Chapter 15 Chapter 15 The day of Nathaniel's party had finally come . The venue which was a well - known luxury hotel downtown became busy with staff making final preparations for this event . It was the perfect backdrop for his big announcement . Not only was he back home for good , but he was also going to reveal the woman he intended to marry - a woman no one in the family had known yet , maybe ... Meanwhile back at home , the energy was electric . Their parents had been up since dawn , making sure everything would go smoothly . Even though the hotel had its own team of event planners , they couldn't help but double - check every detail . Tabitha , as well , was still in her room , struggling with which dress to wear . She rifled through her wardrobe , tossing gowns aside , too excited to settle on anything . Her curiosity was getting the best of her - after her brother's secrecy , today was the day they'd finally meet the mysterious fiancée . 3 But while the rest of the house was feeling excited with anticipation , Jonathan stayed locked in his room , detached from the excitement . He sat on the edge of his bed with phone in hand , staring at the screen where Laura's name sat . His thumb hovered over the call button , but he couldn't bring himself to press it . The idea of attending Nathaniel's party - surrounded by family , friends , and all the people who'd line up to congratulate his brother - felt suffocating . Nathaniel had always been the center of attention , the one with everything figured out . Jonathan wasn't jealous , not really . But the thought of another night where Nathaniel was the star and Jonathan was just there , in the background , made him want to disappear . Laura , though . Laura was different . She had always been able to pull him out of that dark space . Whenever things got too heavy or he felt like he was sinking under his own family's expectations , she knew exactly how to lighten the load . Her laugh , her way of making everything seem less complicated - that's what he needed right now . His thumb hovered over her name on the screen with the call button just a press away . But before he could make the decision , a knock came at the door . " Jonathan , are you dressed ? " His father's voice echoed through the wood , firm but with that usual edge of expectation . " Make sure you're presentable - we're meeting your brother's future in - laws today . And it is a formal occasion . " Jonathan closed his eyes and let out a quiet groan of frustration . Of course . He rolled his eyes , barely managing to keep the irritation from surfacing too much . " Yeah , whatever , " he muttered under his breath . So he threw his phone onto the bed as he stood up reluctantly . So much for escaping . He thought. He headed to his closet , rifling through shirts , trying to find something that would meet his father's standards . The idea of dressing up , of shaking hands and pretending to care about the people Nathaniel had charmed into his life , made his skin crawl . But he knew there was no way out of it . Not today . As he yanked a shirt off the hanger , he couldn't help but think about Laura again . A quiet afternoon with her somewhere- anywhere but here was what he really wanted . But that wasn't in the cards . Today wasn't about him . It never was . With a resigned sigh , Jonathan began to get dressed - but then an idea sparked . If he was going to survive this event , why not bring Laura along ? She was the only person who could make the day bearable , maybe even enjoyable . Suddenly , the task of getting ready didn't seem so tedious . He actually wanted to look his best now . He rummaged through his closet , pulling out one of his nicer shirts , something he knew would meet his father's standards but also catch everyone's attention . As he buttoned up , he glanced at his phone again . If she agreed to come , she'd be the perfect distraction from all the family chaos . Plus , having her by his side would take the edge off the inevitable comparisons between him and Nathaniel 1/2 Chapter 15 " Yeah , this'll work , " he muttered to himself , straightening his collar and smoothing his hair . With one last glance in the mirror , Jonathan grabbed his phone . +25 BONUS wouldn't feel so heavy after all . He was going to invite Laura . And this time , maybe the dashan and made his way toward Laura's . The idea of having her with Jonathan felt somehow excited as he stepped out of the hous him today made everything feel lighter . But when he arrived , something was off . Their gate was closed and the house was eerily quiet . He glanced up to where her bedroom window was , but the curtains were drawn . The whole place looked deserted . His brows furrowed in confusion . Laura's family often traveled for business , but she usually told him if they were going somewhere . And so he pulled out his phone , checking for a message . But there was nothing . No explanation , no heads - up , not even a casual text like she usually sent . That nagging feeling of uncertainty started creeping in . She had never just disappeared like this before . Jonathan lingered at the gate for a moment , feeling unsettled . He didn't want to jump to conclusions , but something wasn't right . Just as he was about to call her , his family's voices carried from behind him . " Jonathan ! Come on , we're going to be late ! " Tabitha called out , waving her hand dramatically from the gate . " The party's about to start ! " He glanced back toward Laura's empty house . A part of him still wanted to reach out , to figure out why she hadn't told him anything . But his family was waiting , and there was no time to linger . With a frustrated sigh , he shoved the phone back into his pocket . " Yeah , I'm coming , " he muttered , turning on his heel and walking back toward his family . 1 Meanwhile , at the venue , Nathaniel adjusted his suit one last time as a confident smile tugged at his lips when the Levine family arrived . The room seemed to quiet , at least in his mind , when his eyes landed on Laura . She was stunning in her elegant white dress as the soft fabric hugged her figure and her flawless skin glowed under the chandeliers . His heart skipped a beat , then another , as if it were about to leap out of his chest . " Laura... " he breathed out of relief as gratitude washed over him . In that moment , he silently thanked the heavens for giving him the chance to be with her . She was more than he ever thought he deserved . Then , Laura's soft giggle brought him back to reality . " Nathaniel , " she said , her voice light and teasing as she approached him , clearly enjoying his feaction . Nathaniel quickly composed himself and turned to shake hands with Laura's parents , his movements respectful , his gratitude clear . " Thank you , " he said earnestly , his voice steady but full of emotion . " Thank you for giving me the privilege of having Laura's hand in marriage . I promise you , sir , I'll spend my life making her happy . " Mr. Levine chuckled , clearly amused by Nathaniel's formality . He placed a firm hand on Nathaniel's shoulder and smiled warmly . " We know you will , son . You don't have to convince us , " he said , his voice lighthearted but sincere . " Welcome to the family , Nathaniel , " Mrs. Levine added with a kind smile . " Thank you , ma'am , " Nathaniel replied , still feeling the weight of the moment . Mrs. Levine waved a hand in the air , shaking her head with a soft laugh . " Oh hush , no more of that . Call me ' mother , " she insisted in her affectionate tone . Nathaniel smiled as he felt a rush of warmth . " Thank you ... Mother , " he said , the word feeling strange but comforting on his lips , as if this was exactly where he was supposed to be . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!