Shards of War: Eclipsian Secrets

Chapter 65

Matsu leaned back in his chair, letting out a long, weary sigh. The walls of his office seemed to close in on him as his thoughts drifted back to Calie and Marie. It had only been a short time since he'd last seen them, but already he found himself missing them deeply. Their laughter, their warmth, the way they made everything feel a little brighter—everything about them seemed to have imprinted itself on his heart.

He shook his head slightly, trying to refocus. The gentle hum of the air conditioner was the only sound in the room besides the distant chatter of staff and the occasional rustle of paperwork. Matsu had called in the estate staff to keep an eye on his younger sisters, ensuring they were taken care of while Yumiko enjoyed her second date with Aki. He trusted them to manage things, but the responsibility weighed heavily on him nonetheless.

His desk was cluttered with reports, files, and various documents that demanded his attention. But as he picked up a file and began to sift through it, his mind wandered again to Calie and Marie. They were facing their own struggles, working through their dependency issues, and he wished he could be there to support them. He had spent so much time thinking about them lately that it was starting to affect his work, which he knew he couldn't afford.

Suddenly, Shard's voice cut through his reverie, sharp and insistent. "Matsu, focus. You're supposed to be working, not daydreaming about your fiancées. Remember what you're trying to achieve here—independence, both for yourself and for them."

Matsu sighed again, this time with a hint of frustration. "I know, Shard. It's just... hard not to think about them. They're important to me."

"And that's exactly why you need to focus on your responsibilities," Shard replied, their tone a blend of encouragement and mild exasperation. "The better you manage things here, the more you can help them. They're depending on you, just like you're depending on them. Balance is key."

Matsu nodded, accepting the advice. "You're right. It's just... I feel like I'm losing sight of the bigger picture when I'm constantly thinking about them."

He took a deep breath and turned his attention back to the reports in front of him. Shard's reminder had shaken him from his daydreams, and he knew he needed to stay focused. His work at the chancellery was crucial—not just for the immediate needs of his office, but for his long-term goals and the independence he was striving to achieve.

He flipped through the documents, his mind shifting gears as he immersed himself in the details. The numbers, the proposals, the strategies—all of them demanded his full attention. Slowly, the familiarity of the work began to ground him, helping him regain his focus.

As the hours ticked by, the office lights cast long shadows over the room. Matsu was deep in thought, navigating the complexities of his role. Occasionally, he glanced at the framed photos on his desk—pictures of his sisters, his friends, and yes, Calie and Marie. They served as a reminder of what he was working for, and why it was important to keep pushing forward.

By the time the sun began to set, Matsu had made significant progress on his tasks. He had managed to clear a substantial amount of paperwork and had even found time to draft a few plans for upcoming projects. It wasn't easy, but he was determined to find that balance between his work and personal life.

As he prepared to leave the office, he glanced at the photos once more, allowing himself a small, hopeful smile. He would see Calie and Marie again, and when he did, he wanted to be able to offer them not just his love, but also a sense of stability and growth. For now, he had to keep moving forward, stay focused, and continue working toward the independence they all needed.

Matsu left the office and headed to Dr. Boskow's office to talk with her about his progress, she had told him to take her last available slot in the day to give him more time to work on himself and think about his progress.