Episode 8
971 Words
The late autumn air bit gently at Marilyn’s cheeks as she walked toward Xavier’s Villa. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her coat, nerves bubbling in her stomach. Xavier’s message had been brief — “Come over. We need to talk.” That was all. No emojis. No teasing. Just cold words that stirred worry deep in her chest.
She hadn’t been inside his apartment much. It was always a casual hangout at cafés, the park, or someone else’s dorm. So, this invite—so sudden, so private—felt different. Weighted.
She knocked. Xavier opened the door quickly, flashing a tense smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Hey,” he said, stepping aside. “Come in.”
The apartment smelled of cologne and something savory from the kitchen. Marilyn stepped inside, slipping off her shoes.
“You cooked?” she asked, surprised.
He shrugged. “Something like that. Thought we could eat first, then talk.”
She hesitated, then nodded. “Okay.”
They sat awkwardly at the small dining table. Xavier poured her a drink—just water—and joined her with a forced air of calm. Before either of them could speak further, the front door creaked open.
“Xavier?”
Marilyn turned, her eyes widening as Lucas stepped into the apartment.
His gaze landed on her, then flicked to Xavier. He looked freshly home from work, suit jacket slung over his arm, the weight of a long day in his eyes.
“Lucas,” Marilyn said, startled. “I didn’t know you lived here too.”
Lucas offered a polite nod. “Half belongs to me. I just rarely use it.”
Xavier’s jaw tightened. “Didn’t expect you back so early.”
“Didn’t know I needed your permission,” Lucas replied smoothly, brushing past him to place his keys on the counter. His eyes met Marilyn’s again. “You’re welcome to stay. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“I was just—Xavier said we needed to talk,” she said quickly, trying to ease the tension.
Lucas smiled, but his eyes didn’t soften. “Then don’t let me stop you. I’ll grab something to eat and stay out of your way.”
Xavier exhaled sharply, masking his irritation with a smirk. “No need to act like a stranger. Sit down. Eat with us.”
Marilyn looked between them, confused but sensing something unspoken under the surface.
“Alright,” Lucas said at last, pulling up a chair. “Dinner it is.”
The meal passed with an odd energy. Marilyn tried to fill the silence with light conversation, but neither brother was in the mood for small talk. Lucas asked her about her classes. Xavier cut in with sarcastic remarks. Marilyn laughed nervously, trying to stay neutral, but the tension was undeniable.
Halfway through dinner, her phone buzzed.
She excused herself and stepped away to take the call. It was her mother—something about a bank issue that needed immediate attention. After reassuring her mom she’d handle it in the morning, Marilyn returned to the table with an apologetic smile.
“I have to go. Sorry, it’s family stuff,” she said.
Lucas stood immediately, his usual gentlemanly manner in place. “Do you need a ride?”
“No, I’ll grab a cab. Thank you, though.”
Xavier barely looked up. “Text me when you get there.”
“I will,” she said softly, glancing at both of them before leaving.
The door shut with a quiet thud.
The silence that followed was icy.
Lucas leaned back in his chair. “What is she doing here, Xavier?”
Xavier looked up, smirking. “What’s it to you?”
Lucas’s jaw ticked. “You don’t bring a girl home for dinner out of the blue unless it means something.”
Xavier stood, crossing his arms. “She’s my girlfriend. I don’t need your permission.”
“She’s not just some girl,” Lucas snapped. “She’s smart. Driven. She actually believes you care about her.”
“So?” Xavier scoffed. “That’s her problem.”
Lucas’s eyes darkened. “You’re playing with fire.”
Xavier stepped closer, his expression hardened. “You think just because you wear a suit and throw around big words, you know everything? Newsflash, Lucas—she’s not your responsibility.”
“I’m not pretending to own her,” Lucas said, voice cold. “But I won’t stand by if you’re planning to hurt her.”
Xavier shook his head with a bitter laugh. “This is my life. Stay out of it.”
Lucas didn’t respond. He walked away, disappearing into the hallway.
Later that night, as the villa dimmed and Xavier thought himself alone, Lucas lay awake in his room, the door slightly ajar. The low murmur of voices drifted down the hall.
He recognized Theo’s voice first.
“She’s falling for it, huh?” Theo chuckled.
“Too easy,” Xavier replied, sounding smug. “Girl’s obsessed. You should’ve seen her tonight. She was practically glowing.”
Lucas’s hands curled into fists.
Theo’s laughter echoed. “So when’s the big win?”
“Party this Friday,” Xavier said. “Gonna get her just drunk enough. Then… game over.”
“You gonna slip her something?”
A pause. Then Xavier replied coolly, “Just a little. Nothing dangerous. Just enough to make her say yes without the drama.”
Lucas sat up straight in bed, heart pounding.
Theo whistled. “Damn, man. Cold. But effective.”
“She wanted it from day one,” Xavier muttered. “I’m just giving her what she’s been begging for.”
Lucas’s rage boiled over. He stood silently, seething, mind racing.
He had to stop this.
No matter what it took.
- Writer
