Chapter 5 Wife By Benefits

Chapter Four

NATHANIEL'S EYES SNAPPED open at the realization of his words. The world seemed to be spinning as an uncomfortable silence filled the room.

Clearing his throat, Nathaniel sat up. "I'm sorry Sam. I-I just-"

Samantha shook her head. "It's nothing. I understand," she said in a small voice trying to conceal her hurt.

"No," he shifted, sitting at the edge of the couch linking his fingers together with a disheartened expression on his face, trying to show his regrets. "I didn't mean to. I..It kind of slipped off my lips."

"And like I said I totally understand." Not wanting any more discussions, she left him there in the living room and headed towards the kitchen to rinse the mugs and head to bed.

Nathaniel cursed under his breath repeatedly feeling the urge to knock something off. He felt like a fool, playing with both their emotions.

His blunt mouth just reminded them both of what they lost-a special gem that can never be brought back to their lives again.

Standing up from the couch, Nathaniel stepped towards the fireside, rubbing his palm on his stubbles. A sigh escaped his lips; he felt dreadfully tired.

Nathaniel didn't know where to begin. It felt like those times when he and Natasha drank, discussing the day's events and the kids.

The familiar atmosphere gave him a sense of relief. But the instant the words left his lips, Nathaniel wished nothing more than to take it all back.

The hurt written on her face made it harder than ever. He wished Samantha would overcome this. She's always been the reserved type, selfless, sacrificing herself for others.

Nathaniel groaned. Hunching down, he picked a wood and tossed it into the fire. He then straightened up holding the top edge the concrete wall and leaned his head between his outstretched arms.

The quiet night caused Nathaniel to think more while the whole household was sleeping.

Each time Nathaniel tried forgetting and moving on from his wife's death, he found himself right back at square one. Her death still hurt him mentally and physically.

Though Samantha's moving into the house was helpful, she just didn't cover all the needs.

He made up his mind that night. It was about time for him to break out of his heartbroken shell. Starting tomorrow, Nathaniel was going to be making ways in order to forget Natasha.

Natasha was a beautiful part of his life that he will never forget, but she was his past. The kids are now his future. They both looked up to him and he shouldn't be here brooding in the darkness for something that could never be rectified.

That fateful night could never be changed. Natasha wouldn't have been stopped from stepping out that night. She was so stubborn, just like Samantha.

Nathaniel couldn't help but compare both sisters. Natasha had been blond while Samantha's a chestnut brunette. Their personalities were different in every sense. Natasha, on one hand, was the jovial, high spirited type while Samantha was the quiet, strict type. Natasha's eyes were sapphire blue while Samantha's were a plain brown.

Nathaniel shook his head. He had no idea why he was comparing the sisters. He certainly must be losing his sanity.

Collecting his composure, Nathaniel trudged to the warm comfort of his room and hoped for a better tomorrow.

THE METAL SOUND of the spatula meeting the pan echoed in the kitchen as Samantha served Kenneth his favorite banana pancake, with a glass of milk beside his meal.

He murmured an immediate gentlemanly 'thanks' as he devoured the meal hungrily-so not like a gentleman.

Samantha chuckled, returning to put the frying pan back on the stove. Kenneth never ceased to keep her day going.

At six in the morning, he came knocking on her door for breakfast. She immediately sent him to brush his teeth before checking on an already awake Olivia, who showed a toothless grin instantly at the sight of Samantha.

'I could get used to the warm welcome,' Samantha thought to herself.

Footsteps running down the stairs captured Samantha's attention as she lifted her gaze to a well-dressed Nathaniel wearing a navy blue suit and shirt. As his freshly-bathed scent reached her nostrils, unfamiliar feelings stirred up her insides.

She immediately averted her gaze away from Nathaniel who kept fumbling with his cufflinks while holding his briefcase. She gently patted Olivia who burped in satisfaction.

"Good morning guys," he greeted with his deep voice, smiling softly at the sight of them.

Samantha murmured a morning while Kenneth only grinned in reply before focusing back on his pancake.

Nathaniel dropped the briefcase on the island before helping himself with a coffee, sipping in contentment with a plate of pancake.

"Mmmmmm! This is a nice pancake you made today. Thanks, Sam," he said in appreciation.

Samantha nodded. "You're resuming work today?" she asked even though she knew the answer to that already.

Nathaniel stopped eating his meal to gaze at her with guilt. "I'm sorry for not informing you of my decision."

Samantha snorted. "It's nothing. I'm not your wife that you needed to discuss such plans with me."

Nathaniel dropped the fork on the plate. "Nevertheless, I owe you that much to have told you of my plans," he countered. "I myself had no idea I would but the decision came to me last night. I thought perhaps it was time to move on from the past. I'm sorry."

She smiled at his word. "You seem to be sorry a lot lately," she teased, something she has never done in her whole life. Nathaniel kept bringing new things in her even though she had no idea what.

He had a lopsided smile, shrugging his shoulders. "What can I say but I'm guilty as charged."

A burst of short laughter escaped her lips as she shook her head at his silliness, still gently patting on a calm Olivia as she glanced briefly at Kenneth who never took note of what was happening in his surroundings.

Nathaniel returned back to finish his meal. "I hope you don't mind but after work, my brothers and I will be heading to a basketball court so I'll likely be late for dinner." He stood up picking his briefcase.

Samantha could still remember Nathaniel's brothers, Dylan and James. Very handsome men she must say, both tall which they likely got from the Carter gene. Dylan's married with a son, while James was still single-even though he was the second son of Anna and Dalton. Nathaniel was the eldest.

She could still remember Nathaniel having two sisters, Selena and Rhoda who were both married to lovely men, blessed with children.

Samantha's heart clenched at the thought of never having a family such as theirs. Her past relationships had always been failures due to her introverted lifestyle.

"It's about time you start stepping out of your mourning shell. You deserved better than that."

Nathaniel smiled gratefully. "I'll be heading off." He kissed Kenneth's head. He went around the island to do the same to Olivia before heading out of the house.

Samantha on the other hand stood stiff like a statue taking in Nathaniel's actions as her whole body became hot and tingling unfamiliarly with a reddened cheek.

He had kissed her at the cheek without hesitation.

Unconsciously Samantha held onto her cheek.

'What does that mean?'