004

Oliver

The next few days passed quietly, although I couldn’t say I particularly enjoyed having Mariel around.

She was friendly and easy to talk to, but I still wasn’t used to having someone else in the house. Thankfully, I had taken a few days off work, and Matthew had approved my leave without asking too many questions. I hadn’t been feeling particularly well anyway, so staying home seemed like the best decision.

Matthew, on the other hand, had barely been home.

It had been two days since I last saw him properly. His work often kept him away, and I had long stopped expecting him to inform me whenever he would be returning. Sometimes, he came home late at night, and other times, he didn’t return until the following morning.

I was beginning to think tonight would be no different.

My head had been hurting for most of the evening, and after taking my medication, I decided to get a glass of water. When I entered the living room, I found Mariel sitting at the dining table with a plate of food in front of her.

She looked up when she noticed me.

“Oh, Oliver. I didn’t know you were still around. I thought you might have gone out.”

I walked towards the kitchen to get some water. “No. I’m still here.”

“You’re not feeling well?”

“Just a little tired.”

She nodded, returning her attention to her food before looking up again.

“By the way, where’s Matthew? He hasn’t come home yet?”

I glanced at the clock. It was already quite late. “No, he hasn’t.”

“That’s strange. He doesn’t usually stay out this late.”

That was funny.

Matthew staying out late was hardly unusual. He had always been busy with one thing or another, and there were nights when he came home so late that I was already asleep. Sometimes, he returned drunk, treating me as an equipment for his loneliness.

But I didn’t think there was any reason to tell her all that.

I offered her a small smile. “It’s pretty normal for someone with his kind of work. He has a lot to deal with, so he doesn’t always get home early.”

Mariel nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”

I took another sip of water before casually asking, “What about Lucas? How is he?”

“He’s fine,” she replied, smiling. “I actually just came back from a date with him.”

“Oh?”

“Yes! We went out for dinner, and he took me shopping afterwards. I had such a lovely time.”

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. “That’s nice.”

“Isn’t it?” She laughed, looking pleased with herself. “He’s been quite busy lately, but he still makes time for me.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I simply took another sip of water.

It was strange hearing her talk about Lucas so casually.

“Anyway, I’m getting sleepy,” she announced, pushing her plate aside. “I’m going upstairs. You should get some rest too.”

“I will.”

She stood up and picked up her plate. “Goodnight, Oliver.”

“Goodnight, Mariel.”

She carried her plate towards the kitchen before turning back to look at me.

“Are you not coming upstairs?”

“I think I’ll sit here for a while and wait for Matthew. He should be back soon.”

Her expression softened. “Oh, you two really love each other, don’t you?”

I wasn’t sure how to respond immediately. I looked down at my glass before offering her a small smile.

“We do, don’t we?”

Mariel giggled. “Of course you do!”

With that, she finally headed upstairs.

I remained in the living room, settling onto the sofa with my glass of water on the table. The television was on, but I wasn’t paying much attention to whatever was playing. I occasionally checked the time, wondering when Matthew would return.

Eventually, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway caught my attention.

I looked towards the entrance.

A few seconds later, the front door opened, and Matthew walked in.

“Matthew?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he closed the door behind him and loosened his tie. His movements were slightly unsteady, and I noticed the faint smell of alcohol as he approached.

He looked exhausted.

“You’re still awake?” he asked, his voice hoarse and lower than usual.

“I was waiting for you.”

His eyes settled on me for a while, before walking closer. “Come here.”

I barely had time to stand before he reached for me, pulling me against his chest.

“Mr. Fletcher?”

“I missed you.”

I went still.

His arms tightened around my waist, and he lowered his head against my shoulder. I felt his nose brush against my neck as he took a deep breath, holding me as though he had no intention of letting go.

“Mr. Fletcher, you’re drunk.”

“Just stay here.”

I didn’t know what to do with him. Matthew was usually composed, even when he had been drinking. He rarely allowed anyone to see him in such a state, and I couldn’t remember the last time he had held on to me like this.

“Let’s get you upstairs,” I said quietly.

He didn’t respond. Instead, he tightened his hold once more before finally allowing me to guide him towards the stairs.

Getting him into our room wasn’t easy. He kept leaning against me, and I had to steady him several times before we reached the bed.

“Sit down.”

He reluctantly did as I asked.

I helped him remove his jacket and loosened his tie before reaching for a glass of water. When I returned, he was sitting with his head lowered, his fingers pressed against his forehead.

“Here. Drink some water.”

He accepted the glass and took a few sips before handing it back.

I placed it on the bedside table and looked at him properly.

His face was slightly flushed, but there was a noticeable paleness beneath it. His eyes were half-closed, and he looked nothing like the composed man he always appeared as.

“Are you feeling alright?” I asked.

He gave a small nod, but I wasn’t convinced, but I decided not to question him further. I helped him lie down and pulled the blanket over him.

For a while, I remained beside the bed, watching him settle.

Matthew had always been difficult to understand. Even when he was sober, he rarely spoke about what troubled him. Seeing him like this only made me wonder what had happened during the past few days.

My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket.

I reached for it, expecting it to be something from work. However, the number displayed wasn’t saved in my contacts.

I frowned and opened the message.

Unknown Number:

*Hi, Oliver. It’s Lucas.*

I stared at the message, reading it again to make sure I hadn’t misunderstood. Meanwhile, another message came in.

*I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been wanting to talk to you.*

My heartbeat quickened.

Why was Lucas contacting me?

Before I could decide whether to reply, another message appeared.

*Can we meet, Oliver? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you. I think it’s time we talked.*

I stared at the screen, unable to move.

Why did Lucas want to see me?