Chapter 15

"Wait, what!"

Nathan was the one who exclaimed from upstairs, and Hayes quickly broke the kiss when they heard the outcry.

Nathan's eyes widened as he came down the stairs, his gaze fixed on Tessa. He had been observing from a distance until that unexpected kiss occurred.

"What did I just witness, dad? Are you and nanny Tessa involved romantically?" He asked in astonishment, and Hayes attempted to remain composed.

"Eavesdropping is inappropriate, Nathan!"

"Don't scold me for no reason, dad! I saw everything... Was Uncle Xavier the cause of mom's disappearance? But how?"

Xavier wiped the blood from his lips, tears welling up in his eyes as he turned to Nathan.

"Did you really do that, Uncle Xavier? Is what dad said true?" Nathan asked, his voice trembling.

"Uh, Nathan... Let's go upstairs to your room, shall we? You need to work on your assignment," Tessa intervened, momentarily diverting Nathan's attention.

"I believe you're a good person, Uncle Xavier," he said, finally heading upstairs with Tessa.

Hayes glanced at Xavier and exhaled sharply before walking away, but Xavier swiftly grabbed his arm, causing Hayes to look down at the arm Xavier held.

"Can we meet? Tomorrow evening at a fine restaurant, perhaps... I need to clarify things to you," he said, and Hayes took a step back.

Without uttering a word, he began walking to his suite, leaving Xavier distressed.

••

MELODY ENTERTAINMENT*

🎵 Ohh!

🎵When the sunlight gleams, we shine as one!

🎵Together forever!

🎵 You're the reason for my existence!

🎵 Royalty at its finest!!!

🎵Ohhhh....

"Bravo!" Jerkins, Dexter's producer exclaimed as Dexter finished his song.

Matty watched him intently until he exited the studio. Matty was his competitor in the music industry.

"Nice try, man... You're not up to par!" He gave a thumbs-down, and Dexter rolled his eyes as Jerkins handed him a towel to wipe his sweaty face.

"That's untrue, Matty! We all know he sings better than you," Marvis, Dexter's confidant, countered.

"How about we have a contest?" He proposed, and Dexter smirked.

"Certainly, tomorrow," he replied without hesitation, and Matty nodded before heading to the studio to begin his own recording.

"You'll be performing at a concert in three days, Dexter, and I expect you to give your best. Refrain from consuming anything cold that could affect your voice," Jerkins instructed.

"How much are they offering? You know I don't perform at concerts for free," he remarked.

"5 million," Jerkins replied, leaving Marvis astounded.

"That's a substantial sum, bro. Congratulations!" Marvis grinned, sipping on his lemonade.

"Thank you, man," Dexter smiled.

The door to the main room suddenly swung open, and Kimora strutted in as if she owned the place.

"Dexter darling! I had a feeling I'd find you here!" She exclaimed joyfully, and Dexter stared at her, feeling irritated.

He hadn't expected her arrival. "How on earth did she know I was here?"

"Who's she, Dexter?" Marvis inquired.

"Oh, I suppose he forgot to introduce me to you guys. I'm Dexter's girlfriend and future wife," she declared, rushing to hug him, but he pushed her away abruptly.

He pulled her up again, pushing her away with even more force, causing her to receive a cut on her elbow.

"Ouch."

"Stay away from me! I've told you before, I don't know you, and I don't need someone like you in my life!" he snapped fiercely, leaving Jerkins bewildered.

"Who is she to you, Dexter? And why is she here?"

"I swear I don't even know this girl, and..."

"Stop lying and just admit that I'm engaged to you! Here's the evidence!" Kimora stood up indignantly, displaying her engagement ring.

Everyone, including Dexter, gasped in shock.

"What! When did I get engaged to you?! When did I even propose?! Why are you so intent on disrupting my life, young lady?!" he thundered, and Kimora grinned, toying with her hair.

"You never mentioned that you're engaged. Congratulations, man," Matty patted him on the back, and Dexter nearly lost his composure. He shut his eyes momentarily before reopening them.

"Get out!"

"I came all this way to see you, and you're telling me to leave? Not happening!" Kimora retorted stubbornly, plopping down on the couch beside Marvis, who continued to stare at her.

"Fine! If you're not leaving, then I am, and don't you dare follow me!" he declared, yanking off his headphones and handing them to Jerkins.

"Goodbye!" he said before storming out. Instantly, Kimora stood up as well.

"Dexter!"

"Sweetheart!"

★

••A TAVERN••

The pulsating music emanating from the speakers and the neon lights seemed to distract Natalie as she attended to the continuously incoming customers.

Her colleague had been inactive the entire time, so she had to take orders on behalf of the boss.

Dexter arrived at the tavern directly after the altercation at the studio earlier. He was seething with anger, replaying the scene where Kimora claimed they were engaged over and over again in his mind.

"Natalie! Table 32!" the boss announced, and Natalie nodded wearily, forcing a smile as she prepared a cocktail in a glass.

She approached table 32, where a figure was slumped over, and she realized it was a man.

"Sir... Your drink," she murmured, and the man lifted his head, tears glistening in his eyes. Natalie's eyes widened when she saw that it was Dexter.

"Dexter!"

"Natalie!"

They both exclaimed simultaneously, surprised to encounter each other.

"Why the tears? And what brings you here?"

"I should be asking you the same thing. Since when have you been working here?" he inquired instead.

"Just started last week. I lost my job for reasons known only to me, which I'd rather not discuss. I needed to pay my rent... Unlike you, I'm not wealthy," she said sarcastically, and he comprehended her situation.

"I'm sorry," he muttered, feeling guilty.

"Stop apologizing... I have a boyfriend," she replied almost immediately, and he stood up.

"Are you still angry with me? We can still work things out, Natalie. I truly love you, and I can't bear to lose you," he said, his voice tinged with sadness.

"Then you should also learn to move on... I'm on the clock, so please excuse me and enjoy your time here," she responded before departing.

Dexter slowly sat back down, taking a sip of his vodka as frustration welled up inside him.

"Damn!" he muttered, ruffling his hair in agitation.

★

NIGHT*

"Tell me who's upset my baby," Kingsley said as Natalie returned home from work, looking despondent.

Deep down, she knew the lie she told Dexter earlier about