Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter LIV - The Meaning Behind The Silence

Muted daylight seeped through a blanket of cloud, the diluted warmth of spring casting faint shadows across the pavement. The city moved in its usual rhythm as scattered footsteps brushed past elegant buildings, each person absorbed in their own world. A light shimmer clung to the benches and railings, remnants of an earlier shower that barely touched the cold stone walls, blending into the steady, unaffected pulse of the city.

Jay stepped onto the street from the underground station, effortlessly blending into the quiet affluence of Knightsbridge. He moved with a natural elegance that caught passing glances – tall and lean in a tailored black Armani suit, the crisp white of his shirt and sleek black tie adding a refined contrast. His dark trench coat was open, catching the light breeze.

An all-nighter and long court session had left him running on sheer discipline alone, yet his usual indifferent expression masked any hint of weariness. His focus was on his phone and the legal document he was reading, making the bustle around him feel almost irrelevant, including two women trotting in high heels as they tried to catch up with him.

"James Henry Sebastian William!" Tina finally called, hoping this would work.

Jay instantly stopped and turned around with a look that could only be described as: if I had water and you were on fire, I would drink it and walk over your charred remains.

Vivian smiled brightly as she consciously added fuel to the fire by hugging him tightly in greeting. "I missed you so much!"

"We had seen each other last weekend," Jay deadpanned, extracting himself from her embrace.

Tina sighed and shook his head. "You know people miss each other... even if it has been only a few hours. At least those who don't bury everything underneath work."

"Speaking of which," Vivi started, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "It's way too early for an insomniac workaholic to be on his way home... wait, you just plan to work from there, aren't you?"

There was no need to answer her purely rhetorical question, especially since their presence here was way more unusual than his. "What are you two plotting?"

"We are shopping for dresses for the engagement party. I would invite you to join us, but I'm pretty sure you would rather die," Vivian explained.

"Guilty as charged."

Tina sighed, looking utterly aggrieved. "You do realise you are the worst gay best friend in the universe, right? No interest in fashion or gossip... I feel so sorry for us."

"Yes, we are so wronged," Vivi sniffled. "Only afternoon tea at the Berkeley could soothe our wounds."

Jay's eyebrow quirked questioningly, but he didn't say anything.

"I knew you would agree," Tina chirped, clasping her hands as she exchanged knowing looks with Vivian, then they both gripped the sleeves of Jay's trench coat and pulled him towards the hotel.

The tea room was understated and elegant, filled with the fresh scent of seasonal flowers. The décor seamlessly blended modern and classic furniture with plush seating and gentle lighting. Floral arrangements in delicate vases dotted the tables, adding a subtle vibrancy against the muted tones of the room.

Tina and Vivian settled on the sofa, looking extremely pleased with themselves. After all, derailing Jay from his work mode was a massive achievement. Not to mention, this was the perfect chance to interrogate him. Especially since Tina was recently split between company headquarters in Liverpool and a branch in Seoul and didn't see him for months.

"Sooo... how are things with Sean?" Tina asked after the waiter had taken their orders.

"Normal, I guess."