pushing her away for years ? The way you treat her like an afterthought ? The way you run after every girl except the one who's been there for you this whole time ? Trust me , you didn't have to say it . Laura got the message loud and clear . " Her words hit him like a punch to the gut , and for the first time , Jonathan was speechless . Tabitha scoffed , satisfied as she walked out of the room , leaving Jonathan to his thoughts . She headed back downstairs and , upon seeing her mother and eldest brother , pouted playfully , acting like the innocent little sister again . " Are you done already ? " " Yeah , I'm going out later to prepare the venue for tomorrow's party , " Nathaniel replied with a light smile . " Ooh , I want to go with you ! " " Of course ! Why don't you and mom get dressed and join me ? " he invited , prompting excitement from both of them . " Yes ! Let's go , mom ! " Tabitha exclaimed , leaping with enthusiasm as she pulled her mother along . As soon as they were out of sight , Nathaniel glanced toward the direction to Jonathan's room before sighing deeply , and decided to head to his own room to change into more comfortable clothes . 1 " Woah ... this place is beautiful , " Tabitha whispered in awe , her voice barely containing her excitement as her eyes wandered to every corner . The chandeliers above cast shimmering light across the room , making the entire space seem to glow . She spun slowly , taking in the grand marble floors beneath her feet , the intricate detailing along the walls , and the soft drapes that framed the massive windows . " You really outdid yourself this time , " she said , her breath catching . " Mom and dad were right , brother . You're good at everything . This place is huge ! Everywhere you look , it's sparkling - like something out of à dream ! " Nathaniel chuckled , glancing at his sister . " I'm glad you like it . I just hope she does too , " he sighed in relief . " Are you kidding me ?! What kind of woman wouldn't like this ? " Tabitha nearly laughed , shaking her head in disbelief . " She's a simple woman , " Nathaniel explained , his tone softening . " Her family's well - off , but she never lived extravagantly . That's what I love about her - she's perfect for me . " He smiled , a genuine warmth spreading across his face . Their mother smiled too , her heart full as she watched her son finally find true happiness . Meanwhile , Tabitha remained in awe , unable to believe how head over heels her brother looked . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!