ERIC MAXWELL

"Nate also was kicked out when admitted our relationship to his family. They have disowned him from the family, putting all blame on me." He tightens the hand around my waist.

"What a fucking loving family you guys have?" He chuckled after hearing my comment.

"For me family meant nothing. However, Nate was different. Although, he from the busiest family business, at least his parents have enough time to spend with their children. He was not lacking anything except his interest diverted from his family expectation."

"What is it?"

"Nate was an eldest son out of four siblings. His parents wished him to take over the company. Thus, putting him in high pressure. That is one factor they easily disown him without thinking twice. They thought him as an ungrateful son. It took almost a few months for him to get back on his feet. We married not long after that in the small church once he recovered from depression. We start a new life, forgetting all these selfish humans. The starting point really painful, but we have each other to support. Nate applied a part time as an art teacher while I struggled to reform a new business line."

"So, he also has an interest in the art?"

"Yes, he was. He has no interest in the business world. We slowly built up our income and living comfortably. One day, Maxim told me the company almost gone because of stupid greedy cousins. I bought all the company equity. Then only showed myself when the company changed its ownership."

"I guess the new owner is you, am I right?"

"Yes love. Grandfather shocked and maybe slightly ashamed at that time. He had chosen to retreat behind the scene. The relatives begging me to give them a second chance. After considering all aspects, I let them continue working there. Their greediness still lurking beneath the sincere mask. In simple word, they are waiting me dying. Because I am gay and have no heir, automatically they think my wealth will fall on their laps."

"I just ignored and treated them like I treat normal workers. They had lost my trust and wasting the opportunity grandfather gave to them. The fool still the fool till the end. Our life have up and down, loving and quarrelling like a normal couple. He always complaint I have no time for him." He laughed a little.

"Guess we have tasted the same feeling." He sighed.

"What do you mean? He tightened his hugs around me.

"Lonely and coldness in our own bedroom." I paused. Studying his facial changed in the mirror.

"I am sorry." He apologizes. "I promise to eliminate the habit.

"Never mind. Please continue the story." I patted his arm.

"Aside from his interest in the art, Nate also active in charity programs. Every weekend he would be around the hospital and made a large donation mostly to cancer related programs. One day, he told me about the poor but a strong patient. According to the doctor, the patient wouldn't be able to live pass a year due a heart failure in the last stage. Every single day he told me the same story about the patient."

"Who is he?" I asked.

"Guess who?" He questioned me back.

"Me?"

"Yes, love. Everyday Nate was visiting you without you knowing it. He knew you hate sympathize and pity. Mostly, he was visiting you when you were in deep sleep. Our marriage lasted for five years when he suddenly met the dismissal. That day, I was disagreeing when he wanted to go to his family house. Four hours later, I got a called from the police station. Nathan involved in an accident or rather he lost control in rainy day when avoiding another incoming car. The report said the other party slightly under drug influence. At that time, I was feeling like facing a death's door. All my life turned dark and my mind stopped functioning. I forgot how I went to the hospital and hugged a bloody body."

"From the MRI result, one of the metals had pierced Nate's head, causing him fallen in brain death. I moved him from one hospital to another in hopes he would wake up again. However, a hope only a hope. My pray turned wasting and finally I gave up. One thing I do not know, he secretly registers as a heart donor." I faced him, wiping the tears running down his cheeks.

"Do you unwilling to give his heart to me?"

"Honestly, yes. I don't want to share his heart with a stranger. When I thought in other side, I was feeling a little relief because one part of him still exist in this world."

"Do you chased me because the heart?"

"Yes, love. First, I wanted to let it go as long as you care it as your own. One day, when I was coming back from his grave, I felt so empty causing me to think about the heart. I realized, I could not let it fill with another stranger's name. Thus, I began investigating about the recipient. With money and power I got the result quickly."

"Our first meeting, is it coincident or your plan?"

"That was a coincidence. Nathan death causing my world turned bleak. I was either drowned myself in work or pleasure. That day I was accompanying someone over there. It was pure coincidence and the rest I think, you can guess it by yourself."

"Tsked. Don't use a late lover to justify your playboy self." I pinched his hand hard.

"Sorry, it happened because my weakness." He kissed my left cheek.

"How about Maxim came into the picture?" I asked. "How long he has been in love with you."

"Since we were in the middle school. I knew he had been a gay for quite a while and have a feeling to me. I'd chosen to simply ignore it. I can't force myself to love him out of pity. At first, he didn't like it when I dated Nathan. He looks so distraught and broken, opposing our relationship and fought with him. I don't know what have they discussed behind me when suddenly Maxim is accepting our love."

