Emily slowly opened her eyes, her gaze dropping upon her phone. Several missed calls and texts from August stared back at her, but she felt no urge to respond. She took the phone embracing it on her chest.
"I'm sorry, August. I hope you find understanding of my sudden change of character."
Her eyes were swollen, her face pale, and her body weakened from days of depression. She had lost so much weight, and the short gown and floppy slippers she wore seemed to swallow her whole.
She cleaned up herself,and shuffled to the door, going to seek solace in a drink. As she turned the door knob,a package caught her attention.
A bag of gourmet food, a bouquet of flowers, and a bottle of wine lay before her. She lowered her hands into the package and picked up the letter attached to the package, her heart skipping a beat as she recognized August's handwriting.
"I hope this letter finds you well, I know you're taking care of yourself and finding moments of peace amidst the chaos. Our memories keep ringing in my head nonstop, wondering how you're faring and if your heart is healing. Every day without you by my side feels like an eternity.I miss your bright smile, your infectious laughter, and your unwavering kiss. I miss us. I know I've made mistakes, and for that, I'm truly sorry.
But please know that my love for you only grows stronger with each passing day. I promise to do better, to be better, for you and for us. I've sent some of your favorite treats, hoping they bring a smile to your face and joy to your appetite. You've lost weight, my love, and it breaks my heart to see you suffer. Please eat, my darling, and take care of yourself. You are loved, you are cherished, and you are needed. Yours always, August."
Tears streamed down Emily's face as she held the letter to her chest....
"I'm so sorry, August, for letting you suffer emotionally. I love you, August," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Samantha's pov
Samantha's worry had turned dreadful as she stood outside Emily's door, knocking for what felt like the hundredth time.
Fear gripped her remembering days of unanswered calls and texts had led her to this moment. She searched for the spare key Emily had given her, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
As she entered the house, a faint sniffing sound came from the living room.
Samantha's eyes widened in shock.
"Emily?" she called out, her voice trembling.
The room was dark,the air thick with the smell of alcohol.
Emily sat on the couch, a bottle of wine clutched in her hand, her hair a tangled mess. Her eyes,pale and dull.
Samantha rushed to her side, concern etched on her face.
"Emily, oh my god, what's happening? Why haven't you been answering my calls?"
Emily's gaze slowly lifted, her eyes focusing on Samantha. A faint smile crossed her lips.
"I'm sorry, Sam," Emily slurred, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just needed some time... alone."
Samantha's eyes welled up with tears as she took in the state of her friend. "Time alone?
Emily, you're scaring me. What's going on?"
Emily's gaze dropped, her shoulders sagging.
"Something is terribly wrong,why on earth will you be taking alcohol." Samantha's voice weary.
"August," Emily whispered, her voice cracking. "He... he's been trying to reach me, but I just can't..."
Samantha's gripped Emily's hand tight.
"Can you drop the bottle, I know you are going through trauma but I assure you we'll get through this, together." Samantha encouraged Emily.
Samantha's phone rang.. She hesitated for a moment,but looked at the caller ID she was forced to pickup.
"Hey, babe," Jake's voice was cheerful on the other end. "What's up? You're not at work, are you?"
Samantha's response was cold.
"No, I'm not. I'm at my friend's place. She's... not doing well, Jake."
"What's wrong?" Jake's tone turned serious. "Is she sick?"
Samantha glanced at Emily, who was still nursing her alcohol.
"She's been drinking a lot, and she won't talk to me. I'm worried sick, Jake."
"Okay, stay calm," Jake said. "I'll come over and help. What's the address?"
"I will text the address to your email immediately." her voice firm. "Please hurry, Jake. And come with a car. We need to get her out of here."
"I'm on my way," Jake replied.
"Try to keep her calm until I get there."
As Samantha hung up the phone, she turned to Emily, her eyes filled with grief..
"Help is on the way, Em. Just hand over the bottle, drinking won't solve anything."
Samantha said, forcefully pulling out the alcohol from Emily's grip.
Jake arrived at the address, his eyes scanning the property through the security camera. He had expected to see Samantha, but nothing could have prepared him for what he was about to witness.
"Hello Samantha I'm at the door already." Jake said over the phone.
As Samantha opened the door, Jake's gaze fell upon Emily, who was slumped on the couch, her hair scattered all over her face, and her eyes drunk. He stood astonished at the door, his mind struggling to process the scene before him.
