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Chapter 11: Bonds and Promises
The Maxwell mansion was alive with 42 warmth and laughter. Dinner the night before had gone beautifully. Joseph, Natalie's fiancé, had officially introduced himself to the family. It was a simple family affair, yet the air was thick with emotions and hidden intentions. The evening had sealed something important—for both Joseph and Nathan.
Nathan invited Joseph for a private dinner, r just both of them.
Nathan and Joseph sat across from each other at a private dinner Nathan had personally arranged. There was no extravagance. Just grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and a bottle of red wine between them. But beneath the simplicity of the setting lay a conversation that bore the weight of a brother's protective love.
Nathan stared at Joseph for a moment, letting the silence speak first. Then he set down his fork, his tone calm but firm.
"Joseph," he began, "I don't play games when it comes to my sister."
Joseph, already sensing where this was heading, straightened slightly in his seat, his gaze steady.
"I understand."
Nathan's jaw tightened slightly. "Natalie is the only sister I have. And she means the world to me. I've watched her grow up, seen her struggle and shine. She might be strong, but she's soft on the inside. If you hurt her… I won't take it lightly."
Joseph leaned forward, not in challenge but in sincerity. "I love her, Nathan. We've been together for over a year now. I know everything about her—her quirks, her fears, her strengths. I'm not just marrying her for love. I'm marrying her because I can't imagine a life without her. I promise you, on everything I hold dear, I'll protect her and cherish her."
Nathan studied him, his expression unreadable. Then, finally, he nodded. "Good. Because if you ever break that promise, I'll be the first one you'll answer to."
They both shared a firm handshake, sealing a quiet brotherly bond. Respect was earned in moments like these.
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Meanwhile, Emily moved through the Maxwell mansion like she had never left. The place still smelled of cinnamon and lavender, just the way she remembered. The kitchen, once her domain, still carried her touch. She caught herself smiling as she ran her fingers over the polished countertops.
She loved being here.
Here, she wasn't just a maid. She was someone. Nathan's mother treated her like a daughter. The staff respected her, and the home itself welcomed her. It felt less like work and more like…belonging.
She spent the morning preparing a light breakfast with the chef, humming softly under her breath. Nathan's mother, Regina Maxwell, had asked for something light and fruity—papaya, banana pancakes, and green tea. As Emily served the tray upstairs, a housekeeper offered to take it from her, but she politely declined.
"I'll do it myself."
When she knocked gently and entered, Regina was sitting up in bed, reading a novel with her glasses halfway down her nose. She looked up and smiled warmly.
"My darling Emily," she said, her voice thick with affection. "Always a joy to see you."
"I brought your breakfast, ma'am," Emily said with a shy smile, setting the tray carefully on the bedside table.
Regina reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "You've grown so beautifully, Emily. Sometimes I wonder what we would have done without you in this house."
"I missed this place," Emily admitted. "And I missed you."
Regina smiled deeply and motioned for her to sit on the edge of the bed. "I wanted to talk to you privately."
Emily nodded, sitting down.
"You know," Regina began softly, "you've been with us since you were what—eighteen?"
"Yes ma," Emily replied quietly.
"I still remember the day Father Benjamin from the church brought you here. You were shy, so quiet. But you had the purest heart. I saw it instantly. That's why I trusted you with everything. And now…I want to thank you."
Emily blinked. "Thank me?"
"For taking care of my son," she said, her voice now tinged with emotion. "I may not say it often, but I see everything. I know how difficult Nathan can be—stubborn, aloof, moody at times. But he's also a good man, and he needs people like you around him."
Emily looked down, her cheeks warm. "He's not difficult. He just has a lot on his shoulders."
Regina reached out again. "Has he ever treated you badly? Has he ever made you uncomfortable in any way?"
Emily's eyes widened. "No, not at all, ma. He's respectful. He may not say much, but he always considers me."
Regina gave a small nod, relief softening her features. "Good. Because you're the only one I trust with him, Emily. And when the time comes…I hope you won't walk away from this family."
Emily looked at her, confused, but before she could ask more, Victoria simply smiled and picked up her tea.
"Go on now. You've done more than enough today."
---
Later that evening, Nathan and Emily began packing up their things. It had been a weekend full of emotions, and now it was time to return to their regular lives. As they loaded the car, Regina and Joseph came out to say goodbye, arms linked, glowing with the joy of new beginnings. Victoria stood at the doorstep, waving like a proud queen seeing off her children.
The drive back to Nathan's city mansion was unusually quiet.
Emily stared out the window, her hands resting on her lap, her mind filled with bittersweet thoughts. She loved the Maxwell family—more than she ever admitted out loud. But that wasn't her life. It was just a beautiful pause in a reality that didn't belong to her.
Nathan drove in silence, his eyes fixed on the road. For the first time in a long while, he felt the weight of the weekend in his chest. Seeing his sister so happy. His mother getting older. And Emily—so graceful, so kind—it all stirred something strange within him. Something…unsettling.
When they reached home, Nathan helped Emily carry her small bag into the house. Still, no words were exchanged.
Only when she turned to go inside did Nathan speak.
"You didn't say much the whole trip," he said, his voice low.
Emily paused, then looked at him. "There wasn't much to say."
He nodded slowly, then added, "My mom really likes you."
"I like her too," she replied with a soft smile.
Then she disappeared into the house, leaving Nathan standing at the door, watching her retreating figure.
He didn't know what this feeling was.
But it was growing.