The Ties of Fate

The next morning, Nathan and Kelvin left the house after sharing some laughter over a playful conversation about how Nathan might one day propose to Elena. Kelvin, ever the joker, suggested dramatic ideas like proposing with a hot air balloon or hiring an orchestra.

"Kelvin, you've watched too many romantic comedies," Nathan said, shaking his head as they got into the car.

"You're just scared I'll give you better ideas than you've got," Kelvin teased with a grin.

At the office, Kelvin, true to his lively and mischievous nature, wasted no time reconnecting with his favorite gossip duo, Sharon and Jessie.

The two women acted as if they were delivering files to Kelvin whenever Nathan was nearby. Once they confirmed Nathan was in his office, they would sit comfortably in Kelvin's office, talking animatedly about everything that had happened at work during the years Kelvin was in Australia.

"I swear, Mr. Kelvin, you won't believe how strict President Reed was last year," Jessie whispered.

"Strict? Try terrifying," Sharon added with a shiver. "But now he's all smiles and soft looks. Wonder why."

Kelvin smirked. "I think I know who's behind that smile," he teased, causing Sharon and Jessie to burst into giggles.

They continued their gossip marathon throughout the day, only pausing briefly whenever Nathan's shadow loomed near the office door.

By evening, Nathan, already suspecting where Sharon and Jessie would be, decided to check on Kelvin's office. He walked silently to the door and found Thomas already there, eavesdropping and grinning at the lively conversation inside.

Nathan leaned in close behind Thomas and whispered, "Enjoying their sweet conversation, Mr. Thomas?"

Thomas, still absorbed, replied in a low voice, "Yes, idiot, but keep your voice down. President Reed must not see us."

The moment the words left his mouth, realization struck him. He froze, turning slowly to see Nathan standing behind him with a playful smirk.

Thomas stammered, his voice shaky. "S-Sir… I-I was just—"

Nathan's smile widened. "Oh, don't bother. You've been caught red-handed."

Panicking, Thomas pretended to faint, dramatically leaning against the wall.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Stand up in one second, or you're fired."

Thomas shot to his feet like a soldier. "Sir, I'm ready for my punishment."

Nathan chuckled. "Stay here. I'll deal with you later."

Nathan opened the door to Kelvin's office, catching Sharon, Jessie, and Kelvin mid-gossip.

"Ah," Nathan said, stepping inside.

The two women shrieked and ducked under Kelvin's desk in a futile attempt to hide.

Nathan calmly sat down, crossing his legs. "Sharon, Jessie, come out now, or you're fired."

Kelvin widened his eyes, gesturing nervously to his brother. "Nathan, it's not what it looks like—"

Ignoring him, Nathan waited as Sharon and Jessie slowly emerged, their faces pale with guilt.

"We're sorry, sir," Sharon stammered.

Kelvin quickly jumped in. "It's my fault. I called them here to ask a few questions."

Nathan raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. He stood, his expression firm, but before he could say anything, Kelvin blurted, "In the name of Elena, forgive them!"

Nathan froze, his stern expression softening instantly. With a playful groan, he grabbed a pillow from a nearby chair and tossed it at Kelvin.

"You're lucky you mentioned her name," Nathan muttered, cracking a smile.

Sharon and Jessie, sensing they were off the hook, hurriedly thanked Nathan and darted out of the office.

After they left, Nathan turned to Kelvin. "Why did you use Elena's name?"

Kelvin grinned. "Because she's the only one who can calm you down these days."

Nathan rolled his eyes, picked up another pillow, and chased Kelvin around the office.

After a long day, Nathan instructed Thomas to prepare his car and head home.

"I'll punish you tomorrow for your little performance," Nathan teased.

Thomas saluted mockingly but sighed internally, knowing he wasn't off the hook.

At home, Nathan and Kelvin relaxed in the living room. Kelvin reclined on the couch, still laughing about the day's events.

"Hey, Kelvin," Nathan said, his tone softer. "I was thinking about Aria."

Kelvin's expression shifted, his grin turning fond. "You miss her, don't you?"

Nathan nodded. "It's been too long. Let's call her."

Nathan pulled out his phone and started a video call.

"Hey, baby chaos," Nathan greeted as soon as Aria's face appeared on the screen.

Aria's high-pitched scream echoed through the call. "Nathan! I told you not to call me that!"

Kelvin leaned into the frame. "Hey, baby chaos! Don't tell me you don't miss me."

