During the following ten days that Harry carries Aurelia out of the penthouse, he becomes very aware of how frail she's become. He now knows that he hasn't been imagining her weight loss. She had stood in her bra and underwear one morning, staring at her closet. He had seen the way her hips were sticking out, he could see her ribs and she just seemed really unhealthy. He asked what she was doing and found out that she didn't know where her clothes were, or what she should wear. He had to show her everything, and he felt his concerns and grow. Red flags had been raised that day and he's begun to notice more unsettling things about her.

He's noticed that she's been getting less sleep as of late, and her movements have been slow and uncoordinated. Her memory is getting worse with each passing day and he swears that he's seen her hands moving involuntarily and even her feet. She seems perpetually exhausted now, and it looks as if she's aged years in such a short amount of time. He's worried about what's happening to her, so much so that he's been avoiding Celia's calls and texts, asking when he'll come over to her place. Part of him feels bad, but he needs to figure out what he truly wants before he does anything else.

The more he thinks about it, Harry is finding it harder and harder to figure out why he's divorcing Aurelia, especially when she seems to forget each night. With each explanation he has to give her, he feels more torn and confused. What's worse is that Aurelia seems to get more emotionally unstable and she's been crying herself to sleep. Now, he can't stand to see her cry and he can't stand having to break her heart every night. He hates having to do this now.

Ironically, telling Aurelia about the divorce had been one of his favorite conditions in the beginning. He thought that it would be easy because she was sure at first he wanted to divorce Aurelia. Ever sense the argument that he had with her though, things have changed. He can even acknowledge that his feelings have changed since the dinner. He's pretty sure that things were changing before that, maybe even when she had come home so late on the first night of this agreement.

"I'll see you later tonight Finnie," Aurelia says as Harry sets her down. "I love you, and text me when you get out so I can start making you dinner," she adds, hugging her son.

"Don't worry, Mum, I'll be sure to text you," Fynn says with a slight smile. He hugs her a little bit more tightly before pulling away. He watches with sadness as she walks stiffly away. "Oh Mum," he says sadly as he closes the front door.

"So uh, do you want me to drive you to school?" Harry asks hesitantly. He's been trying pretty hard to reconnect with his son. So far it's been fairly successful, but that's only because Fynn is allowing it. Though he hasn't said it to either of his parents, he had overheard the argument that they had a few nights ago. He had already known deep down that his parents were going to get a divorce, but he had hoped they would be able to somehow work things out. After hearing what his mother had said, he knew that there was no chance of it. Granted he also knew that they were going to be split up regardless of the outcome.

He's on his mother's side, but he's also trying to give his father a chance. He doesn't necessarily want to cut off all ties with him because of what he's done, but he doesn't feel nearly as connected with him as he used to. He just doesn't understand why his dad would have cheated on his mother, especially with someone like Celia. Fynn hates the secretary for what she's done to his family, and he can't believe his father fell for her stupid tricks. He knows, like his mother, that Celia doesn't like him romantically. She probably wants him for the money, as well as his body, and he's sure that his father wants Celia for her body.

"Are you just going to stand there and stare at me?" Harry asks, laughing nervously.

"Sure dad, I'd like it if you drove me to school today," Fynn sighs. "Are you going to be able to pick me up as well or are you going to be working?"

"I'm taking time off actually," Harry says as he tries to hide his frustrations again. He knows exactly what Fynn's getting at, and he realizes now that it's entirely possible that his son had overheard his argument with his mother. "I decided that I should probably stick around here for a little while," he sighs as he runs his fingers through his hair.

"Sounds like you're trying to avoid someone," Fynn says quietly. "But who am I to judge, right?" Harry merely sighs in response and goes over to grab his car keys. Silently, he motions for his son to follow him and they walk out to the garage, where they get into the car. The ride is mostly silent except for the radio. Fynn hums quietly along to the tune of the song, and quietly thanks his father once they get to the school. Harry groans once his son is gone and drives back to the penthouse. Once he's there, he sees that there are a few unread messages from Celia.