"I feel bad knowing this. Aren't he is more suitable to be at your side?" I said in guilt.

"Our heart doesn't connect to each other. I only can see him as a close friend." Russel ensure me.

"Have you slept with him before?" The word taste so bitter in my mouth.

"Yes, when I drown in misery in one of drunkard night."

"How many?"

"Just one."

"Really?"

"I swear by God's name." I bit my lips, feeling a little jealous. "Please don't be sulking. It happened right after Nathan's death. I think around that time you still with that coward lover, right?"

"Hmm. I preferred if you say no." I sighed. "Anyway, it happened before we married so I would forgive you."

"Don't worry, I never sleep with anyone else after marrying you." Russel's confession shocked me. As far I know, he have quite a few scandals after we married.

"How about the few scandals after we married?"

"Admittedly, I almost cheat on you a few times. Each time I tried there always a guilty feeling blocking my lust. In the end, I just tossed the women half way." I scrutinized his reflection on the mirror.

"If you dared to do it again, I'll castrate you for real." I blackmailed him.

"I consent." He laughed. "What else you want to know?"

"Rachel told me, you have promised Nathan to marry her. Is it true?" I scared waiting his answer.

"That's a lie. I only promised Nathan to take care his sister if something bad happened. I never say to marry her. Is this the main reason why you leave me?" Russel turned me to face him.

"Nope. The first reason is I don't want to be a replacement. Rachel's word is for a second reason. I scared if you would divorce me for her." I dropped my head down out of the shame.

"The woman have a wild and twist mind." Russel sigh and chin me up. "Listen carefully!" Our eyes meet each other, "You're the man I loved after Nathan. No one else can take your place in here." He pointed his chest.

"That time I thought you never love me as I loved you." I paused. "When you begin to love me?"

"I don't know when it happened, what I know the separation let me see what I blind to see when you stayed at my side. After confirming the feeling, I wanted to confess but luck not at my side. I tried searching you at your parent's house but no one there willing to reveal your hidden place."

"I know." I answered him.

"They told you?"

"Nope, I saw it with my own eyes. I watched how dejected you were after walking out of the house."

"Are you there too?"

"Hmm, in my parent's bedroom."

"That was why I felt familiar stares. Damn, why I didn't barge into the room."

"It is a little bed because I knew you respect people personal space." I said with a smirk.

"Now, what should I do about your family? I am not too good handling a family matter."

"Don't worry. I would explain to them, we have a little misunderstand here and there." I brushed his lips with mine.

"I am a little jealous because you have what I wished to have when I was a little boy."

"I am your family now, Russel. I will love you like no other and filling all the longing in your heart." I promise him. A heat crawling beneath my face.

"Yes, I don't really care about the matter anymore because I have you as a part of my own family. I planned to introduce you to my family. Would you willing to meet them?" After thinking a few minutes, I nod as agreed.

"Good, I can stop my mother from act as a matchmaker." He rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Soon or soonest people would find our secret when I have the most popular man as a husband."

"No matter how popular I was, all of me only belongs to one person. A person called a husband, a king of my heart." He cheesy word enough to paint me in red shade.

"Too cheesy." I face palm. "When the flight?" I divert the topic.

"Tomorrow morning... as a cautious if my persuading failed, I booked the flight slightly late." Our faces merely parted an inch. His hot breath fanning my face.

"Okay." I said.

"Once we arrived there, I would bring you the heart specialist. I don't want to lose a second love too. Can you agree?"

"Yes, I agree." I hugged him. "I am sorry for bringing your trauma back."

"It is my fault, love." A night passed with us continue chatting before he forced me to sleep.

For the first time, I truly feel the real happiness. I called Larry to apologize first in the morning. Somewhat his voice is slightly hoarse like him not feeling well. Owen ensure me, he would take care Larry and I does not need to worry about anything.

The line disconnected the moment I felt a hot breath around my neck. Russel already sits behind me with question looks as I watched him through the mirror. I explained about the phone call only to earn a smirk from him.

Anyway, we are quite rushing to airport because someone being a pervert when taking the bath. For Russel wasting flight fares are a small matter. A typical rich man habit. As for me, each of penny cost too much to lose. Russel and I sleep all the way back to our home. Home sweet home. My lips turn upside remembering the first time we board a flight together. How he kept complaining about uncomfortable and so on. This time he just sleeps soundless.

