14. Family Drama #3
With those words, silence fell between them, thick and heavy.
After a long moment, he nodded at Ash. He felt a wave of respect that he never expected to feel for Ash Blackworth.
Not much, but still. More than he ever thought he could feel for the man who ignored his flower's suffering.
Ignorance was not an excuse, but his contrition was something.
He turned away, focusing back on the ceremony below.
Letting himself enjoy the moment again. Nothing was going to ruin this day.
He looked toward the archway, envisioning Iris there, clad in white, a vision of innocence he'd stain forever with his claim. He reveled in the knowledge that she was his to protect, to possess.
"It was wise not to invite them," Ash's words intruded once more. Nash felt a streak of irritation flare up. Why was he still here?
"They will be lucky if they ever see their daughter again. I have no faith in their goodwill." Nash growled, letting a small amount of his irritation bleed into his words.
Ash, apparently oblivious to his anger, opened his mouth to continue on with his pointless drivel.
But before he could say a word, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted them.
They both turned to take in who was intruding on them.
Nash let out a sigh of resignation as he took in Holly and his father coming their way.
Two people he would rather not speak with.
Holly's approach was tentative, her usual confidence undercut by a nervous tremor in her step.
No doubt caused by the man beside her. Jameson Nash cut an imposing figure, his sharp gaze barely concealing the undercurrent of disapproval as he scrutinized the scene before him.
Of course, nothing was ever good enough for his father.
As a child, Nash was told that he would need to climb the ladder in the network he was born in.
It would be unacceptable for him to just accept what the world gave him.
The family expected him to have ambition.
To drive the family name to new heights.
That was a lesson that was beaten into his very skin.
Apparently, his father never expected him to take to those lessons so well. But he did. He excelled at them. Climbed higher than anyone thought possible. And even that was not good enough.
Because now? Now he was the overly ambitious son who had no time for his family. No matter what he did with his life, he had long ago accepted that he would do nothing but disappoint the man you fathered him. Luckily, he also decided long ago that he didn't need his father's approval.
Now, the tables were turned. He had climbed so high, it was his father who needed his approval.
Jameson Nash might try to fight it, but his son had surpassed him in every way.
Nash stared him down as he took the final step onto the terrace with Ash and him.
They were together in the same room for the first time in two years.
"For a moment, I felt some small measure of excitement when you finally deigned to give your old man a call.
But, as always, my overly ambitious son exceeded all of my expectations.
" The words were bitter, the meaning clear to Nash.
One glance at Iris's siblings and it was clear it went over their heads.
"Father, glad you could make it." Nash ignored the jab all together. It wasn't worth the energy to fight him.
"I heard you were finally able to tame your wild little minx," Jameson muttered with a dismissive tap on Nash's shoulder.
"Now that she is done setting up her little charity, she's finally ready to join the family.
" The words sparked irritation within Nash, a flare of rage that he beat down into submission.
He would not commit patricide on his wedding day.
But after that? Well, he'd just have to see where life takes him.
It was a struggle, though. Looking at the smug smirk on his father's face as he snidely insulted Iris made him want to cut it off. He never supported his engagement to Iris. Feeling they would climb more easily within the Umbra if he just agreed to marry one of the others members' daughters.
Jokes on him, though. Nash climbed all the way to the top without having to sell himself.
All that was required was some bloodshed.
And he left his father on the outskirts of the network.
Jameson and all his old cronies were pushed out, in favor of younger, more ambitious sons. He had no time for disloyalty.
The overly chipper voice of Marissa broke the tense encounter.
"Places, everyone!" The wedding planner's voice sliced through the tension, her clipboard held tightly before her. "The bride is ready."
Nash's anger was swiftly transformed into anticipation. He turned, his blue eyes scanning the horizon where he would take her as his wife. Everything looked perfect. The setting sun cast a fiery glow over the ceremony. Iris's wedding day would be perfect. He'd made sure of it.