Chapter 4

Nathaniel Hawthorne stood by the dock with his fiancée, watching as the crew of the Noble Reverie expertly docked the yacht onto his family's property. His fiancée, Angelina, was typing away on her phone, chatting away with her friends, oblivious to the bustle around her. Very rarely would he usually allow some other boat being docked in his territory, but this was the only way Lila would make it to the island. She had repeatedly refused his offers to pick her up from the airport or at least have his boat waiting for her. 

Still, he let out a breath to calm his nerves and placed a hand right on the small of Angie's back in an attempt to catch her attention. She immediately looked up, flashing him that sweet smile of hers that was usually reserved for the cameras, and put her phone away, tucking it in the pocket of her tweed blazer. With her platinum blond hair all neatly pulled back into a bun, her makeup minimal and dressed like she had just walked out of a society magazine, even he had to admit that his parents were right. She fit the bill more perfectly than Lila ever did, ever will. And he hated it. 

"I can't believe we're finally meeting Lila Evadne, in the flesh." Angie gushed, leaning closer to place her hand on his chest, rubbing it in circles like she was comforting a child. 

Nate only smiled down at her, though he could feel it not reaching his eyes. "I still can't believe you're such a big fan of her."

"I am," Angie jutted her chin, proud, "what makes you think I'm not? She's admirable. After all the things that have happened to her, she persevered into who she is today."

"I just didn't peg you as someone who'd listen to classical music."

Angie scrunched her eyebrows, confused where this behavior was coming from. It seemed like the closer they get to the date of their wedding, the more agitated and moody he become. She wanted to place it as 'wedding jitters', just as her mother had told her so, but there was just something about the way he was acting these days that didn't sit right with her. Still, she remained quiet about it all, not wanting to ruin the mood especially since this would be the first time she was meeting Nate's friends from high school. 

Rafe gave Lila's hands a gentle squeeze to ease her fidgeting, earning him a smile and his insides immediately warmed. Despite their small argument, if he could even classify it as one, Lila had been pretending as if everything was alright. It was as if the closer his yacht was to Nate's private island, the thicker the mask Lila layered and he didn't like it at all. But then again, he didn't want to start another argument with Lila so he remained quiet about it all, for now. 

Charlie was the first one to disembark, leading the way for the both of them, approaching the awaiting couple with wide arms. "Nate, I can't believe you're getting married, man."

He pulled Nate into a hug, patting him on his back before letting him go, turning to Nate's fiancée, who was standing there, smiling, he asked, "You must be Angelina?"

She was the first to extend her hand, and he immediately took it. "You can call me Angie, I prefer Angie." 

"I'm Charlie," he said, as he let go of her hand, his hand moving to his chest, "short for Charles, but I prefer Charlie. Charles is my dad."

"Yes, I've heard about you." Angie replied, pointing at him, "You're Charles Harrington's son? From Harrington Broadcasting?"

"Yes, ma'am, the one and only." Charlie nodded, placing his hand awkwardly on his chest. No matter what he did, he would always be the 'son', never his own person. "Oh right, these are my friends, Raphael and Lila."

Angie's face lit up with excitement as she moved away from Nate's hold. She extended her hand to Lila, "Lila Evadne! Hi, I'm a big fan. Oh my gosh, it's so nice to have finally met you! Nate mentioned that you both went to the same school?"

"Yes, we all did, actually." Lila smiled, feeling her shoulders sagged with relief. All throughout her journey here, she had imagined Nate's fiancée to be a stereotypical mean girl and she had been bracing herself for it. Now that she saw how nice she was, she relaxed a little, thinking maybe she could survive this weekend after all. 

Angie clapped her hands together, placing them in a prayer position against her chest, practically jumping with anticipation when she asked, "Would you do the honor of performing for our wedding? I know it's a short notice and we already booked a band but maybe one song for the reception?"

Lila felt her lips widening, "I would love to. Any particular song requests?"

"Anything romantic would be fine." she gushed, fanning her cheeks. "Oh, Nate loves Frank Sinatra, so maybe anything Frank Sinatra?"

Lila's eyes went to Nate's, a distinct memory starting to play in her brain but she shoved it away. He held her gaze still, even when she looked back to Angie. "Sure, Frank Sinatra has many beautiful songs, it would be perfect for your wedding."

