The morning was gloomy. The skies were clear and the cold breeze set the temperatures lower than normal. Lucas was awake a few minutes before Charlotte was driven out of the compound, swearing never to drink that much again. He groaned loudly on his bed, sprawled between his sheets, unable to move his legs. He fidgeted his arms on the bed, frantically searching for his mobile phone. A loud buzz alarmed him to his phone which vibrated on his bedside rug, waiting to be found. The light emanating from his phone greatly harmed his eyes, almost causing him to throw it away. He glanced at the caller to see Mark’s name displayed on the screen. He picked it up after a few more rings, cursing his choice to drink more than he could handle last night. He had not been depressed as depression was the only thing that warranted that sort of murderous downing of whiskey – he was in fact relieved after opening up to Charlotte on how he felt about her. If not for the drama with Vivian before retiring

The day was going well so far as most of the work I had involved reviewing and signing documents from different departments in the office. There were not many enormous deals to be considered for the rest of the week, which was a relief as it meant I did not have many people to forcefully interact with. Jacque served me roast potatoes and chicken nuggets for lunch which I had asked him to order from the city. Afterward, I finished up on the tasks for a few more hours before I heard a faint knock on my door. I disregarded it the first time until I heard the sound a second time, just sturdier. The door creaked open as her head peeked inside before she walked in, taking a quick sweep around the room before settling on me. I was thrilled to see her, astonishing as usual. She was more casual today, dressed in black skinny jeans with a blank tank top, and a beige leather jacket that matched the color of her heels. Her face showed no sign of joy, which assured me that she had a lot going on

“Are you sure you are okay with us staying here?” I asked him for the umpteenth time, hoping that his answer would change but it never faltered. He looked at me concerned; his green eyes boring into mine for answers that my mouth failed to utter. “Honey, it’s you that I should be asking. You seem quite uneased,” he said gently, pulling me closer to him as his arms snaked around my waist. “Are you certain that you are fine?” I let out a sigh forcefully, shrugging my shoulders as I lay my head on his chest. He held me in that position, kissing the top of my head before enveloping me fully in his arms. I had missed the smell of him – it reminded me of rainforest- and so, I let myself stay there until he held my chin and lifted my head to face him. “You need to rest a while. Let’s go, hmm?” he mentioned, reminding me of the white lie I spit out during the conference. He held my hand and led me back to the living room where Lucas was sitting before but was now missing. I looked around fo

I left the study room slightly inebriated and strolled back to the living room, not wishing to be termed a poor host despite having Jacque around to do the hosting for me. Terrence was standing in front of the wall that shelved my life’s achievements, admiring the glossy trophies and certificates that decorated the wall. I cleared my throat to announce my entrance, startling him from his bent position. “Oh, I didn’t know you were there?” he laughed, straightening his posture immediately. I walked toward him, shaking my head to get rid of the fuzzy feeling in my brain. “Sorry for alarming you,” I said, regaining my balance as I held my arms together beside him. I barely ever stood in front of this wall myself, and only seemed to notice it whenever I gave esteemed guests a tour of my house. I smirked in admiration as I skimmed through the well-framed certificates and medals awarded to me throughout my academic and professional life. My mind went back again to Charlotte’s words - you a

We all sat down in the living room, Terrence and Vivian cradling together on the couch. He had his arm over her shoulder, still looking as astonished as he was before. The pool of tears had dried up, leaving behind the loud sniffles from Vivian. Lucas had settled on the couch right across from mine, waiting anxiously to hear the entire story unfold. “Wait, but it doesn’t make sense,” Vivian spoke, tilting her head to maintain the same eye level as Terrence. “He had searched all over for you, reassuring me every night that he would get you back. You know how he can be...” she sniffled once more before adding, “and three months later, he told me that you were found dead in an alley in Yorkshire. I did not believe him at first as I knew you wouldn’t leave without me. Not all the way to Yorkshire.” She pulled out a tissue from the holder and blew her nose noisily on it. From the very first time we met; I had never pictured Vivian having an ugly cry as she did today. Her confidence and