The History Of You And Me

September 2025.

OLLI'S POV

"Bossman, are you sure you don't want to join us tonight? You look like you could use a breather."

"All good Mike. Have a good one."
I try my best to release a genuine smile with my response but it comes out tight-lipped.

I'm usually a very chirpy fellow but lately I find it hard to be happy. How can I be? When I can't even make my own wife happy.

I usually succeed in separating my home life from my work. I keep an overall stern attitude on my happy days and not-so-happy days alike.

This helps with avoiding questions, sad looks, and conversations about my personal life. I'm a kind man but I like boundaries.

Today hasn't exactly been a typical neutral day for me, despite my trying really hard to not let that be the case. And my dear subordinates seem to have caught on that.

I guess they're not used to seeing me at my lowest, I'm not either. Lately that's all I seem to be experiencing. A series of low moments.

But like I mentioned before, I'm usually good at keeping all those feelings at bay. Wrapping them up and throwing them into the depths of my mind, where they may or may never be recovered.

Today has been one of the fewer days I haven't been able to succeed in keeping my composure. Why? Because I'm confused.

I'm angry. But mostly at myself.

"Hey, would you like me to stay behind too? I could get you dinner? I don't think you ate today. I'll get you something."
I'm surprised when I hear Charlotte's voice sing just before entering my office.

Secretaries usually leave early. A lot earlier.

Lately she stays behind with me. I know she knows that I have problems at home even though she doesn't question it. I also know that she's hoping something will happen with us one of these days.

But if she knows better, she'll forget all about that. I keep her around because she's good at her job but if she ever crosses the line, she's out.

Tonight I'm in no mood to share her company. I'm in no mood to share anyone's company at all.

Charlotte is a beautiful woman, kind too, but she's not for me. No one is but my beautiful wife who's at home. My wife whom I've failed and continuously disappointed.

"I'm not hungry Charlotte, but thanks. Maybe you should go home, it's really late."
I say to her with my tight-lipped smile making its rare return.

She gives me a genuine smile, bids me goodbye, and soon leaves the office where I hope I'm finally all alone.

My eyes wander to the near edge of my desk where a framed picture of my beautiful Bella resides.

I pick it up to admire the look on her face. A look I hadn't seen in far too long.

A look of content, delight, and ease.

I remember the day I took the picture very well.

We were living together but weren't yet together. I wanted her to be mine so bad, but I also wanted her to be in the right state of mind. To be ready for me, for us.