"Oh my gosh, thank you!" she wrapped her arms around Lila, catching her by surprise before turning to face her fiancée standing there, watching it all. "Nate, did you hear that? Lila Evadne's going to perform at our wedding!"

"That's wonderful, darling." he replied, crossing his arms behind his back. Turning his attention to Rafe, who had his arms crossed quietly observing, he raised his hand. "Nice to see you again, Rafe."

Angie covered her mouth with her hand, horrified, before extending her hand at Rafe. "Sorry, I got excited and forgot you were here, how rude of me. You must be Raphael, I'm Angie, Nate's fiancée."

"Nice to meet you," he replied, shaking her hand.

"Welcome to Hawthorne Isle," she stepped back, picking her phone from her pocket, "please excuse me while I make a call to the wedding planner about the change."

"Angie, can't it wait?" Nate held onto her hand the moment she passed him by, already dialing the wedding planner. 

"No, no, I prefer to get it done as soon as possible before I forget," she replied, giving him a quick kiss before she left him to walk towards where the golf carts were parked. "I'll see you later, honey."

Nate's gaze lingered on her until she climbed onto one of the golf carts waiting, with all their luggages loaded with a phone on her ear, before turning back to his friends. "Come, I'll show you guys to your rooms. You can freshen up before dinner."

Charlie jogged up to join Nate, trying to ease the tension radiating between the three. "Are we the last ones to arrive?"

"Practically everyone besides the parents and their guests, they'll arrive a day before the wedding."

Charlie climbed into the passenger seat of the golf cart next to Nate, while Rafe took the seat behind him next to Lila, clearly not content that Nate was the one driving. Charlie was surprised that no one noticed the way Nate reacted to Lila's arrival. The intense yearning in his gaze, it was unmistakable that Nate still bore some sort of feelings for his dear friend, and that felt so wrong in so many levels. Thank god his movie deal took a little while longer to finalize, or else he would've made it earlier and wouldn't be joining Rafe's yacht, ultimately leaving them alone with Nate and making things feel more awkward than it already was. 

Clearly Angie hadn't noticed anything between the two past lovers or she would've reacted differently. Hell, Charlie didn't think she even knew that her beloved fiancée and Lila had history. Because women like Angie, who's used to getting anything and everything she wants, definitely wouldn't welcome Lila with open arms. Let alone asking her to perform at her wedding. 

As Nate drove pass the golf course overlooking the lake and the skyscrapers beyond, Lila couldn't help but feel a deep ache forming in her chest. The sun was about to set, creating a beautiful orange and purple hues on the clouds as her memory played back to the last time they were here, right on this very spot, sitting on the grass whilst staring at the waters. Nate was laying his head on her thighs, watching the sunset as she brushed his hair, relishing on the soft sandy curls against her fingers as he gazed up at her with adoration gleaming in his ocean blue eyes. He had made her feel like they owned the world and she fell for it. Hard. 

They drove past the large trees, passing by a few gardeners here and there, trimming and cutting the bushes that surrounded the pathway, making the place ready for the wedding. Usually they would be alone, as Nate's family have always kept minimal staff except for those who had worked for their family for generations on the island for privacy's sake. This time, though, Lila noted, they had gone all out. And rightfully so, given that Nate was the eldest son, first of his generation to get married. Of course, they would go all out. 

When the Hawthorne Manor finally came into view, she felt that pressure tugged at her chest, overcome by the overwhelming memories that flooded her system. Rafe placed a hand on her hands, spreading enough of his warmth to melt away her fidgeting. She hadn't even realize she was doing so. It was a bad habit she had been trying to quit especially since her career depended on her hands. 

The manor stood at the heart of the island, right on top of a hill surrounded by trees and lush greens, offering sweeping views of the Hawthorne Isle. It had been the ancestral home of the Hawthorne family for generations, serving as its throne, with its architecture a blend of Georgian and traditional American styles, with its stone arches and towers that told the story of the family's legacy. There was nothing like it, the way it exuded both beauty and power. 

They finally stopped at the front entrance of the manor. Nate parked right behind the empty golf cart that Angie had ridden. Their bags were probably already carried to their rooms, seeing as it was empty. As Lila stepped off, she spotted some of the staffs she recognized, standing in the front. A maid she once knew, a middle-aged lady with tan skin, who reminded her of Russo's mother with her white hair tucked into a bun, wearing an apron tied to her front, was standing there, smiling at her with those kind eyes. 