Samantha gazed at Jake noticing his expression.
"Jake, are you okay?" Her face etched with curiosity.
"Is... Emily... the friend you wanted me to help?" His voice,shaking visibly.
Samantha's expression turned puzzled.
"Yes, of course. Did you know her?"
Jake's eyes never left Emily's face, his mind racing with thoughts, trying to comprehend the situation.He had never expected to see her so fast.
"The Emily... from the ranch?"
Jake asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Samantha's eyes widened in understanding. "Oh, Jake, I didn't know you two had history. Please, come in. We need to get her out of here."
Jake's gaze lingered on Emily, his expression a mix of shock, confusion, and a hint of guilt.
"Hmmm... For like how long have you guys been friends?"
Jake stammered, anxiety etched on his face.
Samantha cut him off, her voice firm.
"Stop it, Jake. It's not time to ask questions. Let's just get her out of here."
Jake gazed at Emily, who was slumped against the couch, not according his presence. It was so hard for him to believe he will ever have anything to do with Emily
"Hey, help me," Samantha said, calling back his attention. "I have a lot of questions for you, Jake. You have a lot to explain, but first, let's get my best friend out of here."
Jake's eyes widened at the phrase "best friend." Sh*t!! he thought, his heart beating.
He reluctantly followed Samantha trying to avoid the curiosity growing in Samantha heart,
He helped to carry Emily out of the house, avoiding eye contact with the drunken girl.
As they walked to the car,the thoughts kept swirling in Jake's mind. How on earth did he get entangled with Emily in a sensitive way? . He tried to manage rioting going on in his mind.
Shortly, they were out of sight..
James pov
James sat on the couch, his phone pressed to his ear.
"Rachel, I need you to go to the ranch and ensure that any cattle or cows that don't belong to us are removed. I don't want any more issues with the Wilson."
Just as Rachel was responding,a slow, deliberate knock echoed through the room.
James's eyes narrowed...
"Hold on, Rachel." He paused the call, his voice rising.
"I know it's you, stupid Jake. Open the door. Hope you are not here for money? Always coming up with stupid ideas that aren't about business." James spoke his voice nonchalant.
The knocking stopped, but no one responded.
"Rachel, I'll call you back. Some idiot is wasting my time."
"Sire, what's—" He hung up the phone, his anger boiling over.
"Are you trying to prank me, Jake?" he bellowed, but his words were met with silence.
Suddenly, the air in the room seemed to shift. James felt a chill run down his spine. He sensed a presence, but saw no one.
The knocking had stopped, but the silence was oppressive, heavy with an unseen presence.
James's heart raced as he scanned the room, his eyes straining to see something, anything. But there was nothing. Just the oppressive silence, and the feeling of being watched.
And then, without warning, the lights flickered and died, switching the room into darkness.
James heart skipped, realizing he was not alone. Suddenly,the lights flickered back to life, restoring James's sight,but he captured the shadowy figure of a masked man, he already turned and left the room.
He was astonished, his mind struggling to comprehend what he had just seen.
James sat frozen in his arm chair, his eyes fixed on the spot where the ghost guy had vanished. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
Few seconds later,he heard the sound of footsteps echoing down the stairs. Heavy, deliberate footsteps that seemed to be coming from the direction of the front door.
James kept silent,as he realized that whoever - or whatever - had been in his study was now leaving his house.
He quietly rode his wheel chair to a hidden corner,his eyes fixed on the door as if he expected something to burst through it at any moment. But hours later he saw nothing. Everywhere was normal,James gave a sigh of relief,clutching his heart tightly with his hands
Jake Pov
Samantha and Jake sat on the hallway,Samantha's eyes filled with questions,as she turned to Jake.
"So, Jake, tell me about you and Emily. How do you know her?"
Jake shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"We...she's a family friend, I guess. We've known each other for a long time."Jake hesitated, his tone suspicious.
"We... uh... we grew up together," he said finally.
Samantha raised an eyebrow.
"Grew up together? But she never mentioned something like that to me. I thought she never grew up here.
Jake sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Look, Samantha, it's complicated. We did have our differences, but... I don't know, it's just that Emily's always been... different."
"Different?" Samantha pressed, her curiosity piqued.