Stepping into the house, a feeling of completeness seeping into me. The exclusive sensation belongs to this house. No matter where I go, none of these places could replace this feeling. Claudia and Jaime smile upon seeing me. I never take them as a maid, rather treated them like a part of our household.

I hugged both of elderly couples and apologized for leaving without prior notice. Claudia wiped her eyes and glad I am back again. Russel let us take the sweet time while he brings the luggage upstairs.

"Finally, we able seeing Mr. Hendricks smile." Claudia said after Russel's disappear around the corner.

"Son, thank you for coming back again." Jaime smile.

"Yeah, you don't know how worse Mr. Hendricks behaved during your absence. He always stayed grumpy, short fuse, skipping the meal and workaholic. Sometimes, we found him with a few bottles of alcohol. Everything changed when you are not around." Claudia tells me.

"Thanks for telling me. Anyway, see you tomorrow." I walked with a heavy feeling knowing the man really loves me. In addition, how much I have effected in his life when I gone. That proved his heart belong to me now.

Slowly I open the door, entering the room and found the man I loved the most changing his clothes. Quickly, I run and hugs him from behind. His body jolted a little because taken by surprise. Inhaling his natural scene puts my mind in serenity.

"I love you, Russel." I whispered enough for us to hear.

"Yeah, I love you too, Love." He turned around facing me. Lowering his head a little, he perk my lips. "What's wrong?" He asked, studying my face.

"Nothing... my mind still thinks I am in some sort of dream." I stare straight into his ashen eyes.

"Nope... you're not in a dream. This is a reality, Eric. You and me here, in our house and resting in my arms" He cupped my face. A smile blossom on his face. A true smile. "Let's take bathe together." He sweeps me off from my feet. My arms securely around his neck.

That night we sleep cuddling each other until morning come. Russel still extending his leave. We spent all day at home, humouring each other and telling a hidden secret. By now he already know I am working as a painter too. The revealing causes his a little shock. He tells me about his grandfather like art too. It would be great if we could get along.

"Who is this annoying bug?" Russel asked when I bring a snack at the backyard.

"Who?" I asked putting the tray on the table.

"This one..." He pointed to my phone screen. Look like he has unlocked it.

"The ex-crush if I am not mistaken." I scrolled the message on the Facebook. Russel took the phone and written something. I take the phone back and saw a big uppercase font of sentence on the BlackPanther wall.

DON'T FUCKING TOUCH MY MAN. OR ELSE I WOULD HANG YOUR BALLS OVER YOUR WIFE BIG HEAD!

Reading the phrases make me laugh hard. It is out of my imagination to think this brilliant young businessman can act like a child. He sulked when seeing I keep laughing.

"Are you done?" He asks when my laughed subside.

"Yeah... maybe." I take a screenshot and save it in precious folder.

"How can you still in contact with him?" He asked after a while, "I prefer if you could block him from friend list."

"Wow, your jealousy side is so scary." I straighten my mind, "One day I added him when saw friend requested. At first, I don't know that is him. He acted like a stalker enough to disgust me at some point. When I think our relationship is over, I lured the man out. To my surprise, the man was my ex. I stopped myself from meeting him because thinking about his kid and wife. I don't want to be a third wheel. Knowing the pain of being betrayed. Unfortunately, the man doesn't know the meaning of giving up. He kept message me even though I never replied him after that." I told him without hiding anything.

"Then?"

"One day, his wife attacked me at home. She insulted and calling me names. My parents tried calming her but failed. I promise her, I would not keep in touch with her husband. The past is the past. The woman does not believe it and threaten to kill me if I ever take his husband. Fearing my safety and so on, dad contacted Larry and requested him to bring me there. Actually, I already contacted Larry before dad did."

"Did you still in love with him?" He looks dejected.

"Pfft... don't make me laugh, Russel. The loved already completely erased. The new owner of my heart is yours. Do you still doubt me?" I asked him.

"Just need a confirmation. Don't worry, I'll keep you safe from the crazy woman." He sipped the cappuccino.

"When you want to introduce me to your family member?"

"On this weekend. I already informed grandfather about it."

"How about your parents?"

"Grandfather raised me more than my parents do. It was the main reason why I am always updating everything to grandfather instead parents. And, grandfather always gathers us at his house." He informed me.

"Okay. Hmm... I have another wish." Putting down the cup, I am anxiously waiting his answer.

"What is it?"

"I wanted to visit Nathan's tomb." I hesitate request it.

He thinks for a while before speaking, "Okay, I'll bring you there tomorrow morning."

"I am sorry for making ridiculous request."

"It is okay." He ensure me.

