Nick's visit came as a surprise to us, and honestly, the timing couldn't have been more awkward. The butler had just called to inform us that someone was at the door, and before I could even ask who, Maxwell's phone buzzed. His expression changed as he listened.
"It's Nick," he said quietly, already heading downstairs.
I followed him shortly after to the living room, curious but not worried. I remembered Nick from our wedding ,he was Maxwell's cousin, the one who'd made a short speech and disappeared right after. We hadn't spoken since then, so seeing him again felt strange.
His eyes flickered toward me then, and though he smiled politely, there was something off about it. Not rude, just… unsettled.
I smiled back anyway. "Hi, Nick. It's nice to see you again."
"You too," he said quickly, his tone forced but polite.
The butler came in with drinks, and they both sat down, falling into small talk about old times. I stayed for a few minutes, listening quietly, but it was clear the two of them had a lot to catch up on. So I excused myself, leaving them to it.
From that day on, things changed.
The next few days, Maxwell became distant again not in a harsh way, but in that quiet, distracted kind of way that always left me feeling invisible. He spent nearly all his time with Nick. If they weren't out together, they were in the garden talking or in the game room laughing.
I tried not to feel hurt. I reminded myself that Nick was family and that Maxwell had missed him. But still, it stung a little watching them bond so easily while I sat alone in the same house.
So I told myself I wouldn't sulk. If he was busy, I'd use the time to do things that made me happy.
I started reading again. I ordered books online, lots of them, romance, thrillers, self-help, even poetry. Every morning, I'd curl up by the window with tea and get lost in another world. It made the silence less heavy.
Then one morning, Maxwell had to go to the office. He left early, kissing my forehead before rushing out with his files. The house felt quiet, almost too quiet, until Nick walked into the Library.
He smiled slightly when he saw me. "Morning."
"Morning," I said back. "You're up early."
He shrugged. "Couldn't sleep." Then he paused, studying me for a moment. "What are you doing today?"
"Nothing much," I replied. "Probably just reading and taking a walk later".
He grinned faintly. "That won't do. You're coming out with me."
I blinked. "Out? Where?"
"You'll see," he said, walking toward the door. "You've got all this time and comfort and you're not using it. Come on, you need to get pampered a bit."
I laughed softly. "I'm not really a going-out person."
He turned back, smirking. "Then it's time you become one."
And before I knew it he convinced me to go to a fancy salon with him, one of those high-end places I'd only seen online. I wasn't used to that kind of thing. I usually preferred to do things myself, my own hair, my own nails. But Nick wouldn't take no for an answer.
At the salon, he seemed completely at home. He chatted with the stylists, made everyone laugh, and helped me choose a hairstyle.
"This one," he said, pointing to a photo in the catalog. "It'll bring out your eyes."
I smiled. "You seem to know a lot about this stuff."
He shrugged playfully. "Let's just say I pay attention."
While the stylists worked, Nick talked nonstop, telling stories, sharing celebrity gossip, cracking jokes that made me laugh until I had tears in my eyes. He was surprisingly easy to talk to.
After the hair, he booked us both VIP foot massages, manicures, and pedicures. I tried to protest, but he wouldn't hear it.
"Relax," he said, leaning back in his chair. "You deserve this. Trust me, you'll thank me later."
I sighed but smiled. "Fine. But Maxwell's going to think you've spoiled me."
He grinned. "Good. It's about time someone did."
The massages were heavenly. The room smelled of lavender, and soft music played in the background. For the first time in a while, I felt light like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
"You're smiling," Nick said after a while.
I chuckled. "Guess I am."
"That's how you're supposed to look," he said quietly. "You should do this more often."
When we were done, he took me shopping next.
"Nick, seriously," I said, laughing as we walked into a boutique. "I think I've been pampered enough for one day."
He shook his head. "Nope. We're just getting started."
He helped me pick a stunning red dress,simple but elegant. It hugged my curves perfectly.
"That's the one," he said. "You look incredible."
I blushed. "You think so?"
He smiled softly. "I know so."
He even bought something for himself before we went to a small restaurant nearby. Over lunch, he told stories about Maxwell's childhood, silly things that made me laugh so hard I almost choked on my drink.
When the sun started to set, he leaned forward with a mischievous look. "You know what? Let's go dancing."
I raised an eyebrow. "Dancing?"
"Yes," he said, grinning. "When was the last time you went to a club?"
I thought for a moment. "It's been years."
"Then tonight, we fix that."
And that's how I found myself at a club that night loud music, flashing lights, and laughter everywhere. It was overwhelming at first, but Nick made it easy. He danced like no one was watching, pulling me along until I couldn't stop laughing.
We danced, sang, and took pictures. I hadn't felt that carefree in such a long time. For a few hours, I forgot everything the loneliness, the distance, the heavy silence. I just existed.
By the time Maxwell arrived to pick us up, I was too drunk and happy to even stand straight. I remember his face,half amused, half tired, as he looked at both of us.
"Really, Nick?" he said, helping me up gently.
Nick laughed. "Hey, don't look at me like that. I just showed her how to have fun again."
Maxwell sighed, shaking his head. "You're trouble."
"Always," Nick replied with a grin.
Maxwell wrapped his arm around me as we walked out. I leaned against him, my head resting on his shoulder. He smelled like home, familiar and safe.
"You smell like champagne," he murmured against my hair.
I smiled sleepily. "Blame your cousin."
Nick's laughter echoed behind us. "You're welcome, lovebirds!"
The car ride home was quiet. My head rested against Maxwell's chest, my heart steady with his. For the first time in days, I felt connected to him again even in silence.
Before sleep took over that night, I heard him whisper softly, "You looked happy tonight."
And I was.
For the first time in a long time, I truly was.