"Miss Lila? It's so good to see you again!" she exclaimed, as Lila gathered her into a hug. 

"Likewise, Anna." Lila replied, feeling that ache in her heart twisting some more. Anna reminded her so much of Russo's mother, with the way she'd always have some snacks prepared, the way she taught Lila how to make pasta from scratch when Nate would be busy arguing with his father. She was the one who helped Lila packed her bags that fateful night, when she left Nate for good. She didn't think she'd see her again and now she did. "How are you?"

"Same old, same old." Anna replied, her eyes scanning her from head to toe. "You look much more beautiful, now that you're older."

"Anna," Nate called, walking over. "Maybe you'd like to see her play, one day?"

"Are you-"

"Yes, of course." Nate winked, turning to Lila with his typical American charm. "I'm sure Lila can help secure the best seats in the theatre."

Anna looked surprised, in a good way, her smile spreading so wide like a proud mother. "Thank you, Mister Hawthorne. Lila, oh my god." she gushed, making Lila laugh. 

"Don't worry about it, you don't have to do anything. I'll tell my manager and secure you the best seats in the theatre."

"Thank you, Miss Lila." she smiled once Lila let her go, on the verge of happy tears. "It was really nice seeing you again."

"You too, Anna."

"Anna, if you'll excuse us," Nate interjected, "I have to show them to their rooms."

"Right, right." Anna replied, moving away just so they would pass. "Miss Angie is in your office, sir, she told me to tell you."

"Okay, thanks."

Nate led them in through the large oak doors that stood in the middle of two large stairs on each side that would've led to the balcony on the second floor. Everything still looked exactly the same, Lila noted, even the air of tension that seemed to surround the property. For some reason, Lila had never felt truly relaxed here, but then again, Nate used to say that the place was never designed to be comfortable, it was always designed to intimidate. 

Charlie, being the lover of the arts, felt his jaw went slack as soon as he entered the foyer. Resembling a Renaissance palace with its domed ceiling, floral and angelic carvings that surrounded these walls, he ached to just sit here and admire every single detail. But what caught his attention the most was the ancient-looking marble statue in the middle. He moved to it, entranced. 

"Galatea," Nate mentioned, bringing him out of his enchantment, "from the Roman myth, Pygmalion? I'm sure you've heard."

Entranced by the beauty of the naked nymph holding onto a piece of cloth above her head that draped down on her back like a veil, Charlie only nodded, thinking how fitting it was, that out of all the Roman myths Nate's family could've chosen, they chose the one about an intense desire for an idealized love. Truly it felt like an irony, as if his ancestors were onto something.

Nate folded his arms behind his back, relishing on Lila's attention on him as he made his way closer to the statue, where sunlight shone right through from a window illuminating its marble skin. Sensing his presence, Charlie asked, "Why her?"

He could've been asking why Lila, but if he did, Nate chose not to play his game. "My great-great-grandfather used to love the story of Pygmalion," he said, his voice softening as if recalling a cherished memory. "He always compared it to my great-great-grandmother. She was an aristocrat, born into wealth while his family had nothing. When she chose to marry him and leave all that behind, he swore he would dedicate his life to try and make her dreams come true, crafting a world for her that was just as magnificent as the one she'd given up." he said, his eyes turning to Lila's who was standing behind Charlie, gazing at the painting on the ceiling. Her green eyes, shining like a pair of jades against the light that illuminated her dark hair and porcelain skin. "She was his ideal woman, the perfect creation, just like Galatea."

"You're going to show us to your rooms?" Charlie asked, snapping Nate back into his reality. 

"Right yes, come with me."

Nate ushered them out of the foyer, while they trail behind him like his ducklings. Lila slowed her steps to walk next to Rafe. She hugged her middle as they passed through the opulent living room, where the walls were covered with dark, intricate moldings and the floors with its thick, wooden parquet, giving a little old English feel to it. Turning to Rafe as they walked, she said, "You've been silent all this time."

"What did you want me to say?"

"About the conversation we've had, back at the boat..."