Jake nodded. "Yeah. She's always been a bit of a wild card, you know? Unpredictable. But at the same time, there's something about her that... I don't know, that makes me feel uncomfortable." He lied.
Samantha leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with interest.
"And what about now? Do you still feel that way about her?"
Jake's eyes dropped again.
"I don't know, Samantha. I really don't know." His voice barely audible..
The two sat in silence for a moment, watching the stars and moon the night sky.
"Jake, can I ask you something else?". Samantha broke the silence..
"Sure," Jake replied, his eyes still fixed on Samantha
"Do you think Emily's in serious trouble?" Samantha asked, her voice laced with concern.
Jake's face looked stunned.
"What makes you say that?" he asked.
Samantha hesitated, her eyes darting around the corridor before settling back on Jake.
"I don't know, it's just that... she's been acting really strange lately. And then I don't understand the fact that she's been drinking so much... I just get the feeling that something's wrong."
"Don't worry, Emily will get better, okay? She's just passing through some consequences..." Jake trailed off, his eyes darting around nervously.
Samantha's eyes widened in shock. "I don't understand, what do you mean?"
Jake realized his mistake.
"Oh, sorry, I... uh... I meant to say she's passing through temporal damage. She's going to be fine." He gave a nervous smile..
Samantha's confusion deepened. "Temporal damage? What are you talking about, Jake?"
Jake's anxiety spiked, his body shaking..
"I need to leave now, Samantha. Really, it's fine."
Samantha's eyes narrowed in suspicion."So soon? You're running from Emily, aren't you?"
Jake forced a laugh, trying to sound casual.
"Oh, that?Common, no. I just remembered I had to take my dad for a walk."
"You don't seem to be relaxed as usual, Jake. Samantha's tone was skeptical...
"Oh.. me... really?" Jake stammered..
"Okay, well, I'll be expecting you some other time."
Jake nodded hastily, his eyes darting around the house.
"Ok... ok... I'll call you when I'm free. Take care of your friend."
With that, Jake turned and quickly walked away, leaving Samantha gazing at him intensely. As soon as he was out of sight, he drove at high speed,his hands trembling on the steering.
August pov
August slumped over the bar, his eyes fixed on the whiskey-soaked floor. He was on his fourth bottle, and the staggering was starting to creep in. That's all he wanted - to forget everything happening lately.
Just as he was taking in the whiskey forcefully, a figure appeared beside him.
"Is this space taken?" the man asked, his voice low and smooth.
August nodded, his head bobbing up and down.
"Can I sit?" the man asked again.
August nodded once more, his eyes still fixed on the floor.
The man settled in, his movements fluid and deliberate.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked, nodding towards the bottles.
August shook his head, his mouth curling into a sloppy grin. "Name's August," he slurred.
"I'm Victor Vex," the man replied, playing a small smile on his lip.
"What's eating you, August? You look like you've lost your last friend."
August growled, his eyes filled with numbness.. "Ranch... burned down. Emily... gone." He said his eyes mixed with sadness and tears.
Vincent's eyes narrowed.
"Emily, huh? Sounds like a special someone."
August nodded, his head..
"Special... yeah. Haven't heard from her... since the fire incident."
Vincent's face turned sympathetic.
"Sorry to hear that, August. But maybe this is an opportunity for you to move on."
August's eyes snapped up, his gaze blurry. "Move on?
No way... I can't lose her for anything."
Vincent leaned forward."I can help you with that, August. But first, tell me... why are you drinking so much?"
August's eyes narrowed, looking at Vincent in amazement..
"Why aren't you drinking?" he slurred, his gaze fixed on Vincent's glass.
Vincent smiled, "Oh, I'm drinking, August. I'm just pacing myself." his voice laced with amusement.
August's mind ran with so many thoughts,
"Who was this guy? And why did he seem so interested in his problems?."
"I will be taking my leave now,my presence is needed in the office." Vincent spoke,but August just stared at him without a word..
As Vincent stood up to leave, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small flower vase. "A little gift,August. A token of our newfound friendship,and also a compensation gift."
August's eyes widened in surprise, his drunk brain struggling to process the gesture.
"Wha... why?"
Vincent smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Just a little something to brighten up your day,
August,consider it a symbol of our partnership."
August's face contorted in a mixture of confusion and gratitude.
"Paaaartnership... yeah!" He reached out a shaky hand to take the vase, his eyes fixed on it.
