Burning Passion

CHAPTER 286: HARRY WHOM YOU LOVE

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It was Steven, who rushed to her side to comfort his mother. "Well, as you could see Mama. I didn't forget to tell you that Nina is now my girlfriend." 

"Hmm..." Mely turned her head at Nina, she smiled at and nodded in satisfaction. Of course, she loves Nina to be her daughter-in-law, but she could feel that something is not right here. 

Mely looks around. Her eyes caught two teenagers peeking in the hallway that leads toward the guest rooms and Theater Room. She asked, "Who are they?" 

Before any of them could answer, Seth stepped out and introduced himself while bowing. 

"Hello, brother Harry and brother Steven's parents and grandparents and sister Nina's parents. My name is Seth Lindsey! At your service!" 

Mely laughs, Dona giggled along with Nina. Dona thinks he is a funny young man. Harry shakes his head. He grabbed Seth by the shoulder, he proudly told them, "He is helping me to clean the mansion while the servants are away. He also accompanied me when Steven went to England." 

"I see. Thank you for taking care of my son." With a warm smile on her face, Mely told Seth, "I will reward you later." 

"Are you taking me shopping like brother Harry? Sister Nina promised me too because it was my birthday yesterday!" 

Hearing this, Kristina and Lucy dropped their jaws while Nina continued giggling, which shocked Steven looking at Seth, dumbfounded. "You are so shameless!" 

Well, Mely only smiled and nodded, "Okay. Let me buy you something after I take a rest and my jet lag is over."

Seth couldn't hide his excitement. He glanced at Nina and raised a thumb.

Nina laughed and nodded at the guy. Seth could ease the tension that was throbbing in her chest. 

"No problem, brother Harry's mother!" he said afterward.

"Aunt… just call me, Aunt Mely."

Widening his eyes, Seth bowed, "Thank you, Aunt Mely!" Then he whispered at Harry. "Brother Harry, you adopted me. Shouldn't I call your mother, Mama too?" 

His voice is loud enough. It shocked Jerome to hear this, Steven blurted out jokingly. "You shut up! When did we adopt you!?" 

"Brother Steven is heartless!" He mumbled. 

"I heard that!" 

He steps back and hides behind Harry. "Protect me, brother Harry." 

Harry shook his head. He looked at Steven and muttered, "Seth is making our meals and doing our laundry. You should be nice to him, at least." 

It was a reminder but sounded like a joke. But Steven didn't respond or glance at his twin brother. Now it becomes awkward for Harry to say that, and Nina felt bad for him. 

However, it was she who only knew that the twin wasn't on good terms because of what happened last night. But it upset her that Steven is not playing along, at least in front of their parents and the elders. 

She glances at Steven. Exactly as the guy meets his gaze. Steven smiled at her, but she only gave him a warning stare. It didn't please him, but anger surged in his chest. He gritted his teeth. 

Clearly, Nina is siding Harry. He's in a rage. But he has to conceal his fury. 

'F...CK, Harry!'

~~~~~ 

While the servants were making dinner, everyone took a rest. 

Mely accompanied grandmother Mei to her bedroom. Meanwhile, the men went to the mansion's In-House Bar with Steven. And as for Harry, he accompanies Kristina, Seth, and Lucy in the Theater Room. They insist on helping the servants to prepare the dinner, but Harry told them that from now on they are guests in the mansion. They don't need to do any chores now the servants are back. 

"Is it really okay that you are here, instead of joining your father and Steven to entertain Nina's family?" Kristina encouraged him to go talk to his father and Nina's dad. But Harry reasoned that he isn't needed there. 

Why would he? Steven intentionally did this to show him, he won the favor of the elders. He is not needed there when Steven is talking to their father and his future father-in-law about his marriage to Nina. He didn't need to hear when Steven officially asked Nina's hand from Nelson. He knew for himself. He would only get hurt. 

"They were okay without me. I'm not needed there, anyway." He forced a smile and tried to sound cheerful. 

But Kristina perfectly could see the pain in Harry's eyes. He may hide his true feelings, but she could guess that Harry was sad. But he seems willing to give way. 

'Harry, would you really give up on her? I love you. But it is painful to see the one you love who is in love with someone else.' 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Meanwhile, Nina showed Dona her bedroom on the third floor. Dona was happy that her daughter has a beautiful room. Steven seems truly taking care of Nina. But the letter Annie sent her contains some unpleasant news. Later, Nina gathered her courage to inquire about what her aunt told her parents. 

"Mama, what did Aunt Annie tell you? Why are you here with them instead?" 

Dona reaches for her daughter's hair, she combs them with her fingers. "Nina, we planned to come here to make sure you are okay. Your father is angry and disappointed. But he freaks out when the Shang comes over and talks about you and Steven. The elders heard about it too, and your grandfather instantly agreed to the marriage." 

"You agreed too, Mama?" she asked worriedly. 

Dona shakes her head, Nina felt relieved. She threw her arms around her mother's waist and cried on her shoulder. "Mama..." 

"I know, honey… It was Harry whom you love. But what happens?" 

Nina continued crying, letting out all the pain she concealed inside her chest until she calmed down. She wipes her eyes; she is sobbing while replying to her mother. "I... I was stupid, Mama. I was to blame for why it's happening to me." 

Dona felt pity for her daughter. Sometimes, to love someone brings happiness at the same time as sadness. 

"Nina... I am your mother, so I know this is not all about you… You surely made a mistake, but you can tell me what really happens?" 

Pondering, Nina couldn't decide if she should tell her mother about everything. 'Should I?'