"I'll pretend it didn't happen." he completed the sentence for her, causing her to tightly press her lips together. That was not what she wanted to say, nor intended. She just wanted to apologize for being rude and intrusive. But seeing as now was not the time, what with Nate and Charlie walking right in front of them, she decided to just stay quiet. There would be plenty of time to talk about it later. 

They made their way up through the sweeping staircase adorned with elaborate carvings and wrought-iron railings. Lila couldn't help but run her hands through the cold surface as she climbed, something Nate noticed through his peripheral vision. He couldn't help but feel his chest loaded with hope that Lila must've missed this place, as much as he hoped she would. After all, he had purposefully kept everything the same as the last time she was here, down to Anna's presence in the entrance. 

Despite feeling out of place, even Rafe had to admit that the place is intimidatingly beautiful. With its wall sconces and natural light illuminating the space, giving it the warm glow of the old-world grandeur. The staff was moving here and there, dusting and cleaning some spaces, assisting the florists in creating flower arrangements around the living room leading to the garden. Thankfully, they hadn't ran into any of their friends as they made their way up the stairs and through the hallway on the second floor, where Rafe assumed their rooms would be. 

"I've decided to place you both across from each other," Nate informed, standing in the middle between two doors in a wing with closed doors filling the hallway, "I hope you don't mind."

If Rafe had to choose, he'd rather sleep on his boat but seeing as that wouldn't be socially-acceptable, he only nodded in reply. Charlie, on the other hand, decided to say, "Certainly not. This reminded me of boarding school."

"You went to boarding school?" Nate asked, both surprised and confused. 

"No, of course not." Charlie crossed his arms. "But I'd imagine if I did, it'd be somewhat like this."

Lila laughed, to which Nate replied, "Well, okay then. I'll see you both tonight at 7pm? We're having a dinner party to celebrate our engagement, friends only."

"Can't wait." Charlie replied, shrugging. "Though where would Lila be?"

"Not far from here," he replied, "this wing is mostly for the guys. Your things are already in your respective rooms, so feel free to freshen up before dinner." He turned to Lila, the first time he addressed her ever since she arrived, he realized, "Come, Lila, I'll take you to yours."

Rafe's gaze shifted to Lila, his brows furrowing with worry as he scrambled to think of excuses to join them, but Lila shot him a look that told him to stay put, that he didn't need to. Reluctantly, he gave in to the bitterness boiling inside him as he watched her disappear into the hallway with her ex. The sight stung, reminding him too much of high school with the way she'd trail after him like a lost puppy as he pulled her to the darkest corners of their campus. It made him feel powerless.

"I have a bad feeling about this whole thing," Rafe turned to Charlie. 

"No shit, Sherlock." Charlie replied, staring after the two after they had disappeared. "I find it weird that he didn't tell his fiancée about his history with Lila, who does that?"

Rafe shrugged, tapping his friend on his shoulder, he said, "Don't get too comfortable."

"It's hard to get comfortable in a place like this." Charlie replied. 

"Right," he replied, turning towards his door. "I'll see you tonight."

Charlie nodded, watching his friend walk into his room that was right across from his, his door softly closing with a click behind him. As he walked up to his own door, his hand on the golden handle, he pressed his head to his door, dreading the drama that would definitely unfold. Normally he would enjoy this, but definitely not when it involved two of his closest friends. Shaking his head with defeat, thinking how ridiculous this was that he would care so much, he walked in. Rafe could handle himself, he thought. And so is Lila. Everything would be fine.

Nate purposefully slowed his steps just so Lila would fall into step next to him. He couldn't help but feel that that's where she belonged. If things had truly turned out differently, he thought, she would've been his bride. 

"I hope you don't mind me placing you in your old room?" he asked, as they stood in the middle of a hallway that was familiar to Lila, once upon a time. 

She stopped in her tracks, aghast. "Are you sure that's appropriate? Not to mention, you've kept my old room?"

Nate walked closer to her, causing her to move back a step in reply, to which he stopped, looking helpless. "Look, many years have gone by and I don't know...I have never thought..."

"Exactly, Nate. Many years have gone by, and this is so wrong on so many levels," she hissed, her finger pointing to the ground, hating that she was starting to sound like her mother. "What would your fiancée think, knowing that I, your ex, am staying in the room next to yours?" she demanded, putting extra emphasis on the 'ex'.