"Flower... vase... so... so pretty!" August's voice staggered.
Vincent chuckled, "I'm glad you like it, August. Take care of yourself, my friend."
He tapped him gently on his shoulder and turned to leave.giving a malicious smirk.
August suddenly lurched forward, his arms open wide. "Hug... hug... my friend!"
Vincent's eyes narrowed,he hesitated for a moment before embracing August.
August's arms wrapped around him tightly, his drunk brain singing with emotion.
"Thank... thank you... friend!" August slurred, his voice muffled against Vincent's shoulder.
Vincent patted August's back awkwardly, his eyes scanning the room for an exit.
"Yes, well... take care, August."
As Vincent freed himself from the hug,
August stumbled backward, his eyes fixed on the vase.
"Flower... vase... my friend..."his head cradled in his hands, the vase clutched tightly in his fingers.
Vincent watched him for a moment, a mixture of amusement and contempt on his face, before turning and walking away.
Vincent pov
Vincent walked through the front door of his large mansion..
Jephter his house boy,stood up from his seat a knowing look on his face.
"Welcome back, sir. How did it go with August?" Jephter asked, his tone filled with curiosity.
Vincent smiled, his eyes glinting with satisfaction.
"It went perfectly, Jephter. He's hooked. He has no idea what's coming."
Jephter nodded, his expression serious.
"And the gift? Did he take the bait?"
Vincent chuckled, his voice low and smooth.
"Oh, yes. He loved the little flower vase. I never knew he was so predictable."
"And what's the next step, sir?"
Vincent's smile grew wider, his mind reeling with thoughts..
"We wait. We let him stew in his own juices for a while. And then... we strike."
Jephter nodded, his expression grim. "Very good, sir. I'll make sure to keep an eye on things."
Vincent laughed, his voice echoing off the walls. "That's what you should be doing,and not being some lazy ass and squandering only food.Now, let's get some rest. We've got a lot of work ahead of us."
Emily's pov
The next morning, Emily walked down the street, her mind preoccupied with the task at hand. She has been receiving calls from the insurance company, and they were requesting a meeting to discuss the details of the claim for her ranch.
She ignored all text and calls, not ready to get everything sorted out, cause she doesn't want to rebuild.
As she entered the next street,she heard a familiar voice call out her name.
"Emily! Emily Wilson!"
She turned to see Vincent, her classmate from secondary school, standing outside the coffee shop with a big smile on his face. His face,still handsome as before..
"Victor! Oh my god, it's been ages!" Emily exclaimed, trying to hide her grief.
Vincent walked towards her, his eyes scanning her face.
"I know, right? I was just thinking about old times and I saw you walking down the street. What brings you here?"
Emily shrugged, trying to play it cool.
"Just coming to get some coffee. You know, the usuals."
Vincent nodded, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, what have you been up to all these years? Are you still managing the ranch?"
Emily was flabbergasted. "How did you know I had a ranch."
"Ohh..about that.uhmm..I meet the billionaire August,so he told me everything?"..
Emily's eyes widened with shock.
"You know August too?"
Vincent expression was confused." Ohh who doesn't know The Flynn's the most influential and richest rancher's."
"Ohh I forgot." Emily said rubbing her forehead.
"So how, have you been managing the ranch."Vincent asked.
Emily's eyes dropped, her mind flashing back to the night of the fire.
"Actually... I'm not. I've been having some issues with the ranch."
Vincent's expression turned sympathetic. "Oh no, what happened?"
Emily sighed, feeling a lump form in her throat. "It burned down. I'm just... I don't know what to do anymore. I think the only way is give up."
Vincent's face lit up with a smile, but he quickly covered it up with a concerned expression.
"Oh no, Emily, don't say that. You'll get through this. Are you having issues with anyone?"
"Not actually, I just dont know why some persons are fighting to take over my ranch,but I guess they have taken the lead now." Emily voice filled with grievances.
"So sorry about that,But hey, I'm glad I ran into you. I was just thinking of moving to this town myself."
Emily's eyes narrowed, her face softened. "Really? What brings you here?"
Vincent shrugged, his smile returning. "Just a new opportunity. I heard this town was growing and I wanted to be a part of it."
Emily raised an eyebrow, her suspicions growing. "That's strange. I didn't think this town was exactly... booming."
Vincent laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, you'd be surprised. There's more to this town that you don't know about."
