AN:/Here is chapter 13. I have noticed that I'm combining the dialogues with monologues. I don't know if it was the best idea. Tell me what you think. Nathan is getting his own chapter, which is long overdue. Enjoy the new chapter, guys.

Chapter 13: Break up and New Job

Today was not a good day for our dear friend, Nathan. His alarm clock didn't go off at the right time, Una kept blowing up his phone, he was almost late for work, and someone broke his desk and computer so that Nathan couldn't do anything. Gower yelled at him for not going to a meeting for him when the client was canceled. Una surprised him by asking for gifts that he couldn't even afford, like Lamborghini, a yacht, or for some reason, a monkey. The stress of dating Una and working for Gower was getting to him. Nathan didn't know what to do. Sure there were perks of working with your girlfriend's father, he had more vacation days than most, but the pay was so small that any business owner would laugh. Nathan wished he listened to Alys when she warned him about working for Gower.

Because of his stupid and needing a job was too strong for him to pass up. Now, after so many years, he finally understood. Gower was a horrible boss and wasn't a great business owner. He wasn't even a great listener. Nathan has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Business Management, and Economics and two Masters degrees in World Languages and Computer Science. Instead of doing what he was qualified for. Gower put him in as a call representative and a stand-in for him when Gower can't make it to a meeting, which causes problems for Nathan since he's never informed about what needs to be discussed. It was tiring, and Nathan couldn't take it anymore. He broke from all the pressure Gower placed on him, and he didn't know when he would snap.

The other thing that was bothering Nathan was that he found out that Una had been cheating on him for two years. The first time he found out about it was when Nathan came home. He went into his room to see Una and another guy having sex in his bed. They didn't notice him when Nathan was in there or when he left. Nathan never asked or mentioned what he saw to Una since that day. Instead, he downloaded an app on his phone that showed him all the text messages from Una's phone that he was paying for. Sadly, he found out that Una has been cheating on him with numerous guys since they started dating. Here he thought their relationship was good except for the moments where Una treated Alys like dirt or when she embarrasses him on their dates, but still good. It was all a lie. Nathan thought he was a great boyfriend to her. He bought her whatever she wanted sometimes but gave her all of his attention. Sure, they never had sex, and he would only give her pecks on the cheek, trying to be a gentleman like his parents taught, but that didn't stop her from cheating on her. Nathan's whole behavior changed with Una after that. Una didn't notice the change and kept going along like he was oblivious about her actions. It was one reason why he moved out of Saint Toby's and why she doesn't know where he lived or ever came over. Nathan did feel guilty, leaving Risa and Alys there. Still, Nathan wanted a brand new start because he didn't need to be reminded of his girlfriend being with another guy in his house. Even the girls did understand and visit him when they could. He was thankful that he didn't have sex with her since Una might have sexual diseases.

It was noon, and Nathan left the building to get something to eat down the street. The place was where Alys, Risa, and he would always go to in the old days, but they stopped going because Nathan could only go to places Una wanted to eat at. He was glad that he had great friends who wouldn't leave him because he was dating. They still go to the place, but only when Una is on vacation with her family. He got a text from Risa to meet them there to talk about what happened to Alys. He got worried and tried not to run out of the place. Nathan opened the door to leave but saw Una walking up the stairs. She saw and smiled while flipping her hair. He really didn't want to see her at the moment. All he wanted was food, peace, and quiet, but Nathan knew he wouldn't get that today.

"Hey babe, are you heading out without me?" Una asked.

"I'm just getting a quick bite. Why?" Nathan replied, hoping she would go inside to talk with her father and not him. He had to meet his best friends at the restaurant, and he wished she would get to the point.

"Oh, well, I wanted to talk to you."

"Really? Can it wait for later, or is it important to tell me now?"

"It's important," Una said, shocked by his disinterest.

"Well, what is it?"

"I want to break up with you."

"Okay, is that all?" Nathan asked. He knew he was rude, but he didn't care. Nathan took everything he could from Una and couldn't take the abuse anymore.

"Well, yeah," she replied. Una was again shocked at how Nathan was acting. She thought he would beg her not to dump him and ask why, but he wasn't playing the part. He was indifferent and looked uninterested.

"Good. Now, if you would excuse me, I'm hungry and would like to eat." Nathan started to walk away from her when she stopped him by grabbing his arm.

"Why are you acting like this?" she demanded.

"Like what?"

"Like you don't care. I expected more of a reaction out of you but not like this?"

