Chapter 10 – A Family Gathering and Gentle Reminders
The Maxwell mansion stood tall, regal as ever. The exterior was polished to perfection, the white walls gleaming under the golden rays of the morning sun. The hedges were neatly trimmed, the fountain gurgled melodiously in the center of the courtyard, and the flags at the gate waved lazily in the gentle breeze.
It was a Saturday morning—quiet, calm, with the kind of stillness that invited reflection.
Nathan Maxwell sat behind the wheel of his sleek black SUV, sunglasses shielding his eyes from the early glare. He had left the office unusually early the previous day, exhausted from the overwhelming tension at work and the complicated emotions stirred by Kristy's reckless affection. Last night still felt like a mistake that tasted like familiarity. Yet this morning, it was a burden—one he didn't want to carry into the weekend.
He needed clarity.
He needed distance.
So when his mother had called last night, her warm voice brimming with nostalgia and affection, urging him to spend the weekend at the family estate, he hadn't hesitated.
"I miss you, Nathan. And bring Emily along. That girl... she's like a daughter to me."
Emily.
Just hearing her name from his mother's mouth had stirred something subtle in him. Something quiet. Something safe.
His mother adored her. Always had.
And now, as he glanced in the rear-view mirror, watching the gate of his mansion close behind them, Nathan couldn't deny the strange sense of calm Emily's presence brought.
"Are you sure I should come, sir?" Emily asked softly from the passenger seat.
He turned slightly, catching a glimpse of her face. She looked unsure, nervous even.
"My mother invited you herself, Emily," he said simply. "You don't need to second-guess it."
She nodded, but her hands kept fiddling with the hem of her dress.
Nathan noticed. He almost said something, but held back. Instead, he focused on the road ahead.
Natalie 's Plans
Meanwhile, at the Maxwell family estate, preparations were already underway.
Natalie Maxwell—the ever-bubbly younger sister of Nathan—was running around the mansion, giving instructions to the domestic staff. The dinner table had to be perfect. The lighting had to be warm but romantic. The menu was curated to perfection. Tonight, she was introducing her boyfriend, Joseph, to the family. It wasn't just dinner; it was a subtle announcement of what was to come.
She was getting married.
"Mom!" Natalie called out, running into the living room. "Did you put out that red wine Daddy used to love? Joseph is a fan too."
Mrs. Maxwell, seated in her favorite chair, smiled. Her silver-grey scarf was neatly tied, and her reading glasses rested on her nose as she closed the book in her hand.
"Already done, darling. I can't wait to meet this Joseph. But let me warn you, your brother might be the tougher nut to crack."
Natalia laughed. "Nathan is always too serious! I just hope he doesn't scare Joseph away."
Just then, the security intercom buzzed.
"They're here," the guard announced.
A few minutes later, Nathan's car pulled into the driveway.
As the engine died down, Emily stepped out quietly, her simple white gown flowing down to her ankles. Nathan came around and picked her small travel bag without saying a word.
Mrs. Maxwell emerged from the mansion, arms wide open.
"My babies!" she cried.
Nathan smiled and hugged her.
"You still call me that?" he teased.
"Always," she replied, then turned to Emily and pulled her into a warm embrace. "You look even more beautiful, my dear. What have they been feeding you?"
Emily chuckled shyly, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Natalie came rushing out next, throwing her arms around Nathan.
"You're late! Dinner is in four hours and I still need your help pretending to like Joseph's jokes!"
Nathan raised a brow. "That bad?"
"I said pretend," Natalie whispered with a wink.
The Maxwell home was instantly alive with warmth and laughter, a stark contrast to the cold silence that had clouded Nathan's mansion for weeks.
A Private Conversation
Later that afternoon, Nathan sat with Natalie on the balcony that overlooked the family's vast garden. The sun was beginning its descent, casting orange hues across the sky. Birds chirped in the distance. The soft wind carried the scent of roses.
Natalie poured herself a glass of juice and leaned back.
