Chereads / After Nine Lives / Chapter 23 - Never leave

Chapter 23 - Never leave

As Vanya wheeled Nolan back into the mansion, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. They have finally spoken, she wasn't sure what he wanted but she was now determined to stay with him. Before, she just wanted to marry him to leave her family, then have her revenge but not anymore...at least not after knowing he's her savior.

As they entered the kitchen, Vanya was greeted by the warm smiles of Sam and Hans, who were busy preparing dinner. The aroma of roasting vegetables and sizzling meat filled the air, making Vanya's stomach growl with hunger.

"Hey, guys!" Sam exclaimed, as he expertly chopped a bell pepper. "Welcome back! We're just getting started on dinner."

Vanya smiled, feeling a sense of belonging wash over her. "Thanks, Sam. It smells amazing in here."

Hans, who was busy stirring a pot of simmering sauce, looked up and grinned. "We're making Chris's favorite dish - spaghetti Bolognese!"

Vanya's eyes widened in surprise. "That sounds delicious! Can I help with anything?"

Sam nodded, handing her a apron. "Sure thing! We could use an extra pair of hands. Why don't you help Hans with the garlic bread?"

As Vanya worked alongside Hans and Sam, she couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie wash over her. They chatted and laughed as they worked, making the task of cooking dinner a joyful experience.

Just as they were finishing up, Chris walked into the kitchen, looking tired but happy after a long day at work.

"Hey, guys!" he exclaimed, as he washed his hands at the sink. "Something smells amazing in here!"

Sam grinned, as he expertly plated the spaghetti. "We made your favorite dish, bro! Spaghetti Bolognese, just like you love."

Chris's eyes lit up, as he took a seat at the table. "Thanks, guys. You're the best."

As they sat down to eat, Vanya couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. Despite the tension between her and Nolan, she was starting to feel like she belonged here, like she was a part of this quirky, loving family. In her previous family, they didn't care about her at all

The conversation flowed easily as they ate, discussing everything from Chris's day at the hospital to Sam's latest business venture. Vanya listened intently, feeling like she was learning more about this family with every passing minute.

As they finished up dinner and began to clear the table, Vanya felt a sense of contentment wash over her.

Just as they were discussing, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the hallway. "That must be Dad," Chris said, smiling, as he began to load the dishwasher.

Catherine's face lit up with a warm smile. "I'll go greet him," she said, hurrying out of the kitchen.

Vanya watched as Catherine disappeared into the hallway, feeling a sense of curiosity. What was Mr. Carter like? She hasn't exactly interacted with him like the rest of the family..

As they waited, the sound of voices echoed through the hallway. Catherine's laughter was followed by the deep, resonant voice of Mr. Carter.

"Ah, wonderful to see you all," Mr. Carter boomed, as he strode into the kitchen. "I see you're all having a lovely dinner together."

Vanya smiled, feeling a sense of warmth towards Mr. Carter. He seemed like a kind and jovial man, with a quick smile and a twinkle in his eye.

But as Mr. Carter's gaze fell on Nolan, his expression faltered. Nolan's face was set in a cold, hard mask, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Ah, Nolan," Mr. Carter said, his voice a little cooler. "Good to see you too, son."

Nolan's expression only grew colder, his eyes narrowing. "Father," he said, his voice dripping with disdain.

Vanya felt a sense of tension wash over her, as the atmosphere in the kitchen grew increasingly strained. What was going on between Nolan and his father? Why did Nolan seem so angry and resentful?

As the tension continued to build, Nolan suddenly wheeled himself out of the kitchen, leaving the rest of them in an uncomfortable silence.

"I'm sorry about that," Mr. Carter said, his voice a little embarrassed. "Nolan's been a bit...more prickly lately."

Catherine's face was set in a concerned expression. "Yes, dear. He's been under a lot of stress lately... don't mind him.. he'll warm up to you eventually.. please don't mind him cold character"

"Don't worry mom,I won't ever leave him", Vanya nodded, . Despite his cold and distant exterior, she couldn't help but wonder what was going on beneath the surface.

As the evening wore on, Vanya found herself relaxing in the company of the Carter family. They were laughing and chatting, discussing everything from their favorite TV shows to their childhood memories.

But just as things were starting to wind down, Mr. Carter stormed downstairs, his face red with anger.

"What's going on here?" he thundered, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Vanya.

Vanya felt a sense of trepidation wash over her as Mr. Carter's gaze narrowed.

"Why were you sleeping in the guest room last night?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Vanya felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she tried to think of an explanation.

"I...I just thought it would be more comfortable," she stammered.

But Mr. Carter was having none of it.

"Comfortable?" he repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "You're a married woman, Vanya. You should be sleeping in your husband's room, not the guest room."

Vanya felt a sense of embarrassment wash over her as the rest of the family looked on in silence.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Carter," she said, trying to placate him. "It won't happen again."

But Mr. Carter just shook his head, his expression unyielding.

"See that it doesn't," he said, before turning on his heel and storming back upstairs.

The room fell silent, with the rest of the family looking at each other in discomfort.

"Well, that was awkward," Sam said, breaking the silence.

Vanya felt a sense of relief wash over her as the others started to chuckle and make light of the situation.

But as she glanced over at Nolan, she saw that he was watching her with a serious expression.

"What?" she asked, feeling a sense of trepidation.

Nolan's eyes narrowed.

"We need to talk," he said, his voice low and serious.