"So, what do you plan on doing here?" Emily asked,
trying to sound casual.
Vincent shrugged,"I'm not entirely sure yet. I'm just exploring my options. But I have to say, running into you has made my day."
But Emily was gazing at the coffee counter,her eyes staring absent-mindedly..
"Hey!You look... different." Vincent waved his hands at Emily's face drawing back her attention..
Emily's eyes narrowed, snapping back to reality.
"Different?"
Vincent nodded. "Yes, different. You seem... lost."
Emily sighed, her mind flashing back to the night of the fire.
"I won't lie about it, I am lost," Emily admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I think I can help you find your way," he said, his voice low and smooth.
Emily's eyes snapped back up to Vincent.
"I don't think so,the saboteurs are very powerful to handle."
It's fine you have to stay strong,encourage yourself since you have already lost everything,okay?"
Emily nodded, pretending to act strong.
"Well,I'm having a little celebration at my place tonight. I'd love for you to come. We can catch up some more and I can introduce you to some new friends." Vincent said his two palms rubbing against each other...
Emily hesitated, her mind not fit for any celebration for now till she's strong enough to smile. But a part of her wanted to let loose and forget about her troubles for a night.
"Okay, sure," Emily said finally, trying to sound casual.
Vincent's face lit up with excitement. "Great! I'll send you the address. Can I have your number?"
"So what are you celebrating." Emily asked inputting her number into Vincent phone.
"I won't let you know till when you come over."
When Emily was done putting her number,Vincent's fingers brushed against Emily as he collected the phone.
"I'll see you tonight, Emily," Vincent said, his voice low and smooth.
"I promise you, it'll be a night to remember."
Emily nodded." You have always been a bad guy Victor,from school time. So you haven't changed." Emily teased...
Vincent bursted out in a loud laugh. "Please, I'm not ready for jokes, I will just leave you alone to go get your coffee,see you later at night."
As they parted ways, Emily felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her. It was nice to reconnect with an old friend, and she was curious to see what Vincent's life had been like since after high school.
Jakes pov
James sat in his armchair, his eyes wide with terror, his mind still reeling from the shock of what had just happened a few minutes ago..
Suddenly, the door to his study burst open and his son, Jake, walked in, a look of amusement on his face.
"Hey, hey, who are you trying to scare?"James hands pointing directly to his face, his voice stern.
Jake paused, looking sarcastic at his dad's outburst.
"Jake... Jake, someone was here," James stammered, his voice shaking with fear. "I'm so scared. I don't know how he got access to the door with all the security I had put in place."
Jake's expression changed from amusement to concern in an instant..
"Dad, what are you talking about? Who did you say here?"
James eyes darted around the room, as if he expected the intruder to jump out from his hiding place.
"I don't know... I don't know. But I know what I saw. And I know what I felt."
Jake walked over to his father and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Dad, calm down. You must be hallucinating. That can't happen. I don't think anyone can come in and out of here without us knowing."
But James shook his head, his eyes wild with fear. "No... no, Jake. I'm telling you, someone was here. And I think they're still here."
Jake sighed, gripping his father's shoulder tight. "Dad, I need you to calm down. I'll go check the house, okay? But I need you to stay here and stay calm."
James nodded, his eyes never leaving Jake's face. "Okay... okay. But be careful, Jake. I don't know what we're dealing with here."
Jake turned to leave, James called out after him. "Jake... find August. I need to talk to him."
Jake nodded and headed out of the room, leaving James alone in the living room.
Jake paced back and forth in his room, his mind racing with thoughts and fears. He couldn't understand what had just happened at Samantha's house.
"Emily, Samantha's friend, that's unbelievable!" He muttered.
"Why had she shown up out of nowhere, and I know exactly who she was.
"So Emily is Samantha's friend," Jake thought aloud finding it hard to believe the entanglement,his eyes narrowing in anger.
"That witch has finally followed me." Jake said flashing back to his past encounters with Emily..
He had thought he had left her and her drama behind, but now she is here, in his new life, threatening to ruin everything...
"She's going to spoil my relationship with Samantha," Jake growled, his fists clenched in frustration. "That evil girl. What should I do now?"
Jake ran his hand through his hair, feeling confused and trapped.
"How will I handle the situation. I had worked so hard to build a new life with Samantha, and now Emily will be threatening to tear it all apart.