"When you will enter office."

"Next Monday. Grandfather also okay with it. After we visit Nathan's grave, I will bring you to meet heart specialist."

"Lol, I am okay, Russel. You don't need to make the appointment." I am already tired with hospital stuff.

"No more excuses. Would you like to come back as my secretary?" He asked with a hope.

"I have resigned. If I am back people will speculate on falseness basis again. I don't like it."

"I need you by my side for each second."

"Hmm, let me think first." I ended the topic.

On the next morning, I wake up with anxiety filling my core. Finally, I would meet the man whom have saved me from my sickness. We chose to wear black attires and arrived at the cemetery around ten. The breeze blow in most serene way. Trailing behind Russel, my mind filled with many things I want to relay to Nathan.

"Sorry for missed out three times, Babe." Swallowing the jealousy, I put down the white rose banquet on the tomb. According to Russel, it was Nathan's favourite flower.

Russel caresses the cold plate stone with love. "I bring someone special here to meet you. The one you have saved and currently the owner of my love. His name is Eric. After some trial, I realized I have fallen in love with him, the same way I loved you. I loved both of you equally." He said.

My eyes turned to the other side. The scene in front me is so unbearable to see. I should not be too greedy but it is still hard to digest the feeling. I wanted Russel all for myself. I scared my love still not enough to place me in same peak as his late husband.

I also can't accept the fact we are sharing the same man. However, I have rather seen him in new love than weeping in sorrow. – I turned around to find the source of whispering.

How? – I whispered when spotting Nathan lean against his tomb. I am blinking my eyes a few times and pinching my cheeks. He still stood there with a smile. Oh God, I have seen a real ghost here.

Don't alert him. I am Nathan and I already know who you are. Thanks God, you are finally able to live like a normal person. – Nathan's voice drifted into my ears.

Why are you here? – I ask him. As a ghost, I think he can understand it without me spill the word out.

I am worried about this stupid husband of us. He cannot accept the reality and continues weeping. It unable me to rest in peace. I'd followed him around and around, witnessing him wasting the life until he meets you. Everything changed the day he marries you. As someone close to him, I can guarantee he never take you as my replacement. He just a stupid to realize the fact soon. – Nathan shook his head.

Why you aren't conveying the feeling to him? – I asked him in the heart.

I have done it but the man just taking me as a product of his imagination only. He is a stubborn man with many flaws. I think only we can see this man flaws, right? - He laughed.

Yeah, he is not perfect as people always thought. – I nod in agreed.

My time here is running out. So, I am taking this opportunity to say goodbye. Eric, I beg you to love him as you love yourself. I am entrusting him in your hand from now and onward. No matter how bad he behaved, you just need to give him a little space for him clear his mind. He is a great man and loyal lover. – His word caused my eyes blurry.

Don't cry because every beginning has an end and every end is a new beginning. My time with him is officially over. You don't need to doubt his love anymore because he only had you in his heart. I am just his past. So, take an extra care of yourself and showering him with million happiness. –

"Okay, I promise you. Thanks for giving me a chance to start over and living like a normal person. Without your help, I might be the one buried underneath the soil." The tears already run down my cheeks. I felt like a jerk accusing this man as a destroyer of my love.

You're welcome. – I felt a cold breeze around me when Nathan hugged me.

"Hey, who are you talking with?" I opened my eyes when a warm hand touched my cheeks.

"Nobody." I said seeing Nathan behind Russel, putting his pointed finger on his lips.

"He was a great man." I said with honesty.

"Yes, he was" Russel agreed. I watch Nathan stood in front Russel, hugging and kissing him. Strangely, I never found myself jealous over the gestures.

"The temperature is running low. Let us go back and take this jacket." I almost burst into laughed seeing Russel frantic self.

Goodbye my love, goodbye dear friend. – Nathan waved his hand before banish from the cemetery ground.

I take a deep breath, kneeling down and caressing Nathan tomb. "Hey buddy, although we never interact in a real life, I always wanted to know more about you. You have given me a valuable package to restart my life and cupid of my love life. I promise you to love our husband as I love myself. Thank you Nathan for being a bridge between him and me. Now you can rest in peace. " Russel hugged me once I stand up. His body is slightly shaking.

A/N

Hey guys please forgive me for breaking my promise last night. As informed earlier, this chapter supposedly out last night but unseen matter happened at the workplace. Quite a few of my team members got a fever, resulting me get back home almost midnight. Anyway, I hope you will enjoy this. Thanks for waiting, commenting and voting on the previous chapter. See you in the next chapter.