5. Breaking Down

General POV.

Things were sorted out between Jeremy and Olivier. Apparently. 

Olivier cleared to him that Lee was his cousin. And there wasn’t anything going between them. It’s just that Olivier was shocked to have Jeremy unannounced. That’s it. To mend it, he spent whole day with Jeremy. And at the end of the day they parted in a happy mood. 

Jeremy asked Olivier he wanted to go to meet Magnus's dad, the coming weekend and Olivier allowed him whole heartily, saying Jeremy should spend time with family and friends. So Jeremy confirmed Magnus for the visit. 

It was Friday noon when Magnus received a call from Jeremy saying that he couldn’t accompany him for his Dad had called him home for some urgent matters. 

"Jer listen". Magnus was in urgency too. But Jeremy waved off.

"Magnus I will listen to you once am back okay. Dad sounds upset. Need to go". And Jer sped off the car. 

"Damn. It’s gonna be really bad". He huffed rubbing his hands on his face. 

Jer reached his home to find his upset Dad. 

"Dad, what’s the matter? It’s been two hours and still you are not telling me anything". Jeremy wasn’t a patient person. He was getting irritated. 

"Son, our business is at stake". Finally his dad said.

"At stake? What do you mean by at stake"? Jer was confused. His dad mostly didn’t involve him in business matters. 

"Some of our potential projects have been leaked to our rivals. That is a huge impact. Mostly shareholders have quit. And that put us down in the market. People are not interested to be a part of the Royce. And I don’t know how to do it. 

A friend of mine, basically business partner has offered a merger. But..." His dad fell silent. Jer could feel the tension. Something bad was going to happen.

"But what Dad? What do they want"? 

"Ummm. They want you to marry their only heir". His dad said and Jeremy jolted up.

"What... Marry? Their son. Dad. I love Olivier. You know that. How can you agree on it"? He was fuming with anger. Here he was planning for his future with Olivier and his dad has another proposal.

"Jer. I know everything son. But I am helpless. Still. I haven’t answered them. It’s all up to you son". His Dad wrapped his arms around his shoulders. 

"They opted for a contractual marriage. Two years. You would have the right to call it off if you want. But they want to give it some time. If... You know it works. And you may want to continue". 

"The hell dad. I can’t even spend a moment with anyone but Olivier. And you are asking for two years contract. I can’t have any emotional or physical relationship with anyone you know that Dad". 

"No one going to impose on you Jeremy".

He was in the middle of arguments with his Dad when he heard the voice he never imagined. His whole body was frozen. He felt he could never breathe. His eyes wide open with shock. 

He turned around and his blood boiled where he felt he will burst out. 

"You......." He leaped to him and slapped him across the face, grabbing his collar.

"You? Of all the people... It was you I trusted most. Blind trust. And you played me like this. Ohh now I guess. You were being sweet because you didn’t want to show this side of you. You made me trust you just to take me away from Olivier. 

I never expected you to play this dirty, Magnus. How could you stoop so low? I fucking hate you. You hear me. I hate you bastard". Jeremy slapped him and was about to dash out when Magnus held him and spin him around his waist into his arms, facing each other. 

"Magnus never plays dirty". He was hissing. 

"Even I got to knew this until today. I was about to talk to you, but you didn’t listen to me. And it was me who opposed it most. You can ask your dad. It was me who put on the condition that I will not impose this relationship on you. Either physical or emotional. I never played with your feelings Jeremy. It was me who opted for a contractual marriage that would end on its own after a certain period of time. I didn’t say for you to move in with me. But it would be to keep the reputation of family. 

But. If you have any other option, or even if you say Dad gonna invest in the company just as it is. Not to be married to me. But that would be the last day we meet. 

You can take how much time you want to think. Chose to marry me or not. No one gonna oppose your decisions". Magnus pulled himself away and turned to face Jeremy's father.

"Sir, I have told you already. Anyway I have no objection to whatever Jeremy decides. I loved him. And I still do. It will only be him. The merger will be signed as you guys decide. I have no question". He was about to leave when Jer held his hand again. 

