“Our situation is different. They will accept him as a son-in-law,” she says. “But don’t worry about mom and dad right now.”
We break apart when the door creaks open. Except, it isn’t Dash who enters.
It’s Nathan’s parents.
Who called them?
As though I’ve been thrust inside a flaming lava, my blood boils with wrath at the sight of Rakesh Singhania. A monster in the shape of a father. There’s not an ounce of sadness in his beady eyes as he stares at his son.
“Oh God,” cries Nathan’s mother from beside Rakesh. Her simple A-line dress swishes on the tiled floor as she rushes to her son’s side. “We came as soon as we heard. Is it true he tried to drug himself?”
“Yes, Mrs. Singhania.”
Her gaze snaps to mine, her uptight nose wrinkling. “And you are?”
“I’m Arya, his girlfriend,” I retort, done pretending we aren’t in love. I no longer care if the world finds out I slept with a client or whatever crap they’ll come up with.
“She saved your son by finding him in time,” shares Bianca.
“Did you know he was dating?” she hisses at her husband in disapproval, instead of acknowledging me.
It’s disgusting that she’s more interested in her son’s dating life rather than concerned about his health. Doesn’t she notice the severity of what occurred tonight? I believe it when Nathan said she doesn’t love him.
Rakesh doesn’t deem her a response. Looking me dead in the eyes, he demands, “Can I have privacy with my sick son?”
I’m about to decline this abuser anywhere near Nathan when Bianca speaks up neutrally, “Of course, Mr. Singhania. Arya, let’s wait outside.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to protest, but Bianca whispers in my ear, “They’re his parents, Arya. They could keep you from seeing him.”
Defeat slumps my shoulders because she’s right. Trying not to glare at Nathan’s father, I let Bianca guide me outside.
“I’ll go find Dash,” she says. “Stay here.”
I pace the length of the hallway, fighting the urge to be back by Nathan’s side. Had his mother not been here, I would’ve given his father an earful.
He must be celebrating inside.
Given Nathan’s condition, he won’t be making it to the upcoming boards’ meeting. He will lose his company, given his father exactly what he wants.
Near the curve of the deserted hall, I hear low voices. One of them is Kian’s. When I hear Nova’s voice, along with a third one, I follow the sound. Could it be the doctor giving another update? Did Nathan’s test results come back?
“What are you saying that it wasn’t those sleeping pills?” grunts Nova. “Arya found them beside his body.”
My gait falters.
“The tests came back negative for it. We found traces of alcohol and another drug in his system,” reveals the doctor, then grimly concludes, “I’m afraid this isn’t the case of suicide. Mr. Singhania was likely poisoned.”
Poisoned?
The earth gets yanked from beneath my feet. My brain is struggling to absorb the shocking truth.
Somebody tried to murder Nathan.
It can’t be possible. He was alone. There was nobody else at the house. Or any kind of mayhem to suggest a brawl. At least not on the ground floor.
Perhaps the person who could be hiding upstairs.
“I’ve called the police,” the doctor informs. “They’re on their way.”
