✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*CORDIALLY LINKED✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

*＊✿❀CHAPTER THIRTEEN❀✿＊*

➹THIRD PERSON PERSPECTIVE➷

✾March 11th, 2013- 10:54: Sheffield✾

Lorenzo woke up three hours ago as  work starts in an hour, and considering it was his first day back after several weeks of being absent, he didn't want to be tardy.

On the contrary, Alistair was still asleep while the twins were wide awake, happily babbling after Lorenzo had fed and changed them without any difficulties. He was quite pleased with himself.

At that particular moment, Lorenzo was enjoying his green tea when a single knock echoed from the main entrance. With a gentle touch, he placed the cup on the coffee table before him and walked leisurely towards the foyer, intending to answer the caller. However, before fulfilling this task, Lorenzo noticed an envelope resting on the floor.

He swiftly crouched down to retrieve the envelope, then unlocked the door and swung it open to check if the individual who had slid the envelope under the door was still present. Regrettably, they had already departed.

That is unusual.

Lorenzo ensured the door was secure after closing it and made his way to the kitchen, where he found a stool to sit on. He then proceeded to open the envelope and remove its contents. Inside was a letter written on A4 paper. He wondered who had sent it to him.

He commenced reading it with great attention and thoroughness.

"Dear Ren,

I recently learned of the unfortunate incident that occurred at your wedding, and I regret that I was unable to be there to offer my support. Unfortunately, my schedule was extremely tight, and taking time off was not an option as I am already behind on my workload.

I want to express my sincere belief that Meredith was not the right person for you. I had previously shared my concerns with you, but you chose to distance yourself from me and stated that you never wanted to see me again. Unlike Meredith, I have never intentionally caused you pain, and if given the opportunity, I would do everything in my power to protect and support you.

I would be very grateful if you could not only respond to this letter but also agree to meet with me at your convenience. 

Best regards 

Aodhán Gallagher 

Aodhán, Meredith's younger brother, has previously attempted to sabotage Lorenzo's relationship with her on multiple occasions. Lorenzo assumed it was because Aodhán had feelings for him, but that was never the case. Aodhán knows things about his sister that no one else knows, but if he were to reveal the truth about her, it is uncertain whether anyone would believe him.

"Excuse me, Lorenzo," Alistair said politely as he leaned against the kitchen door frame behind him. "I couldn't help but notice you reading something. May I ask what it is?"

Lorenzo, startled by Alistair's sudden presence, turned around on his stool to face him. He gave Alistair a slightly annoyed look but tried to be respectful.

"A former friend of mine has written to me. He mentioned that he recently learned about the incident that occurred at the wedding. He explained that he had warned me about Meredith before, but I disregarded his advice. He has requested that I respond to his letter and possibly meet with him at my convenience." Alistair was curious about who this "former friend" of Lorenzo's was, but then again, why should he concern himself with such matters?

Nevertheless, he was curious and decided to ask him.

"Can you please tell me his name?" Lorenzo glanced at Alistair, whose face was devoid of emotion. Despite this, Lorenzo decided to provide him with an answer, as it was only fair to do so.

"Aodhán Gallagher, Meredith's younger brother." Alistair refrained from expressing astonishment, as doing so would reveal his familiarity with Aodhán and Meredith, a fact he preferred to keep concealed from Lorenzo for the time being.

"I am not familiar with him. Could you please provide me with more information about him?" It would not be appropriate for Lorenzo to share any information about Aodhán with Alistair.

"I am unable to share any information about Aodhán, as it would be inappropriate. However, if you are genuinely interested in learning more about him, you are welcome to accompany me when I meet with him later this week. That way, you can ask him any questions you may have yourself." Alistair raised an eyebrow at Lorenzo, intrigued by his decision to seek out Aodhán.

"... so you've decided to meet with him. I thought you didn't like him." Lorenzo remained silent, unsure of how to respond to Alistair's enquiry.

"Please disregard my previous statement, and I'd like to inform you that your presence at work is required in the next thirty minutes." Lorenzo checked his watch and silently cursed. He promptly placed the letter back into its envelope and handed it to Alistair for safekeeping. He then collected his blazer, briefcase, and jacket before departing from the penthouse, leaving Alistair and his daughters alone. Regarding the situation with Aodhán, he maintained a positive outlook, believing that ultimately everything would resolve favourably.

Will it?