"Don’t you dare Magnus. Don’t you dare play innocent. I know what you want. You will bind me in this so called marriage and you want to chase Olivier away right. Because from day one you can’t bear me with him. You jealous piece of crap. You..."

"Jeremyyyy enoughhhhh". His dad yelled and collapsed holding his left arm...

"Dad".

"Uncle". 

He was taken to the hospital in emergency. He suffered heart attack. A minor though. He was shifted into ICU for quick observation. 

Magnus excused himself and left for his dorm. The hatred from Jeremy was enough for him to stay away. He never felt so low. 

"Ming. Can we meet"? He didn’t know himself why he called Ming… But he needed someone. 

"Magnus are you okay? You are upset"? Ming sound concerned. He was doing his assignment. But there was something in Magnus's voice that made his heart ache.

"Can we meet at the bar? I need someone to be with me tonight. If it’s okay with you". Magnus said and he heard Ming opening and closing the door. 

"I will be in the parking Ming". He hung up the call. 

"Let’s go". Ming was down there in no time. He held his hand out for the keys and Magnus handed him over his bike keys. 

He was drained out. He didn’t know it would affect him so much. He knew Jer was hot headed. But the words and his tone was too much for him to bear. He could still feel the sting on both of his cheeks. 

They reached the bar and settled on the couch at far end. 

"Bring in Shots". Magnus said and the waitress left. Ming looked at him but he held himself from asking. 

The liquor was served. First, second and third shot were gone one after another. 

"Whoa Magnus, calm down". Ming held his hand. Magnus looked at him with blurry eyes. 

For the first time, Magnus Prescott was vulnerable, in front of his junior. Someone he didn’t even know that much. 

Ming was shocked to see the tears that slip passed the warm eyes of his senior. The hot headed tough Head Hazer was crying. 

He cupped Magnus's face in his palms. Trying to wipe the tears away but it was useless. It was just a little pull and the mighty Magnus shattered in his arms. He was crying out. Ming's shirt was wet in no time. He was just rubbing his back letting it out. 

"It is okay, Magnus. It’s okay". He was trying to calm him.

"He hates me Ming. He hates me so much. He didn’t even listen to me Ming. He said I am too low to separate him from his boyfriend. He said I planned it all just because I want to have him physically. 

I have loved him Ming for the last ten fucking years. Even when he said he doesn't love me and won’t love me ever. Still I was fine that i have my friend with me. But today. He said flat on my face that he hates me Ming". He was wailing in his chest and Ming felt like crying too.

Magnus loved someone? And that too for so long.

"Magnus shush. It’s okay, Magnus. Maybe he doesn’t deserve you Magnus. I know you can never take advantage of anyone. Especially the one you love. It’s okay, Magnus". 

"I love him Ming. I love Jeremy". Magnus was sobbing now. Even though he was heavy drunker, but maybe what Jer said was more toxic than the alcohol.

"Magnus, let’s go". Ming took him supporting with his body. The ride to dorm was really tough. He was driving utterly slowly, holding his arms at his stomach while he could still hear those hiccups. 

**************

Magnus woke up with a heavy head. Not worst hangover but he didn’t feel like going to university. He called Lam for a sick and went to washroom to take shower. 

He was pondering about the last night events. He was out to bar with Ming. Did he say something stupid? Did he burden him? He was still contemplating standing in the room drying his hair when he heard a knock. 

"Ming". He was surprised to see him.

"Morning, Magnus. How are you feeling now? I brought us breakfast. And then you have to take the medicine". Ming walked passed him to the kitchen. 

Magnus took a seat on the table as Ming came back with the food.

"Thank you Ming. I am sorry for bothering you last night". Magnus held his hand. He was really grateful. 

"It’s okay, Magnus. Usually it’s me bothering you. So we are even now". He said in his happy tone. 

"Ming. Did i..." 

"Yes, Magnus, you did say. You let your heart out in your tears". Ming replied seriously. He didn’t want to play any games. He saw Magnus sitting head down playing with food. 

"Magnus it’s okay. Sometimes it’s okay to be weak. One cannot stay strong for so long, Magnus. It’s better to say it than to breakdown. I don’t know what the matter is and i won’t bug you either. It’s just that if someone is meant for you, they will get back to you no matter what. And if not, you can’t walk holding a thin thread for long. It’s better to let it go". 

