Nathaniel, the affluent individual renowned for his parent's wealth during his college years, appeared to lead a life devoid of concerns. The morning that led to the fateful night of Virtue's demise, he was in the company of Beatrice, and they shared an enjoyable time together. Beatrice informed Nathaniel that Virtue had been seen in the vicinity of the library and might possess knowledge regarding their relationship. She conveyed her suspicions to Nathaniel, stating, "I could simply discern it," as she gently touched his chest with her index finger. "I could sense that she was aware of something, but being the timid individual that she is, she refrained from disclosing it."
Nathaniel responded with a dismissive scoff. He kept the fact that the broken lip and blood stained eyes he had were gotten from the beating Moses
gave him for cheating on his sister. 'What a hypocrite' he thought. As he played with Beatrice's blonde hair, he whispered into her ear, "What if she is not intimidated by you?" Beatrice, who had been leaning against him, swiftly turned to face him in surprise.
"So, you believe I am intimidated by her, is that correct?" She inquired with a hint of annoyance.
"I did not make such a claim," he responded as he gently pulled her closer. "I merely suggested that Virtue is an individual whose behavior is difficult to predict. If I were to find her sufficiently attractive, that characteristic would contribute to my desire to remain in a relationship with her," he explained longingly.
"Are you suggesting that you are attracted to her?" Beatrice inquired with a sense of bewilderment.
"I find her composure appealing," Nathaniel replied as he turned Beatrice's head to face him. He then placed a gentle kiss upon her lips.
"But do you feel attracted to her?" Beatrice persisted with her question.
"Yes, I do find her attractive," Nathaniel confirmed.
"What about me then?" she inquired.
"Not at this moment, Triss," he responded while holding her close.
"I require an answer," she insisted.
"Triss," he called out, prompting her to leave his bed.
"I do not wish to hear any evasions at this time; I simply want answers," she stated with a hint of anger.
"Let us not engage in this discussion at present," Nathaniel suggested calmly, clearly choosing to disregard her irritation. She placed her left hand on her waist and extended her other hand outward, indicating her disinterest in his attempts to avoid the topic.
"My mother has returned home, Triss. Please let us drop this matter for now," he said.
Beatrice promptly gathered her clothes and wore them. "Triss," Nathaniel attempted to hold her, but she moved away before he could.
"Fuck,Triss." Nathaniel cursed under his breath. "I am here with you. When we are finished, you will return home to your husband and Kiva." Out of frustration he placed his hands on his waist while Beatrice diligently searches for her belongings. "You only seek my presence when you desire physical intimacy and leave at your convenience? Do you not recognize the emotional toll this situation has on me?" he inquired in a respectful manner.
"I am married, but unfortunately, I do not have a good relationship with my husband, sexually or emotionally. We are of the same age, you and I. The old fool brought me from overseas and does not allow me to return, even for a single visit." She said her voice a little bit loud.
"Beatrice," he uttered her name, and to her, it felt like the first time she had laid eyes on him. He descended from the ship, embraced his parents affectionately, and offered a gentle wave in her direction. She had come to see Virtue, as they had shared a close friendship before Virtue discovered her in an unfortunate situation with her brother.
Virtue who stood beside Beatrice and and hands around Beatrice's observed Nathaniel while Beatrice, extended her hand to shake Nathaniel's.
"I am Beatrice," she said cheerfully.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," he responded promptly. "And this is Virtue." Nathaniel offered his hands to shake hers, but she placed her hand in her pocket.
"Virtue," Nathaniel said softly and chuckled.
Nathaniel courteously acknowledged the individuals who had arrived to extend a warm welcome and those who had come to collect their cargo. Then, he proceeded towards the car in the company of his parents.
""Please stay back and let us resolve this matter amicably," Nathaniel pleaded.
"Kindly call your driver," Beatrice responded, ignoring his request.
"Tri..."
"Now, please," Beatrice interrupted.
Nathaniel nodded and rang a bell, summoning his driver. He and Beatrice proceeded through a narrow but long lobby and arrived at a garden that led to the main entrance. It appeared to be a secondary entrance.
They proceeded through a tunnel, as there was no open road accessible on the surface at that time. He halted the vehicle at the library, and Beatrice disembarked. She swiftly entered the library and saw her husband patiently waiting at the reception.
Shocked by the presence of her husband, she exclaimed, "Honey!" She gestured to him with a gentle wave, and he gracefully approached her. He politely took hold of her arm and escorted her outside.
With a gentle tug, she released her arms from his grasp. "What is the matter?" she inquired with curiosity.
"Could you kindly clarify what I believe I overheard?" he responded, making an effort to suppress his agitation.
"How would I know what you heard?"
She asked, lost.
"Please do not feign ignorance of the discussions circulating here," he stated, tensing his jaw.
Fear gripped Beatrice as she had never witnessed her husband in such a state. She retreated and turned toward the library door. "They are merely rumors, and I have also heard them," she said, turning to face him while maintaining a distance. "I am going to Lukas's and will pick you up by 2 p.m.," he said before turning abruptly and walking away as quickly as possible.
Beatrice stood awhile, watching her husband drive off.
She returned and pondered her response to the rumors and folded her palm in anger.
Nathaniel prepared himself and instructed his chauffeur to drive him to his school residence. Given the considerable distance, he engaged in a lengthy and profound conversation with Mr. Bernard.
"Bernard," Nathaniel addressed him.
Mr. Bernard glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Yes, sir?"
"Do you have something you wish to discuss?" Nathaniel inquired.
"Regarding what, sir?" Mr. Bernard responded.
"Please, Bernard, feel free to share your thoughts. We are not strangers," Nathaniel encouraged.
A moment of silence ensued before Mr. Bernard cleared his throat to speak.
"With all due respect, sir, if you were my son, I would advise against meeting Mrs. Beatrice in private or public, as it is considered morally wrong to engage in an intimate relationship with another man's wife." He glanced at Nathaniel through the mirror, seeking his reaction, but received none.
"Additionally, I believe it is disrespectful to Madam Virtue that you are involved with a former friend of hers," he concluded.
Nathaniel nodded thoughtfully and turned his gaze out the window. "If you were Virtue, what would you do?" he asked, hoping for a positive response.
"I would decline the marriage proposal," Mr. Bernard replied.
Disappointed, Nathaniel looked at Bernard through the rearview mirror before turning away.
He spent the entire afternoon there engaging in a conversation with his football coach and fellow football players. Although he is not an active player, he has made an investment in the team's international travel and participation in matches against other teams.
When the meeting was over, Nathaniel walked briskly to the car. Mr. Bernard held it open for him and he got comfortable when he entered.
"Home" Nathaniel said.
They drove in silence, and when Nathaniel disembarked, he politely requested Mr. Bernard pick up Beatrice from the library.
Mr. Bernard respectfully complied without any objections and promptly proceeded to the library. However, to his surprise, Beatrice was not present there. He contemplated the possibility that she might have grown weary of the ongoing situation and decided to remain with her husband but that's not the case.