"Look, Una. We have been dating for two years, and you have been cheating on me the whole time. Yeah, I found out. Was I disappointed and sad? Yes, but it made me realize that you didn't deserve me. I was a man good for you. I gave you everything you wanted when I could afford it. You only cared about material things and not about me or my feelings, but I had to care about yours. I took the disrespect, the verbal and mental abuse, and the brattiness this whole time, and now I can't deal with it anymore. I'm sorry that I wasn't the guy you wanted. I'm sorry for being a gentleman, but I do hope you find someone that can treat you the way you want to be treated since I'm not that guy, apparently. Have a nice life, Una," Nathan answered.

He removed her hold on him and left her there in shock. He didn't look back and felt so much lighter and freer. Nathan knew that he would get fired today, and for once, he didn't care. He already hated the job and would feel even more unconstraint to be away from that family. His stuff was destroyed, so he couldn't pack up, which was okay with him. Nathan made it to the restaurant and saw his best girlfriends at a table waiting for him. Risa already ordered for him, so he came just in time.

"Hey, girls! I'm sorry that I'm late. Una stopped me on the way here," he explained.

"Hi Nate, what did she want?" they asked him. Alys took a sip of her water and popped a pill in her mouth. Risa put the medicine back in Alys' bag and placed their attention on Nathan.

"She broke up with me."

"Really?" Alys asked. She knew that Nathan did care for Una, but it all stopped when he found out she was cheating on him. Alys was worried that he might crash from the emotional feelings of being broken up, but he seemed fine. Nathan looked happy, and for that, she was delighted for him. Risa was ecstatic that Una and Nathan broke up. Since middle school, she has been in love with Nathan but continued being his friend when he started dating Una. She did date, other guys, hoping to get over her feelings for him, but that didn't work out. Now, he's single and needed freedom from relationships for a while. Still, Risa knew that she would have to wait for him to notice her. He just got dumped and needed his friends and not be in another relationship, so she would respect his decision until he was ready.

"Yeah, but it was bound to happen one of these days. I'm just glad that it happened now instead of later. I did tell Una about finding out about her cheating on me, though."

"How'd she take it?" Risa asked, stirring her drink.

"She didn't take it well. I did a reverse uno play on her since she expected me to ask her why and beg to stay together." Alys and Risa both laughed. "She might be talking with her father right now about firing me, but I don't care. I was miserable at that job. That and I already applied at another company. I snagged an interview with them tomorrow with way better money and benefits." His phone dinged to signal him that he got a text message. Nathan checked it, and it was from Gower. His suspicion was correct. He was fired. Over a text message but fired none of the less. He put it away and paid his attention to his girls.

"That's great! I hope you get it."

"Same. Now, enough about me. What happened to you, Alys? Risa texted me about your condition and said we needed to talk, so spill."

"She did now, did she?" Alys seethed, glaring at Risa. "Why did you do that, Risa? I'm fine."

"But Alys, we do need to talk about this. The screaming fit you had in the office today and you get out of the hospital isn't fine," Risa retorted. The waiter came back with their food, and the gang started digging in slowly to talk still.

"Wait, you were in the hospital again? For what?" Nathan asked worriedly.

"Gower and his little minion of a family, that's what," Risa answered before Alys could deny it.

"Why don't you leave? You're old enough now to get your own place and see what was in your father's will. Why stay with that man and his family beating you up all the time?" Nathan turned to Risa and asked, "What were the damages?" She handed him the folder, and he started reading it over.

"I can't. I have to stay until I'm 21 or get married. Right now, I'm getting the latter of the deal. I have to stick it out," Alys explained, taking a painful bite of her fish.

"I don't like this, Alys. You should've let us call the police when this first happened," Nathan sighed, still reading, "Our parents would love to have you in our home and raise you like their own."

"Exactly. We would take good care of you. Instead, you stay with that family who did nothing but destroy your reputation in our little town and beat you up senseless," Risa agreed.

"What do you want me to do? I can't fight them off because all it will do is make my punishments more severe, and they'll be more creative."

"Unlike it is now? Alys, you could be dead soon if this keeps going," Risa said, getting angry. She knew that Alys was right about them making her punishments more severe, but now Risa felt like Alys was making excuses for them, and she didn't like it one bit. "Stop protecting them and start thinking about yourself."

"I am…" Alys said.

"Yes, you are," Risa gritted. "All you have been doing is protecting them. When was the last time you had time with yourself, huh? Don't mention when we leave the county to go to competitions and branding."

"You're really not Alys," Nathan agreed. He was furious after reading the contents in the folder and glared at his best friend. Nathan couldn't believe how Alys was surviving all of these beatings from Gower and his family. Also, Nathan felt guilty because he was dating the person who was hurting his best friend and sending her to the hospital. "How could you protect them when they're doing this to you. How about I read this to you. A broken right arm and leg. Multiple cuts, bruises, and burn marks. Contusions on the head and ribs and the list go on and on. Now, please tell me how you're' not protecting them." Alys was silent. She never saw Nathan glare at her before, and she was getting scared of his energy. Alys started to shake in her seat and hanged her head to hide her fear.

