The room fell into silence as awkwardness settled among the three people. Victoria looked between Xavier and Nicole. Her mind was spinning with so many questions. Nicole looked at Xavier, he was wearing an impassive expression, she could not tell what he was thinking.
"You guys are related? I would have never guessed", Nicole said with a laugh.
"What are the odds of that?" Xavier said in a flat tone.
"R-Right? But now that I'm seeing you two in one room, I can see the resemblance", she pointed between the mother and son and nodded a little vigorously.
A laugh was heard. It sounded more like a soft chuckle with a hint of amusement. Everyone turned to a smile on Zach's face with his gaze peeled on Amy. His right elbow was resting on the table and he rested his fist against his cheek while he looked at his wife adoringly.
Amy made to smack his thigh but he caught her hand and kissed the back of it making her blush. She felt embarrassed not just because he was holding her hand in front of everyone but because he had seen her through.
She had picked up on the insincerity in Nicole's words and tone at her 'surprise' in Victoria's relation to Xavier. The gossiper in her had been activated. She may not have contributed much to the book club's scandalous story time but she was always intrigued. This time, she detected how fake Nicole sounded.
Anyone could see that Xavier's face was a clone of his mother's except it was more masculine. And how many influential families with the surname Frost were there in New York. But decided not to judge. She didn't know full well the details of their relationship nor what Nicole was thinking. She should mind her own business.
She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't realize Zach had caught the amused expression and the furrow of her brows. He could practically guess what she was thinking which led to him laughing.
"Nevermind them", Victoria walked up to Nicole and hooked an arm around hers. "Join us for breakfast."
"Is that okay, Xavier?" She asked with uncertainty.
His distant mask shattered and he resumed to his friendly self. "Sure, come have a seat."
Nicole felt herself relax before she let Victoria walk her over. She settled her next to Xavier before she went back to her seat.
"Nicole, I'd like you to meet my brother Zach, my sister-in-law Amy, and Henry, my father. You already know my mom", he said with a small smile.
"Hello", she said with a polite smile.
Both Zach and Henry simultaneously gave her a curt nod without sparing her a glance. Amy gave her a tight-lipped smile. Nicole felt overwhelmed to be surrounded by such good looking people and the great man Zach. It was like being invited to dine with the King of Kings. He was not paying attention to her but she could not help but feel intimidated.
"Edmund", Zach called out and the man was quick to rush to his side.
"Sir."
"Have the kitchen prepare something and bring it up to our room."
"Right away."
He appreciated his mother's gesture but Amy needed to stomach something edible. And he was not sure Amy would be comfortable dining with someone she's not familiar with. Xavier had not said anything to him yet. Zach won't trust anyone until given reason to unless the person is Amy or his family; those were the only exceptions. While Edmund left to carry out the order, Zach turned to his mother.
"Excuse us", he said.
"Thanks Mom. And thank you for this", Amy also appreciated the kind gesture.
"No, I'm sorry. I just wanted.."
"Don't worry mom, it's okay. Please excuse us, Xavier, Dad", she looked at them as she addressed them. Then she turned to Nicole and gave her a small smile before she left with Zach.
"Well, I'm done here", Henry announced before he wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "Enjoy yourselves. Darling, don't stay out too late."
Victoria wanted to glare at him but she forced a smile and said, "Yes."
Henry patted Xavier's shoulder before going his way. He didn't have to turn around to see the cold glint in Xavier's eyes from that gesture. They had a long way to go with their relationship. It wasn't just his wife he had a lot of making up to but his youngest son as well. He sighed at this thought.
Meanwhile, Mona had put her best friend up to the usual: covering for her. She was knocking on Ian's door as early as 8 a.m. She softly knocked a few times. Getting no response, her soft knocks became harsh. The next door flew open revealing an angry neighbor.
"Just leave, he might not be there! We're trying to sleep here!" He snapped.
Mona rolled her eyes and took out her spare key. Yes, she had one just in case for such a scenario or when she needs to sneak in on him. She swiftly unlocked the door and the strong smell of alcohol wafted to her nose immediately she stepped in. Her face scrunched up in disgust and she held a finger to her nose.
She walked in and found Ian passed out in his own vomit. She went over and softly kicked his side. He groaned in response.
"Ian", she kicked him again.
He finally stirred before she could kick him again. He looked up and cursed under his breath. The light was blinding and he didn't expect her visit.
"What are you doing here?" He asked with a groan as he forced himself up from the floor.
"So it's true?" She sighed. Annoyance was spelt on her face.
"What's true?" He moved to go to the bathroom.
She was hot on his heels not wanting to leave his side as she voiced her annoyance. "This is what you've resorted to because she left?"
Ian said nothing. He was about to close the door in her face but she was quick to push herself in.
"Mona!" He snapped.
"Answer the damn question!"
"There's nothing to talk about!"
"So that's it? You're going to avoid things? Is that it?"
He let out a tired sigh, "Leave me alone Mona."
"I won't leave you alone because this is unfair. Your behavior is disrespectful and unfair to me. Don't expect me to stay still and do nothing!"
"Why would you? Are we anything to each other? All we have is sex and drugs and nothing more! That's all there is between us! So you can keep your opinion to yourself! The door is open, use it."
"Ian! If I walk away, it's over!" She warned.
He scoffed. He had no time to deal with such drama. He pushed her out of the door causing her to stumble, but she didn't fall. She opened her mouth to speak but he shut the door in her face. What followed was the sound of his door locking and soon followed the sound of his shower running.
It was over. Their relationship was over. And this was all because of Emily Standford. She was finally out of the picture but this is what she gets. It was over.
Demi was right when she called her about Ian drowning himself in alcohol. She should have known that this would all be what their relationship would mount to. It had no definition whatsoever.
For solace, she called the one person she knew could help her.
"Demi, I need your help... Let's call those guys..... It can't end like this!"
She hang up the phone with her chest rising and falling in anger. It can't end like this. Now all she needed to do was ask those peoplw for help. She was sure they would help. They had gotten rid of Louise after all. Emily should be an easy target. Yes. It's over for her.
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