Chapter 37
**Chapter 37: Missing p>
The word hung in the air like an uninvited guest-missing.
As the clock struck seven in the evening, Nathaniel and Dennis made their way to the engagement party, their presence commanding attention even before they stepped through the grand entrance of the Velmon Grand Regency Hotel. Nathaniel, clad in a sleek black suit, exuded an air of authority and poise, while Dennis, in a soft beige suit, radiated a more approachable warmth. Together, they were a striking duo, but it was Nathaniel’s undeniable charisma that drew the most gazes.
Whispers floated through the crowd like leaves caught in a gentle breeze.
“Is that Nathaniel Thorne? I can’t believe how handsome he is in person,” one voice remarked, her tone laced with awe.
“Vanessa is incredibly lucky. They’re together, right?” another chimed in, a hint of envy coloring her words.
“Dennis Mercer is quite the catch too,” someone else added, as they watched the two friends approach.
Navigating through the elegantly decorated venue, Nathaniel and Dennis soon reached the front-row tables where the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Bianca, Nathaniel’s mother, stood to greet them, her expression a mixture of relief and mild irritation.
“Nathan, how could you arrive late? You know how important this celebration is to the Holts,” she reprimanded, her hands on her hips.
“Apologies, Mother,” Nathaniel replied, glancing at Dennis with a hint of a smile. “Dennis needed my assistance with a few things p>
Bianca’s gaze darted to Dennis, who cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to suppress a sheepish grin. “Sorry, Aunt,” he said, his voice slightly strained.
“You, Timothy, and Peter are all the same. Always relying on Nathan,” Bianca continued, shaking her head in mock exasperation. “Did you bring gifts p>
With a slight flourish, Nathaniel raised a paper bag. “Here you go p>
Dennis followed suit, displaying his own present. “I brought mine too, Mrs. Thorne.” “Fantastic! Now, let’s go greet the Holts,” Bianca urged, her excitement palpable. As they made their way to the front of the venue, the Holts were busy welcoming newly arrived guests, showering them with gifts and congratulations. Nathaniel’s other friends, Peter Wells and Timothy Harlow, were mingling nearby, their laughter mingling with the festive atmosphere.
Vanessa spotted them almost immediately, her bright gray eyes sparkling with delight. “Nathan, you made it!” she exclaimed, her voice ringing with genuine happiness.
“Of course he would,” Bianca interjected, her tone lightening. “We wouldn’t miss this celebration for the world p>
With a warm smile, Vanessa gestured towards the celebrants. “Nathan, Aunt Bianca, I’d like you to meet my cousin, Delilah Holt, and her fiancé, Helbert Martinez p>
“Delilah, Helbert, this is Nathan,” Vanessa introduced, her smile radiant. “And this is Aunt Bianca, Nathan’s mother, and Dennis, his best friend p>
Nathaniel extended his hand toward Delilah and Helbert, his voice steady. “Congratulations on your engagement. We’re looking forward to celebrating your wedding p>
This moment was monumental for the Holts, as the Martinez family held significant influence in Velmon City. A union between the Holts and the Martinezes was not just a personal milestone; it represented a powerful alliance. Though not as affluent as Nathaniel, the Martinez family wielded considerable sway in the community.
“Thank you, Nathan, for joining us,” Delilah replied, her smile genuine. She turned to Vanessa, curiosity glinting in her eyes. “So, how are you and Nathan getting along? Any exciting news p>
“Oh, Delilah, let’s not go there,” Vanessa chuckled, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “Nathan and I are just friends. He’s helping me with my career, and I’m assisting him with Aunt Bianca p>
Vanessa laughed lightly before turning to Nathaniel. “I’m sorry, Nathan. It’s just what the media keeps saying about us p>
“But given how close Nathaniel and Vanessa have become, I wouldn’t be surprised
if they end up together,” Timothy chimed in, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Bianca, always the supportive mother, added, “Vanessa is someone I truly admire, and whoever Nathan likes will surely be someone my son will love.” Her eyes sparkled with hope as she turned to Nathaniel. “Right, son p>
Nathaniel offered a weak smile, his thoughts swirling. They had traversed this territory before. Yes his mother hoped for a romance? between him and Vanessa, and yes, the Holts had been instrumental in their lives, but some things could not be rushed or forced.
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Vanessa interjected, “Aunt, please. Nathaniel needs time to heal. Right now, his priority is ensuring you receive the best medical care p>
Bianca shook her head, placing a hand over her heart. “I would heal much faster knowing my son is with a wonderful woman p>
“Come on, Nathan,” Timothy urged, leaning in with enthusiasm. “You’re a free man now p>
Timothy had always shown a preference for Vanessa, while only Peter and Dennis seemed to consider Nathaniel’s feelings. Nathaniel mentally noted the need for a private conversation with Dennis later.
Dismissing Timothy’s comments, Nathaniel turned to his mother, his tone firm yet gentle. “Mother, there’s a right time for everything p>
Awkward smiles flickered across the Holts’ faces, but thankfully, Peter came to the rescue. “Nathan, can we discuss the research center you’re investing in? My family is interested in contributing p>
“But this is an engagement party,” Bianca interjected, her frown deepening.
“It will just take a moment, Mother,” Nathaniel reassured her. He turned back to the celebrants, his voice warm. “Congratulations once again p>
“Perfect timing! My uncle and my parents are done talking. I can ask my uncle to sit with you all,” Vanessa said suddenly, her excitement infectious.
Nathaniel found a seat at a nearby table, his friends joining him. Bianca continued to mingle with the Holts, particularly with Vanessa, who was clearly in her element. Before long, Vanessa’s uncle approached, and the discussion shifted to the plans for the research center. Dr. Allen Holt was set to be one of the lead consultants, a significant development that filled Nathaniel with hope.
The center aimed to explore alternative treatments for Bianca’s condition, a cause close to Nathaniel’s heart. His ultimate goal was not just to help his mother but to extend that help to others battling the same neurological disorder.
As the conversation deepened, Nathaniel lost all sense of time. He and Dr. Allen Holt exchanged ideas, laughter mingling with the clinking of dinner plates, and soon Bianca joined them at the table.
Hearing about the prospects filled
Bianca with a wave of joy. “I’ve come to terms with the possibility that I may not have much longer,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “But knowing there are possibilities for extending my life is a blessing. I truly wish to see
Nathaniel remarry and start a family p>
Her words struck a chord deep within Nathaniel, tightening his chest. He grappled with the unsettling thought that he might never feel that kind of love again, never build a family with someone.
Yet he kept his feelings to himself, unwilling to burden his mother with his doubts.
Suddenly, his phone rang, cutting through the moment.
It was Dennis.
Nathaniel glanced to his right, realizing with a jolt that his best friend was no longer seated at the table. Answering the call, he could hear the urgency in Dennis’s voice. “Nathan, there’s a situation. Üm outside. We need to talk p>
“Excuse me,” Nathaniel said, his heart racing as he stepped away to find Dennis.
Outside the venue, Dennis’s expression was grave. “Nathan, something has happened p>
The next words sent a chill creeping down Nathaniel’s spine.
“Eastwind Air 1061 didn’t land in Oakridge City. Nathan… the flight is missing p>