"I didn’t know you can talk sensible Ming". Magnus ruffled his hair with his genuine smile. 

"Thank you Ming". He said and Ming puffed his cheeks. 

"One more time thanks and I will never talk to you". He said in a sulking tone and Magnus laughed out loud. 

Before they could proceed, Magnus saw his phone went off. 

"Dad"? 

"Magnus can you come to the hospital now?” His dad said and he looked at Ming. 

"Sure Dad. I will be there". He hung up the call.

"Need me to take you"? Ming asked but Magnus refused. 

"Ming. It’s your lecture today. Go. I will catch you later. Okay". He stood up to change and Ming followed the suite. 

"Whatever you say or do. Please remember sometimes we are blind with what’s in front of us. And we ignore the things beside us. Take time, give space. It will be sorted out, one way or the other. Just ... Don’t harm yourself. You already are suffering a lot. And always remember i am here. Because just like you, I love only one person and that’s you”. Ming relayed his point and softly kissed his cheek before going out.

"Am sorry Ming, for hurting you. But ... I love Jeremy". A few tears slipped passed his eyes but he rubbed them hurriedly. He had to go to hospital.

***********

He found his Dad sitting in the waiting area. 

"Dad what happened"? He approached him and sat beside him...

"Jeremy has agreed". His dad said and he was utterly shocked. Not that he didn’t wish, but he wasn’t expecting. 

"But... He has set some conditions". His dad said and he braced himself. Before they could proceed, the nurse came out asking them to go inside. 

Magnus greeted Mr. Royce while Jeremy didn’t spare a glance at him. He was busy on phone ignoring him.

"I am sorry Son you had to face all. I should have taken your advice to talk to Jeremy first. But nothing can be done to undo it. Besides Jeremy has agreed to the marriage, with some conditions though. That I am sorry for". He said in a low tone. Jeremy looked at his dad and clucked his tongue in disapproval.

"No need to be sorry sir. He has all the rights to put up what he wants". Magnus politely held his hand.

"Okay. Firstly he wants to reduce the contract to maximum one year. If in case, by any miracle, he develops his feelings for you, he will cancel the contract and that will automatically announce you husbands for life". 

"I agree". Magnus said. 

Second..." His dad fell silent for a while and Jeremy stood up. 

"I want a handsome amount every month in my account and you will not ask me how and where I spend it". 

"I agree". Magnus replied.

"Third. You will never impose this relation on me. I will do whatever I want to do. Whoever I want to meet. You will not and cannot restrict me to go anywhere with you if I don’t want to. And i won’t resign my job". 

"I agree". Magnus agreed again. 

"I will not have any physical relation with you. No hugs no kisses and Sex!!! It’s simply out of discussion. I won’t meddle if you want to go out and fuck anyone. I don’t care". 

Magnus felt a stab in his heart but he didn’t show.

"I agree".

"Last. I won’t stay in your bedroom with you. I need a separate room so that I can invite my guests to come over". He stated firmly and this time Magnus shook his head. 

"I disagree. I don’t want the house keepers at my house to spread words about us. Whatever happens between us should and will be inside our bedroom. While outside, I would like you to pretend so that no one can speak a word. For me my family privacy matters a lot. And by family I include you too. Accept it or not. But once you take the family name, you are required to accept the rules. You can bring anyone you want at our home, but make it sure the house keepers should never pick anything happened between you guys. Because this is something I will not tolerate.

So it’s four of your demands and one mine. And I assure you, I will not touch you until and unless you ask me to". Magnus stopped talking and Jeremy was just looking at him with unamused expressions. Though not satisfied, still he knew how to piss Magnus to break the contract as soon as possible. 

"Fair enough sons. So I guess we can meet the registrar to sign the marriage. And once if things settle between you two, we will proceed to proper marriage".  Jeremy's dad said. 

"That… will never happen. It will always be Jeremy Royce. And it will never be Jeremy Royce Prescott. Remember it, Magnus Prescott. I hate you forever". Jeremy spoke in hatred and left the room to prepare for his father's discharge.

Tabby