"I thought it would make things easier for you, since the things you've left are still inside." he argued, pointing to the door beside him, the one that held so many memories of them both. He pinched the bridge of his nose, struggling to keep his frustrations in check. He certainly didn't remember her being this defiant. "Look," he said, meeting her glare, "I just want you to be comfortable. I know the way we ended things weren't ideal, but I didn't want to throw you into something completely unfamiliar. I've already made you endure the awkwardness of attending and performing at my wedding," he sighed, his voice softening slightly, "I thought maybe this way, things would feel a little less uncomfortable."

"Comfortable or not, Nate," she said, arms crossing over her chest, "I don't think this is appropriate. I can only imagine being in Angie's shoes. I wouldn't want my fiancée to place his ex in a room that they used to share. You shouldn't have kept my stuff this long, either."

"Let's not discuss this here," he opened the door, keeping it open while his other hand reached for her waist, trying to usher her inside. Thankfully, she was compliant this time, "we might not know who's lurking around."

"Why didn't you tell her?" Lila swerved, speaking the moment he closed the door behind him. He tried not to let the memories of this place flood into his system, at least for now. He cleared his throat, wishing for a drink. He certainly hadn't expected her to be this inquisitive. 

"I don't know," he replied sarcastically, watching Lila run her hands along the wooden post of her bed. "Did you tell Rafe about us?"

"What does Rafe have to do with us?" she asked back, incredulous.

"Everything," he stalked his way over to her, "that man clearly has feelings for you."

"Nate, you're being ridiculous," she raised her finger at him, a mix of frustration and fear firing her heart. "He's my best friend and even if he does, this is none of your business."

He hated this. This suffocating reality that she was no longer his 'business'. He used to consume her, the centre of her world. Now he was nothing more than her afterthought, fighting for scraps of her attention while she protected her relationship with Rafe, in a way that she never did with theirs. All these years, while he was drowning in the wreckage of what they used to be, she thrived. The bitterness burned in his chest. 

He gripped the back of her neck, pulling her close. Her hands immediately went to his chest, caught by surprise. He could feel his blood thrumming in his veins, the adrenaline pumping in his chest, relishing at the feel of her erratic pulse underneath his fingertips. 

"Everything you do, will always be my business, Lila." he snarled through his clenched teeth, his voice so icy it froze Lila in her attempt to push him away. "I hate how you've never fought for us. It was supposed to be you, standing next to me greeting the others today. It was supposed to be your name in that damned invitation."

"Nate...no." she let out a whimper, thumping at his chest to let her go. But he held on. "Stop this, this is wrong."

"You were supposed to be mine," he growled, pulling her even closer until their heads meet. She tried looking anywhere but at him but he forced her to remain. "Only you, only ever you."

"Then why did you decide to marry her?" she hit back, fighting back her tears and failing. He was so taken aback by her question that he hadn't even noticed her gripping his wrists, then wrenching them away. She immediately stumbled back, as far away from him as possible, feeling pathetic as she wiped her stupid tears with the back of her hand. 

"You think it was by choice?" he scoffed, taking a deep breath to calm his frustration before meeting her eyes again with guilt already gnawing a hole in his chest. He truly hated seeing her like this, strickened with tears and afraid of him. She wasn't like this before. How he yearned to see that version of her again. "None of this is by choice, Lila." he confessed. 

Lila wiped the last of her tears away, hating that it took her only so little to break down like that. This wasn't her. She hated how after all these years, he was the only one who could incite such reactions from her. It was like all the work she did over the years were for nothing. But her mind immediately went to Angie, out of all people. She knew what it was like to be the second choice, the other woman, and she wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone. Especially someone as innocent and kind as Angie. 

"I don't care," she replied, feeling more resolute about her decision. "I don't care what your reasons are for marrying her. The fact is that you're marrying her. And I'm not going to standby and be your other woman. I was raised better."

"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, genuinely confused. 

She tried not to flinch when he stalked closer to her, as if he wasn't sure himself that he should be this close to her. Her back was already on the wall, it wasn't like she still had more spaces to move so she just stayed there, body tense, ready for whatever he was planning. But he surprised her when he took her hand, his touch now gentle, like the Nate she knew and loved all those years ago. 

"If I had the chance to break it off, you'd consider coming back to me?"