Aria's mock anger dissolved into a smile. "I miss you, Kelvin. But why didn't you tell me you were back?"

Kelvin laughed. "Because I wanted to surprise you. Come to the US, and I'll take you shopping to make up for it."

Aria's eyes lit up. "Really? Fine, I'll book a flight for tomorrow."

The three of them shared laughter and jokes, reminiscing about old times and teasing each other like happy siblings. Before hanging up, they promised to catch up properly when she arrived.

After dinner and a shower, Nathan retreated to his room. Picking up his phone, he dialed Elena's number.

"Hey, Nathan," she answered, her voice bright.

"Hey, Elena," Nathan replied, his tone warm. "How was your day?"

"It was good. How about yours?"

"Busy," Nathan admitted. "But hearing your voice makes it better."

They talked for over an hour, sharing laughter and stories about their day. Toward the end of the conversation, Nathan asked, "Will you visit me tomorrow?"

Elena hesitated. "I'll be at the café most of the day. Maybe after work?"

Nathan smiled. "That's fine. Just let me know when you're free."

They ended the call with promises to see each other soon, both feeling lighter as they drifted off to sleep. 

The next day, Nathan decided to take the day off to prepare for Aria's arrival. At breakfast, he informed Thomas and Mr. Jude, his trusted director, to handle the company in his absence.

"I won't be in today," Nathan said as he sipped his coffee. "Thomas, coordinate with Mr. Jude and make sure everything runs smoothly."

Thomas nodded. "Consider it done, sir."

With that settled, Nathan and Kelvin focused on preparing the house for Aria.

Nathan, Kelvin, and the maids worked tirelessly, decorating the house with colorful ribbons and floral arrangements. Nathan wanted everything to be perfect for his little sister's visit.

"Do we need this many balloons?" Kelvin asked, holding an armful of them.

"Yes," Nathan replied firmly. "Aria loves balloons."

Kelvin smirked. "She also loves sleeping.

Nathan didn't respond, focused on arranging the table filled with Aria's favorite treats.

After hours of preparation, Nathan decided to call Aria to check on her flight status.

"Baby chaos, where are you now?" Nathan asked as soon as she picked up.

The screen revealed Aria still in her bed, bundled in blankets with her hair a mess. Kelvin leaned in and burst into laughter.

"Is she… still in bed?" Kelvin asked between chuckles.

Nathan's brows furrowed. "Aria, what's going on? Why are you still in bed? You should be at the airport!"

Aria blinked sleepily at them, clearly caught off guard. "Uh… I… I have malaria."

Kelvin doubled over with laughter, clutching his stomach. "Malaria? That's the best you've got, baby chaos?"

Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to contain his frustration. "Aria, do you even have a flight booked?"

Aria avoided his gaze, her guilty expression giving her away. "I'm sorry, Nathan! I'll come next week, I promise!"

Nathan sighed and hung up the call without another word.

Nathan stormed off to his room, fuming. Kelvin, however, followed him, laughing uncontrollably.

"Big bro, you should've known better," Kelvin teased. "Baby chaos will always disappoint."

Nathan turned sharply. "Kelvin, shut up."

Kelvin grinned. "I can't. This is too good. I told you she wasn't coming."

Nathan rolled his eyes, his frustration mounting as Kelvin continued to laugh. "Why don't you go and laugh somewhere else?"

"Because this is more fun," Kelvin replied, following Nathan into his room.

Nathan instructed the maids to clear all the decorations and remove the food from the table. He slumped onto his bed, exhausted and annoyed.

Kelvin, still amused, plopped down on a nearby chair. "So, what's the plan now, big bro? Moping around all day?"

Nathan glared at him but then smirked. "we're going out tonight. We'll visit Elena at the café during her closing time."

Kelvin's face lit up. "Now that's a plan I can get behind! I'd love to see Katrina again."

Nathan groaned. "Kelvin, for the last time, her name is Elena, not Katrina."

Kelvin waved him off. "Whatever you say, big bro. But you can't deny the resemblance."

Nathan grabbed a small stick from the corner of his room and stood up, pointing it at Kelvin. "Keep calling her Katrina, and I'll make sure you regret it."

Kelvin laughed, standing up and pretending to defend himself with an imaginary shield. "You can't catch me!"

Nathan charged at him with the stick, chasing him around the room as their laughter echoed through the house.

That evening, as the frustration of the day faded, the Reed brothers looked forward to their visit to the café, with Nathan hoping to see Elena's smile to brighten his mood.