80- Open Book

Leaving all the work to De Villiers, Nathaniel took me and Jacob with him. Despite the fact his brother was injured and was going to die badly by me. 'You okay? He is your brother, after all." Nathaniel asked, noticing his lost expression. 'He was my brother." He scoffed. 'Hmm. Impressive." Nathaniel praised his loyalty and walked away. I took him to my office, not my hideout. He hid his plague doctor mask before it created havoc. They would panic to find him here. I let Jacob go and cool his mind as we were alone at my lavishing workplace. Sighing, I leaned against the table, rubbing my temples as he sat on the couch, resting his one leg over the other, contemplating my emotions. "He is all yours now. You can deal with him later however you want. I have fulfilled my duty as your protector." His stern voice came. I just hummed, rubbing my temples, unsure how to feel after avenging his breath because no matter what I do. Nothing could bring the one I lost back to life. I did the least I could do for him but only if I had… hugged him. After noticing the anguish on my features, Nathaniel sighed and put his leg down. Not sounding too sympathetic. "Look, I understand how you feel. Losing a loved one was always hard." He said impassively and I couldn't argue with him. The man before me lost his family before his very eyes at a young age. He understands my agony deeply. Removing my hand, I turned to him. He was smiling emptily, no sign of pity or dejection for what he lost by witnessing my state. He was deadly calm. Uncomfortable by his dry smile, I asked vaguely, "After your family… have you ever lost someone dearest to you again?" He lowered his gaze and nodded slowly, "I once adopted a girl. Alice. My own man killed her like yours did... Could have lived a life but…" I had no idea about that but I faintly remember, he forgot about her when he lost his memories. "But, that's what life is. You lose people you love." He laughed a little, almost repulsed with life and its strange way but the lifelessness in his eyes was clear. I agree with his words. It is what it is. "Thank you." Leaning against the table, I said with a heavy heart. "Never fathomed I would hear it from you." He smirked, mocking me. "Nor did I." I scoffed. He got up to leave but stopped as a curiosity crept upon his face. "Anyways, may have I honor to meet the woman who brought you to your knees? I am intrigued." I knew it was the most unpredictable turn of my life because I was on the verge of losing all bonds, even myself but now… I had gained a new life. 'Sometimes, I am too." I hummed, trying not to smile at the mention of my beloved. But, the fact will remain- ‘My life found its meaning when she touched me.' "Honestly, I expected you to cause bloodshed on my execution but you just came and left. Why was that? That was so unlikely of you." He asked, furrowing his eyebrows, his green eyes filled with pure intrigue to know how this all happened. "Why don't you ask her?" I smirked, shrugging my shoulders. "Fair enough." Never in my entire life I thought I would have Nathaniel over my place but since he was underground and dead for the world, he could do anything he wants now. He was a liberated devil. Coming home, I rushed to my room and my heart gained solace when I saw my delicate woman brushing her hairs while lost in her thoughts. "Eileen." Walking towards her, I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "Hey. How was your day? How are you feeling?" She asked sweetly, getting up immediately and turning to me, cupping my cheeks. "Better now that I have seen you." Smiling back, I kissed her hand, closing my eyes to drown in the sensation of it. She caressed my cheek as I opened my eyes slowly, "Listen, I brought a special guest who wants to meet you." "Who?" She asked, tilting her head in confusion. Taking a deep breath, I told her, "Nathaniel Alroy." Dread evoked instantly, she removed her hands, not liking his mention, 'The P-Plague Doctor?" I nodded. 'Wasn't he.. Dead?" She asked hesitantly. 'Leave that. I want him to meet the woman who changed me. Are you scared?" I asked softly, shifting my hand to her shoulder and pulling her in a side hug. "Who wouldn't be?" She muttered. "He is nothing like me- how I was. Don't worry, I am here." Reassuring her, I freshened up before going back down. We came and Nathaniel's eyes fell upon Eileen, scanning her from top to bottom as his dark, notorious smirk came. Placing his hand on his heart, he bowed out of courtesy and began to speak in a low, sugar-coated voice. "Good Evening, Mrs Stellios. It is an honor to catch a glimpse of you." 'G-Good Evening…" 'Pardon my big mouth but It's undeniably clear your innocence attracted him." He smirked, stopping at her eyes and then at me jeeringly which made me frown.. "Is it this obvious?" Eileen asked in disbelief, turning to me and then him. "Yes. It is." He nodded as we took a seat and Eileen held my hand with her one hand and wrapped her other hand around my arm, slightly timid at the silence that came in between. I had no idea what to speak and, worsening the silence, Eileen unintentionally hit his sensitive spot. "How is... your wife?" She asked hesitantly. I glanced at her and her words came to my mind, the perception she held of him. ‘She weakened him like ‘I' have weakened ‘you'.' Ah, how she used to test my patience. ‘It's love beautiful? One could leave everything for the one he loves… just like Nathaniel, right?'