Chapter 5 Chapter 5

"Are you serious, man?" Matt asked, disbelief clear in his voice after hearing what Nathan had just revealed.

"How can you make a stupid mistake like that?" Ryan spoke up, his frustration evident. He seemed unusually upset about the divorce.

The friends had always known how devoted Brooke was to Nathan.

"Definitely a mistake he'll regret," Matt said. Then something clicked. "Wait... Did you do this because of Keren?"

"I thought so at first. But now, I'm not sure," Nathan admitted honestly. They knew he'd brought Keren back with him after college. With thoughts of marrying her someday. But right now, all he craved was freedom—not another relationship.

"What do you even see in that girl? Brooke is way hotter," Matt began. "Keren might have similar features, but she doesn't stand a chance."

"Yeah, I agree," Ryan said after his attention was caught by a passing waitress. "Brooke's a solid ten, while Keren is like... five-ish." He wiggled his hand dismissively in the air.

Nathan just looked between his two best friends. They were right, objectively speaking. But right now, that wasn't what consumed his thoughts. Only his freedom from a forced marriage mattered.

Yet this freedom wasn't bringing the happiness he'd expected. He thought that Brooke might have already signed the divorce papers. That created a heavy weight in his chest. He blamed it on the alcohol though.

"I don't care. If you think Brooke's so hot, why don't you go after her yourself?" Nathan snapped.

"Seriously! If you don't mind, I would," Ryan confirmed.

Another knot tightened in Nathan's chest. Ryan was a notorious playboy. The image of him pursuing Brooke sparked an anger Nathan couldn't explain. Why should he care if Brooke was with another man? He had no answer.

"Don't you dare," Nathan warned Ryan, his voice stern and dangerous.

Both Ryan and Matt exchanged surprised glances at Nathan's reaction. He clearly couldn't settle within himself whether he liked Brooke or resented her. Why was he getting so defensive?

Nathan left the club, abandoning both friends. He needed to be alone. He couldn't understand why. Even after giving Brooke the divorce papers, he still felt so terrible.

He drove aimlessly for an hour before finally heading to a specific destination.

"Why am I here?" he asked himself, staring at the hotel building where he'd parked.

Because everyone else fails to understand your point of view. She's the only one who understands you, supports you, and actually listens to you. an inner voice answered. Agreeing with this thought, he entered the building. Moments later, he stood before her door.

He knocked several times before hearing movement inside. He checked his watch and it was two thirty in the morning.

Soon, the door swung open.

"Nathan!" The woman exclaimed with wide eyes, clearly shocked to see him at this hour.

"W-what are you doing here? Is everything alright?" she asked with concern.

"Keren, can I come in?" Nathan asked, ignoring her questions.

"Of course you can." Keren stepped aside to let him pass.

Nathan walked in and collapsed onto the couch. Keren sat beside him.

He rubbed his temples. "I'm sorry to come this late, but I needed someone to talk to."

"Of course. I'm always here for you," Keren said. She was tempted to reach for his hand but resisted.

They'd been together briefly in college, but he'd never actually defined their relationship. She never knew if it was just a fling or if she was his girlfriend.

They used to make out, but it never progressed further. Keren had wanted more. It was her way of claiming him. But Nathan had never let things go that far.

Then he got married, and he'd completely shut down that aspect of their relationship. The physical intimacy stopped entirely.

Nathan's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"All I ever wanted was a normal life. To make my own decisions instead of being forced into something I'm not ready for." His eyes were closed, his head tilted back against the couch.

"Everyone deserves that. That's how things should be," Keren agreed.

"Now I have to make decisions that might hurt some people. But I have to look out for myself at some point," Nathan continued.

"Your decisions are yours to make. If the people really care about you and your feelings, they shouldn't. They should not be hurt by you prioritizing yourself." Keren said soothingly.

"Besides, it shows how independent you are as a man," she added.

Nathan finally opened his eyes and adjusted his position to face Keren. He noticed again the similarities she shared with Brooke. The same straight blonde hair and brown eyes. Though Brooke was taller and more curvaceous than Keren.

"Thank you for listening," Nathan said. She seemed to be the only person who understood him lately.

"Can I stay for the night?" he asked.

Keren gave a small laugh. "Of course you can. This is technically your place." Since Nathan paid her rent.

"Thanks." He stood and walked toward the extra bedroom. Keren followed.

"Good night." Nathan said before entering the room and locking the door before she could even respond.

Keren felt disappointed that he hadn't invited her in. Worse, he'd essentially shut the door in her face.