"So… what's new in your love life?" she asked casually.
Nathan groaned. "Natalie—"
"No, no, hear me out!" she interrupted. "You're thirty-two, Nathan. Dad's gone. You're doing a great job running Maxwell Enterprise. But when are you going to let yourself… breathe?"
"I am breathing," he said, sipping water.
Natalie rolled her eyes.
"You know what I mean. Mom and I see it. You're carrying everything on your shoulders—his legacy, the company, your image… But you don't smile anymore. You don't even date seriously. What happened to Brittany? She's smart, beautiful, and clearly into you."
Nathan stiffened. "I'm not interested in distractions."
"Love is not a distraction, Nathan," she said gently. "Dad worked so hard, yes—but he also loved Mom with his whole heart. You don't have to become a machine to honor him."
He stayed silent, jaw tightening.
Mrs. Maxwell stepped out quietly then, holding a tray of snacks.
"I agree with Natalie ," she said, setting the tray down. "Nathan, darling, your father would want you to be happy. Brittany is a lovely girl, but if she's not the one… don't shut the door to love completely. Let someone in. Let someone see the real you."
Nathan looked away, the tension in his eyes betraying the calm he pretended to wear.
"There's too much at stake," he muttered.
His mother reached for his hand.
"There's always something at stake, my son. But what's the point of building an empire if there's no one to share it with?"
Emily's Quiet Presence
Downstairs, Emily helped the kitchen staff prepare the evening meal. She moved gracefully, seasoning dishes and arranging cutlery with care. Everyone loved her. Her gentle manners, the kindness in her voice—it was hard not to be drawn to her.
Natalie popped her head into the kitchen.
"Emily, you're a lifesaver!" she beamed. "I swear this place would fall apart without you."
Emily smiled. "I'm just helping."
"Well, help yourself into the family too, because I'm making sure Nathan doesn't mess this up," Natalie teased.
Emily blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing," Natalie said quickly, hiding a mischievous grin as she walked away.
Emily stood still for a moment, her chest tight.
She had long buried her feelings for Nathan. Or so she thought. But seeing him here—among his family, smiling, laughing—reminded her of all the silent wishes she used to make.
The kind of wishes orphans were not entitled to.
The kind that always ended in heartbreak.
Dinner & Observations
Dinner was elegant. The chandelier in the dining room cast a soft golden glow on the polished mahogany table. Plates clinked, laughter echoed, and Joseph—Natalie's boyfriend—did surprisingly well keeping up with the family banter.
Mrs. Maxwell looked pleased.
After dessert, Joseph stood up and officially declared his intentions.
"I want to marry Natalie ," he said, holding her hand. "She is the best thing that ever happened to me."
There were claps. Hugs. Even a tear or two from Mrs. Maxwell.
And as Nathan stood there watching his little sister embark on a new chapter, he felt the weight of something heavy in his chest.
Longing.
Not for Kristy.
Not for Brittany.
But for something real.
Something quiet.
Something like… Emily.
Later That Night
Nathan stood by his bedroom window, watching the moon rise. The estate was peaceful at night, but his mind wasn't.
A soft knock came at his door.
"Come in," he said.
It was his mother.
She walked in with a folded blanket in hand.
"I know you're a grown man now," she smiled, "but I still worry. You always carry too much on your shoulders."
Nathan looked at her.
"You were right earlier," he admitted. "About love. But I'm just not sure I know how."
Mrs. Maxwell smiled and walked closer.
"You already do," she whispered. "You just haven't allowed yourself to feel it."
She touched his cheek gently, the same way she did when he was a boy.
"You don't have to rush. But don't run either."
She kissed his forehead and turned to leave.
As she reached the door, she paused.
"Emily… she's special. I hope you see it one day."
The door clicked shut softly.
And Nathan stood alone, his heart pounding.
Not because of Kristy.
Not because of Brittany.
But because a part of him knew…
He already saw it.