"Alys, we can't take this anymore," Risa said calmly, noticing the change in Alys' body language and shaking with fear. She turned to see Nathan glaring at Alys, and Risa knew that Alys was scared. Risa tapped Nathan on his leg to signal him to cool down, which he did pretty quickly because he also noticed the change. "We care about you and want to see you alive. Not dead in the ground."

"Right. I don't want to get that call and hear you're dead. I want you alive, happy, and to see my future nieces and nephews," Nathan agreed, trying to make her laugh. It worked. She let out a little giggle. Nathan got up and pulled his chair next to Alys and gave her a reassuring hug. "I'm sorry for getting angry and scaring you, also, for dating and working for your abusers. You're so important to me. You both are, and I hate that my sisters and best friends are getting hurt, and I don't like that. I'm going to be there like I have always been. You're going to hear more from me from now on, okay?" Alys nodded, wiping tears from her face, and she returned his hug.

"Same goes over with me," Risa agreed. She also joined in on the hug and let a few tears flow as well. Both Nathan and Risa couldn't afford to lose Alys. She was an essential part of their small family, and they couldn't see a life without her.

"Thank you two. I guess there is something positive about all of this," Alys cried.

"What is that ?" Nathan and Risa both asked.

"I am leaving them by marriage, so I won't be dealing with them anymore when that happens."

"True. That's the only thing I can agree on is this marriage. You won't be living with Gower anymore."

With all the tears wiped away, they finished up their lunch and went on a lighter conversation. They laughed and ate their fill until it was time to go. Nathan gets his hugs from the girls, and he told Alys to make sure to take all of her meds and reminded Risa to keep him updated on Alys. He wanted to stay up to date on everything since he's free from negativity and stress. After promising they would, they left to go back to work, and Nathan went back to his old job to get in his car and go home.

Interview Day

Nathan was rummaging through the papers in his portfolio, making sure that he had everything. This was a massive opportunity for him and to score a job that goes with his expertise. He sighed and placed the folder on the table to lean back in his chair. Glancing up at the ceiling, Nathan began to calm down. He was just nervous and didn't want to lose this chance. His alarm went off, warning him about his meeting with his hopefully new boss. Nathan got up, grabbed his keys, and left his house. He arrived at the building and started getting apprehensive. The size of the building was huge and felt like it was looking down on you for trespassing. The building was much larger than Gower's. Taking in a deep breath, Nathan soaked in the sunshine and the fresh air to help calm him down. It did affect him and gave him some confidence for a while. Nathan got out of his car and headed inside to attend his funeral or a new life. The inside of the building gave off different energy than it did on the outside. It was more welcoming and clean. It wasn't too bright, but it did look like a business Nathan always wanted to see. The main entrance was filled with people walking and chatting with each other, smiling, some were having a disagreement, but it was haughty. Everyone seemed friendly and open to new changes. He took in one more breath and went up to the receptionist's desk.

"Hello, excuse me. My name is Nathan Chalieu. I'm here for an appointment with the owner," Nathan greeted.

The receptionist smiled at him and typed up his name in the system. "Welcome, Mr. Chalieu, you're expected upstairs on floor 23. I hope your appointment is successful."

"Thank you, and so do I." Nathan smiled at the receptionist and followed her instructions. He took the elevator to the 23rd floor. When he arrived on the floor, a nice-looking man was waiting for him. The man was dressed in a lovely sky blue suit, his hair was a slick flowy black, his eyes were a bright dark auburn, and his skin was a dark olive. Nathan felt intimidated by this man, but instead, he paid more attention to the man's aura. He was calm and exuded confidence.

"Hello, Mr. Chalieu, my name is Aventio. I'm here to escort you to the boss. If you, please follow me." Aventio turned and started walking forward with Nathan behind him. This floor wasn't quite busy like the floor before. There were different rooms with people in it, discussing whatever needed to be addressed and working on projects. He saw a lot of teamwork while following Aventio. Nathan never had to work in teams at Gower's business. It was encouraged, but here it was a must to get the best results. Now, Nathan was getting excited. He always wanted to do stuff like this, and he might be getting it. He had to score this job. They arrived at a door, and all the nervousness was starting to kick in again.

"Here we are," Aventio said. He knocked on the door, and Nathan heard a smooth sounding voice saying 'come in.' Aventio opened the door and let Nathan go in, then trailed right after him. Aventio walked past Nathan towards the desk and stood next to a black twirl recliner. Aventio motioned for Nathan to take a seat, and Aventio cleared his throat to get his boss' attention.

