AFFECTION

TWENTY SEVEN

Eric suspected something was wrong the moment David stepped in. He could see the guy looked visibly shook. Hours later, as he was working on his laptop, David came down from his bedroom, the solemn expression on his face, fully intact.

Oliver fell asleep in his makeshift crib but his toys were scattered all over the living room. A maid was called to clean everything while they catch up on work.

David saw Eric busy in a meeting, so he prepared a coffee for both of them. He was here, caring for his son, even in his presence. He was grateful and he could show it through a coffee.

He kept the coffee before him and settled himself with a laptop. He had to look into this blueprint of a new mall in Spain. He was busy or atleast pretending to be when his work halted because Eric spoke up.

"Where did you go that you have such a long face?"

Even if he was well acquainted with such tactics of Eric, it still caught him off guard. Ofcourse Eric would know. They have practically lived together since they were just babies. He had to know.

"Nowhere that concerns you."

Eric chuckled unamused, "I know Aurelio is in the city."

David looked at him, and then looked back at his laptop.

"I know your men and you don't respect my privacy. But again, Aurelio has nothing to do with you."

That confirmed it for Eric that he indeed met Aurelio. If there was someone on this earth who he would kill without remorse, it would be Aurelio. He was everything that he hated. He didn't look at woman decently. He lived on his brother in law's money. He was very manipulative. And he had a flair on becoming a victim in a situation.

"You shouldn't waste your money on him. We may earn alot, but it all comes after a lot of hardwork. Save it for your kids."

David passed him a brief glance, "I don't need your financial advices."

It was clear Aurelio asked for money. And it was even clearer that David was giving it to him. He sighed, making a note to ask Erica or Hope to talk to him. But money alone can't be the reason why he seemed upset. Genuine concern filled him. And so even through all his pretence, he asked him.

"Why are you sad now? It's definitely not because of money."

That had something snapping in David. Eric Ashton had the power to sit before him effortlessly, and make him speak it all even when he doesn't want to. This was a big disadvantage for him.

And so he snapped, "What will I have to do to convince you that me and you are no more friends. You have single-handedly destroyed our bond. And now you have no fucking right to ask me what makes me sad! I'd be dying for God sake, but won't turn to you for a single drop of water."

All the years of history, but his words never hurt him as much as they did today. Somehow, his words weren't false. He was actually dealing with his liver damage but never once thought of informing him. Eric was sure he was convinced he'd use his illness against him in the case. A deep and profound ache surrounded him, but as he always was, he maintained a stoic face. That wound to his ego didn't even let him reply anything.

Moments later, as his words finally registered and he made peace with them, he picked up his laptop, phone. Taking a last look at the sleeping Oliver, he left the penthouse.

And as soon as he left, a profound guilt surrounded David. The unfinished coffee mocking him. Yes, he believed his friendship was beyond the repair line, but saying harsh words to Eric worsened his already bad day.

*

Hope focused on the kid in her hand who looked out of the window in awe. She looked dazed and well rested. She has already cried once for Erica but Hope managed to calm her.