003

Oliver

The drive to the restaurant didn’t take very long. Mariel spent most of the time talking about her recent activities and complaining about how busy her brother had become. Matthew listened, occasionally responding to her remarks, while Lucas sat beside her in the back seat.

I was grateful that nobody tried to involve me in their conversation. I wouldn’t have known what to say, especially with Lucas sitting only a short distance behind me.

When we eventually arrived, Matthew handed the car keys to a valet before opening the passenger door for me. I stepped out and looked towards the building in front of us.

It was an elegant restaurant with a beautiful glass entrance, warm lighting, and a few expensive cars parked outside. I had never been here before, and judging by its appearance, it wasn’t somewhere an ordinary person could casually walk into.

Matthew placed a hand against my lower back, guiding me towards the entrance as Mariel and Lucas followed behind us.

I couldn’t help noticing how naturally Matthew played the part of a caring fiancé whenever we were around other people.

But that wasn’t how things were between us.

Most of our outings had always been connected to his business or some event where my presence was necessary. Even when we went out for pleasure, it was usually because he wanted something from me.

A waiter greeted us as we entered and immediately led us towards a reserved table. Matthew pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down while he took the seat beside me. Mariel sat opposite us, with Lucas settling into the chair next to her.

“It’s been so long since I’ve eaten here,” Mariel said, glancing around the restaurant. “I almost forgot how beautiful it is.”

Matthew picked up the menu. “You used to complain that the place was too crowded.”

“Because it was! But the food was worth it.”

I quietly opened my own menu, scanning through the dishes without recognising most of them. Everything looked expensive, and I wasn’t particularly hungry anymore. The events at the airport had already taken away most of my appetite.

“Oliver, what would like your favorite steak and salad?” Matthew asked.

I looked up. “Anything is fine.”

“Don’t just order anything. Take your time.”

I nodded and returned my attention to the menu, though I could still feel Lucas’s presence across the table.

“By the way, Lucas,” I was still trying to decide what to order when Mariel suddenly turned towards Lucas, her eyes moving briefly in my direction before settling on him. “Do you know Oliver?”

My fingers tightened around the menu, confused to as why she asked.

Lucas looked at her. “Why?”

“Because you’ve been staring at him since we met at the airport. I thought perhaps you two knew each other.”

There was a brief silence before Lucas answered.

“He looks familiar.”

Familiar?

I lowered my eyes to the menu, trying to keep my expression unchanged. Was he pretending not to recognise me, or had I become such a disgraceful memory that he would rather act as though we had never met?

“Really?” Mariel asked. “Where do you think you’ve seen him?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Maybe you’re imagining things,” Matthew interrupted with a quiet chuckle. “Let’s order before the food becomes the only thing we get to talk about.”

Mariel laughed and returned her attention to the menu.

I released a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding and focused on choosing something to eat. I eventually settled for a simple dish, hoping it would be enough to satisfy Matthew without drawing any more attention to myself.

The waiter came to take our orders, and everyone made their choices. Matthew ordered for himself, then glanced at me to confirm that I had chosen what I wanted.

Once the waiter left, Mariel began telling us about some of the places she had visited during her time away. Matthew occasionally asked questions, while Lucas contributed whenever she mentioned something they had done together.

I mostly remained quiet, listening without joining in. It was easier that way. I kept my eyes on my food, determined not to attract attention.

By the time we finished eating, I was more than ready to leave. Matthew settled the bill, and we made our way out of the restaurant.

The valet brought the car around, but before we could get in, Matthew turned towards me.

“Mariel will be staying with us for a while,” he said.

I looked at him. “Oh?”

“She’ll be more comfortable at our place. It’s been a while since she came home, and I don’t want her spending all her time at the family house.”

I nodded. “That’s fine.”

“Lucas will be staying with his family, though. He’ll probably visit with Mariel from time to time.”

My expression remained still, but something inside me shuddered at the mention of Lucas’s family.

They were my nightmare.

I didn’t want to think about them. Even the thought of seeing any of them again made my stomach turn. I had spent so long trying to put that part of my life behind me, and I had no intention of welcoming those memories back.

“Oliver.”

Matthew’s voice brought me out of my thoughts.

“Hmm.” I shuddered looking backed at him.

“Are you even listening to me?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” His gaze remained on mine. “I expect you to treat Mariel properly while she’s staying with us. She’s my sister, and I don’t want her caught up in any unnecessary tension.”

“I understand.”

“And whatever issues you may have with Lucas, keep them away from her.”

I swallowed. “I will.”

Matthew studied my face for a moment before opening the passenger door. “Get in.”

I did as he instructed, settling into the seat while he closed the door. Through the window, I watched Mariel and Lucas approach the other side of the car.

The journey back home was quieter than the drive to the restaurant. Mariel had spent most of the evening talking, but she eventually grew tired and leaned against the window. Lucas remained beside her, occasionally speaking to her in a low voice.

We dropped Lucas off at his family home before continuing to ours. He exchanged a few words with Matthew before getting out of the car, but I kept my attention elsewhere.

When we arrived home, Mariel was the first to step out.

“Finally!” she exclaimed, stretching her arms. “I need a proper shower and a good night’s sleep.”

Matthew chuckled as he collected her luggage from the boot.

“Your room is still there. You can use it.”

Mariel turned towards him. “What about the guest room?”

“Why would you need the guest room when you have your own room? Oliver uses it.”

She glanced between us before a playful smile appeared on her face. “Wait a minute. If he uses the guest room, does that mean you two sleep in separate rooms?”

“That’s none of your business,” Matthew replied, walking towards the entrance with her luggage.

Mariel followed him, laughing. “I’m only asking! Or do you two sleep together?”

Matthew looked over his shoulder at her. “Don’t be naughty, Mariel. We aren’t even married yet.”

She burst into laughter. “Oh, please! You’re getting married soon. What’s the big deal?”

I stood quietly beside them, feeling increasingly uncomfortable with the direction their conversation had taken. Matthew seemed perfectly at ease entertaining her questions, but I had no desire to be part of their teasing.

I stepped away from them.

“I’m going to take a shower, Matthew.”

He turned towards me. “Alright.”

I gave him a small nod. He leaned forward and placed a light kiss on my forehead before I headed upstairs.

“Goodnight, Oliver!” Mariel called after me.

I managed a faint smile. “Goodnight.”

By the time I reached our room, their voices had faded behind me. I closed the door and leaned against it for a moment, finally allowing myself to relax.

The day had been exhausting. Seeing Lucas again had brought back memories I had spent so long trying to bury, and the thought of having Mariel around meant I would have to be even more careful about what I said and did.

I took off my jacket and loosened my shirt before walking towards the bathroom. I needed a shower and, more than anything, some time alone.

As I entered, I reached for the buttons of my shirt, slowly undoing them while moving towards the washbasin. After undressing, I turned on the tap and splashed some water over my face, then straightened up and reached for the towel.

I was just about to step towards the shower when the bathroom door suddenly opened.

I froze.

Matthew stood at the entrance, his eyes settling on me.

“Mr. Fletcher,” I muttered, my eyes going wide.