"What am I going to do?" Jake asked himself, his voice rising in desperation.
"I can't let her ruin everything.I have to stop her."
"But how? All I know is that I have to protect my relationship with Samantha, no matter what it takes."
Emily's pov
Emily returned, shutting the door behind her with a soft click.
Samantha returned from the kitchen. Her face worried..
"I've been searching everywhere for you," Samantha said, her voice low and urgent. "Why did you slip out without a word?"
Emily sighed, settling into the couch.
"I needed coffee," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"To shake off the haze of last night's drinking."
Samantha's expression turned stern, her eyes flashing with anger and worry.
"Emily, you're beginning to kill yourself with this coffee addiction. Ten packs a day? It's madness!"
"That's the only thing that erases my memory from the trauma." Emily replied..
"But you are killing yourself at the same time,do you want to loose the ranch and also loose your life as well? C'mon stop it., you are hurting yourself." Samantha queried..
Emily rubbed her forehead, letting out a sigh of relief.
"And now you need August the most,his going to help me rebuild the ranch, don't you get it?" Samantha suggested..
"August should be left out of this,he has done a lot for him. I won't let him take the fall always,and you know how toxic my relationship with him is going because of his family."
Samantha stared,As she settled onto the couch, "How did I get to your home?"her voice laced with vulnerability.
Samantha's face softened, her eyes welling up with emotion.
"My fiance brought us back. He's been a rock for me, Emily.
Emily's face lit up with a small smile.
"So happy,it finally worked out, I hope he will take good care of you, the way you did to me, and more."
Samantha nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Yes, I trust him. That reminds me, I think he knows you. He said something about being childhood friends or so."
Emily's expression turned curious. "Really? I don't think I can recall... you know I grew up with lots of people."
Samantha leaned in, her voice filled with excitement. "His name is Jake."
Emily's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. "Jake who?"
Samantha's smile grew wider. "Jake Flynn. He's from a rich home, though."
Emily's eyes widened in shock, her face pale. "Wait, you mean... Jake Flynn?"
Samantha nodded, not noticing the turmoil brewing inside Emily.
"Yes, that's him.
Emily's heart skipped a beat as Samantha dropped the bombshell.
"Jake Flynn?" she whispered, to herself that's August brother.her mind reeling in confusion...
Vincent pov
Vincent stood in the grand party room, surveying the whirlwind of activity around him. Workers hurrying to and fro, hanging glittering streamers and setting up tables adorned with fine china and crystal glasses.
The hall was alive filling with different colors of furniture, the promise of a night to remember.
Vincent's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he watched the transformation unfold. He pulled out his phone and texted Emily, his thumbs flying across the screen.
"Remember to attend the party tonight. We need to get along as possible. I'll be sending the address to your mailbox."
As he hit send, a worker approached him, clipboard in hand.
"Mr. Vincent, the caterer is here. Shall I show them to the kitchen?"
Vincent nodded, his mind already shifting to the next detail. "Yes, and make sure the champagne is chilled to perfection. Tonight, I have lots of guests invited."
The worker nodded and scurried off, leaving Vincent to keep up the survey.
The decorations were exquisite, the atmosphere electric.
"Tonight, I will make my move, and nothing will ever be the same again." He whispered.
With a smile, Vincent slipped his phone back into his pocket, his eyes glinting with happiness.
Jake pov
Jake moved with accuracy, his hands smoothing out the beautiful new duvet on August's bed, giving it a last touch.
Determined to leave no corner of the room unturned in his quest for cleanliness. He took away the old duvet, stained and worn out, he bundled them in his arms as he headed for the door.
Just as he reached the threshold, August stumbled into the room, his eyes glassy and unfocused. Jake's gaze met his, but August didn't seem to acknowledge his presence.
Instead, he stared blankly, his mouth hanging slack.
Jake's expression remained neutral, his eyes narrowing slightly,as he gave space for August to go in..
Without a word, August staggered further into the room, his feet carrying him towards the bed as if drawn by a magnet. He collapsed onto the mattress, the flower still clutched in his hand, and let out a soft snore.
Jake watched him for a moment, his gaze lingering on the flower, before turning and exiting the room, the old duvet still clutched in his arms.
"Why did he drink this much? Is he still in good terms with Emily?" Jake thought...
The door clicked shut behind him, leaving August to his drunken slumber..