"The next applicant is here, sir."

The chair twirled, and there sat Selendrile in all of his glory. He was wearing a nice maroon suit, and his hair was in a ponytail. He gave off a boss air and meant business. Selendrile surveyed him up and down to size Nathan up. Selendrile opened the folder that was in front of him and glanced it over before answering.

"Welcome to Selndrile's Karmashade. I'm Selendrile Presd'eaux, the President of this company. I have glanced over your credentials, and I'm quite curious about why you choose my company? Speak your piece on why I should choose you to join my company?" Selendrile demanded. He leaned forward on his desk, awaiting Nathan's answer.

"Based on my credentials, I would be the best candidate for your company. I could be a big help to you. I'm well versed in the mainstream on what's going on economically in the business world. I know nine different languages, so if you seek to open accounts or build a new business abroad, I'm the man. I have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and a Masters in Computer Science.," explained Nathan. He kept on selling himself and noticed that Selendrile listened while he was reading. It seemed like Nathan was impressing Selendrile, and he became more confident.

"I see, but I do see here that you used to work for Gower. I do remember meeting you at my fiancee Alys and Risas' store with his daughter, Una. If you don't mind me asking, why did you come here? Are you here to spy on me, or are you really here for a job."

"No, I'm not spying for him. He fired me yesterday since Una dumped me, and I was already planning on leaving that establishment for months now. While working with him, I was mostly a call representative and a stand-in for him when Gower couldn't make it to a meeting. The verbal and emotional abuse was too much to handle for me, and he didn't use me based on my expertise. I will admit, I did take the job because I needed one. At the time, the vacation benefits were amazing, but the pay was ridiculous. I'm here of my own free will and want to do something that I love. Please give me a chance," Nathan demanded. He really wanted this job, and he didn't want his ex-employer to mess that up for him. Wait, fiancee? He's interviewing with Alys' fiancee? This was his first time meeting him face to face, and Nathan didn't see why Risa said she didn't trust him.

"I see. Well, hearing that you are here for the right reason is making this easier for me. Gower is a terrible business owner, so I can see how you became so miserable. I do have a Biochemistry department that needs someone like you, and I have two different positions for you, if you want it," Selendrile sold.

"Of course, what are the jobs?"

"One, do you know how to hack?"

"Yes, and I know how to code as well."

"Good, the other one is my personal advisor when it comes to Alys."

"A personal advisor on Alys? What do you mean?" Nathan asked skeptically what this guy was asking of him. He didn't know what Selendrile was getting at, and he didn't like it.

"I mean this, I don't know Alys very well, and dealing with Risa can be difficult since we go head to head and dislike each other. I want a guy who knows Alys and can give me advice on what I should do. This is why I'm giving you this job. You have grown up with Alys and Risa, so you know them the best. Now, are you up for it, or do you just want the other jobs?" Selendrile explained. Nathan listened and understood why Selendrile would want to have a guy like him who does know Alys as Risa does. He wouldn't mind helping but not as a job.

"I will accept, but I don't feel right being paid to give you advice on how to deal with Alys," Nathan honestly said, "I'll don't feel comfortable."

"You won't be getting paid for it. I might pay you for watching the stocks since you have the experience, but when it comes to this, I won't pay for something this personal."

"Oh, then I'll take the jobs, sir," Nathan accepted.

"Welcome to the team. You start tomorrow. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask me, Aventio, or any other employees. It was a pleasure meeting you personally."

"Thank you, and the same goes for you." Nathan stood up and shook Selendrile's hand before leaving the room. All the nerves were gone, and all was left was pure excitement. He got the job and couldn't wait to start, but right now, he wanted to celebrate, so he texted Risa and Alys to tell them he got a job and to come over to help him celebrate his new career.

In Selendrile's Office

"Did you plan this from the start, sir?" Aventio asked. He has been around Selendrile for a long time and knew when he was planning something.

"I can use him for advice on how to deal with Alys. I might rub this in Gower's face. Still, he is an excellent candidate for our Biochemistry department and for hacking into other business systems to spy on their progress and such. Still, I don't play when someone's feelings are involved," Selendrile explained to him. Aventio nodded and went silent. Selendrile was right. Nathan has potential in this company, which was the best time to accept him. Aventio has never met Alys, but he could tell she was getting his employer. He just didn't know if it was bad or good. Aventio needed to watch her and his employer's actions before he could judge honestly.

AN/ Nathan finally is free from Una and Gower and is now working for Selendrile. This will be edited next time. I hope you guys have a Merry Christmas and staying healthy during this time. Review, please, and thank you.