Forever Yours novel Chapter 7

"Hello beautiful" Nathan said now standing in front of Michelle and Chloe

He took Michelle's right hand and placed a kiss on it, she couldn't help but blush at his action

"Welcome home Nathan" She finally said

"Hi. I'm Chloe, Michelle's best friend" Chloe introduced herself, not wanting to be left out of the conversation

"Hi Chloe. I'm Nathan, it's nice to meet you" He replied taking Chloe's hand in a warm handshake

Michelle suddenly felt someone's arm snake around her waist, she was surprised to see Derek beside her, she thought he was with a friend just a while ago, he held her quite close to himself. Nathan smiled on seeing his brother

"Hey little bro, don't you wanna give me a hug?" Nathan asked opening his arms wide for Derek. They exchanged a bro hug

"Welcome home bro" Derek said into the hug

"It's so good to be home" Nathan said with a long sigh after the hug

"I kinda wasn't expecting all of this" He said gesturing at the party

"That was the reason I chose to stay here...but I guess I can't avoid it"

They all laughed at his comment

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault... you've been away for quite awhile, that's why I decided to organize this for your return" Michelle apologized

"Oh well... I'm really loving the attention to be honest" He concluded

"I would've planned something better, if only you had told me of your coming" Rebecca said joining their little group

Michelle suddenly became uncomfortable with her presence as the atmosphere became tense among them

"Mom. I prefer it this way" Nathan said trying to ease the tension among them

"Good day Mrs Howard" Michelle greeted Rebecca

Rebecca ignored her greeting

"Nathan, Derek. I'd like you to come say hello to Christopher your dad's best friend, it's been quite a long time since you both saw him" She said before walking away from their midst

"If you'll excuse me" Nathan said and followed his mom

Michelle felt bad about Rebecca's reaction towards her but she managed to shake it off because she didn't want to ruin the party with her mood

"I'll be right back. Just give me some minutes, okay?" Derek said

"It's okay, go ahead"

He then excused himself and followed after his mom and brother

"She's such a witch" Chloe remarked

"Oh Chloe" Michelle said with a sad smile

"If I were you, I would've already put her in her place by now"

Michelle just let out a heavy sigh

"Could you excuse me for a minute?" Michelle said to Chloe

Chloe looked at her best friend with sympathy, she knew Michelle was excusing herself because she was hurt and wanted to be alone, she nodded in reply and Michelle went upstairs

Nathan greeted his guests and chatted with some old friends and colleagues. Dinner was later served and after that the guests gradually started leaving. Nathan made sure to say goodbye to all of them and so did Derek and Michelle. Chloe decided it was also time for her to leave, she asked Michelle to see her off, so they would get away from Rebecca's glare

"I'll be on my way now. Thanks for inviting me"

"It's nothing really... I needed your company more than you can imagine" Michelle told her

"I totally understand. We'll have to talk tomorrow, okay?... I didn't want to say anything here so that witch doesn't eavesdrop on our conversation" Chloe said

"Alright then, I'll be expecting you tomorrow"

"That's for sure" Chloe hugged her best friend goodbye

Michelle walked back into the mansion. Nathan, Derek and Rebecca were seated in the living room, Michelle then sat beside Derek

"Goodnight boys" Rebecca said before walking out of the mansion

Derek followed after her, to see her off, not because he wanted to but only to make sure she won't accuse him of negligence the next time they meet

"I'm really sorry about my mom's behavior" Nathan apologized

Michelle just nodded because she knew her voice would betray her if she said anything

"Ahem" She exclaimed, pretending to clear her throat

"Would you like me to show you to your room?"

"Most certainly yes... I'm jet lagged and I need to rest"

Michelle stood up from the couch and started her way up the stairs, Nathan followed closely behind her. Michelle then showed him his room, it was a simple room with a queen sized bed and a fluffy rug underneath, it had a black headboard with a nightstand and a night lamp on each side of the bed, the room was predominately of the color grey, it had a bathroom and a closet

"I hope you like it?" She asked him

"I love it, thanks... at least mom won't bug me here" Michelle half smiled at his statement

"Goodnight then" She said

"Goodnight" Nathan replied, giving her a goodnight kiss on her cheek

She blushed at his action

"I'll go now" She then left him to get settled in

Michelle entered her bedroom, Derek wasn't in the room, she decided to take off her heels because her feet were hurting from standing for too long on heels. She sat on the bed and tried to process all that transpired tonight, she immediately stopped herself from thinking too much about it, she only wanted to go to bed after a stressful day, so she went into the closet to keep her heels. Derek walked into the room as Michelle was coming out of the closet, he walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist, she wrapped her arms around his neck

"I'm sorry about mom... I know my apology isn't going to make you feel any better but I want you to know that I'm always here for you. I love you. Always and forever"

Derek had a tired look on his face, Michelle only nodded in reply. Derek then leaned in and kissed her with so much emotion, he wanted her to know how sorry he was for his mom's behavior, he hugged her after the kiss and placed a kiss on her forehead. She took off his suit jacket and he took off his shoes, they both laid on the bed, Michelle snuggled closer to Derek because she needed his warmth

"Are you comfortable?" He asked

"Uh huh" She exclaimed in reply