Suffering Part 6: No Longer

Chapter 16

The next morning, Lucius and Severus wake up early, their minds still troubled by the previous night's events. They sit at the kitchen table, sipping their coffee in silence. You join them, the tension from the previous night still palpable in the air.

Lucius breaks the silence first. "We need to talk before we head to work."

Severus nods, his tone curt. "Agreed. This can't continue."

You sigh, setting down your cup. "You two are being terrible again. I understand why you're concerned, but you need to trust me." You pull out your spellphone and place it on the table. "Here, take a look. I have nothing to hide."

Lucius and Severus exchange a wary glance before taking the spellphone. They scroll through the messages, finding a flood of private messages from people trying to contact you through SpellSnap.

Severus frowns. "This is ridiculous. Why are all these men messaging you?"

You lean forward, pointing to the unopened messages. "I haven't opened any of them. Except for one, and that's because I recognized the name. It's Alastair's little sister, Mina."

Severus looks at it discerningly, "You didn't tell us students were messaging you."

You shrug, trying to stay calm. "A student? My friend's little sister. I didn't think it was a big deal. She was just saying hello and catching up. Look, I know these messages are annoying, but I'm not engaging with any of them."

Severus sets the spellphone down, still looking unconvinced. "It's not just the messages. It's the attention you're getting. It makes us uncomfortable."

You take a deep breath, trying to reassure them. "I get that. But you need to trust that I'm not interested in anyone else. I need another man like I need a hole in my head," you say, looking down to Baron, who has his fists tightly grasping at your long hair.

Lucius sighs, rubbing his temples. "We're just worried about you. And yes, maybe a bit jealous."

Severus nods, his expression softening slightly. "We're sorry for being so overbearing. Can we talk about why you weren't getting coffee and why you were in a bar last night?"

You sigh, feeling the need to clear the air. "I didn't think it was a big deal. We met at the coffee shop at first and then went to the bar nearby when Pansy wanted a drink. I didn't even have a drink."

Lucius looks at you, a bit of guilt creeping into his eyes. "We should have asked you about it last night instead of assuming the worst."

Severus nods, regret evident on his face. "We let our insecurities get the better of us. This could have been cleared up last night if we had just talked about it."

You take a moment, feeling the weight of your words sink in. "Exactly. I need you both to trust me and give me the benefit of the doubt. I understand you worry, but this constant suspicion is exhausting. These people are strangers to me, they mean nothing."

Lucius lowers his head slightly. "You're right. It's obvious we have things we need to work on."

Severus sighs deeply, looking down at Baron, who is now playing with his fingers. "We're sorry. We'll try to do better."

You nod, appreciating their willingness to listen. "Thank you. Let's focus on building trust and supporting each other. We can talk to the therapist about this too. But for now, just know that I'm committed to you both."

Lucius squeezes your hand gently. "We'll work on it."

Severus leans in, kissing your forehead. "We'll try to be better. Promise."