Celia Stephens: baby I miss you :(

Celia Stephens: we haven't talked in a long time

Celia Stephens: are you purposefully avoiding me now? I just got your work schedule and it says that you won't be in until next Wednesday

Harry Styles: just because I take time off work doesn't mean I'm avoiding you. Not everything revolves around you, Miss Stephens.

Celia Stephens: what's going on, Harry? Why are you suddenly snapping at me? I've done nothing wrong.

Harry Styles: we'll talk later. I'm a little busy right now.

Celia Stephens: you used to prioritize me over anything, Harry. What's changed? Are you suddenly 'in love' with your wife again?

Harry Styles: watch it, Miss Stephens.

Celia Stephens: just come over, Harry. I miss you and I want to spend time with you.

Harry Styles: I am currently busy, Celia. I am not coming into the office just because you want me to.

Celia Stephens: you're spending time with her, aren't you?

Harry Styles: well, she is my wife, Miss Stephens.

Celia Stephens: please, just come to my apartment tonight. I want you to spend time with me.

Harry Styles: no, Miss Stephens. I will not be coming over tonight. I have obligations to fulfill.

Celia stares down at her phone feeling panicked. She knows now that Aurelia's plan to get Harry to fall back in love with her is working. She was stupid to believe that his wife wouldn't be able to do that. Her mind begins to race as she thinks about how she can get Harry to come back to her. She is so close to getting exactly what she wants; money and power. If she can get Harry to actually leave his wife, then she'll get that. She'll be guaranteed a comfortable life, especially if she can get him to propose.

She certainly doesn't love Harry, but she's sure that she can if she's given the chance. This affair has only been going on for a year, and Celia doesn't think that's enough time to love someone. She's loved the attention that she's gotten from her boss, especially because he's been so willing to buy her things that she wouldn't normally be able to afford. She's gotten used receiving Harry's gifts and she certainly doesn't want to lose that. Her mind begins to race as she thinks of possibilities of how to make sure she can get Harry to love her again. It's clear that the honeymoon period is over and she'll have to work a lot more to maintain whatever this is.

With a slight sigh, Celia decides to leave the office after two, when business is usually slow. After exiting the building, she hails a taxi and goes to her apartment where she strips down. She looks through her closet and pulls out the dress that she knows will get Harry's attention the most. After showering, she puts on the short, skin tight black dress. She smirks at herself as she looks in the mirror because of how her breasts pop out of the dress. She knows that Harry won't be able to contain himself when he sees her. She's even made sure to not wear underwear because this will definitely make him want her even more. After putting on her favourite shade of red lipstick, she runs her fingers through her hair. Celia knows she looks attractive and she knows that this is going to work. It has to.

Celia takes a taxi over to the building where the penthouse is. She takes a deep breath before going inside, knowing full well that she's taking a big gamble coming over here. She knows that she's crossing a big line by going directly over to the Styles/Bristow home, but she doesn't really care. She knows that, as part of the agreement of their affair, she's not allowed to go to the penthouse. She's willing to take this risk because it could pay off really well for her. This could be the thing that gets Harry to be with her fully. Her heart is beating wildly against her chest as she walks up the door that she knows belongs to Harry and she knocks loudly. She can hear steps on the other side and takes a deep breath, preparing herself for what's about to come.

"Mister Styles, it's lovely to see-" Celia begins seductively as she pushes her breasts together with her arms. She stops abruptly when she sees the young boy standing before her with a look of pure dislike. "Oh Fynn, hello," she says as she hastily pulls her dress up so her cleavage isn't as prominent. This however, causes her dress to ride up her body.

"Why are you here?" Fynn asks coolly.

"Well-"

"Haven't you done enough to my family?" he snarls. "You've ruined everything. Thanks to you, my father is leaving my dying mother and you're to blame for it." Celia's jaw drops, both at the way this fifteen year old boy was speaking to her, but also because of his bold words.

"Excuse me, little boy, but I don't appreciate you speaking to me that way," she snaps. "You're a child."

"You're one to talk," Fynn says, raising an eyebrow. "You're only ten years older than me. If anything, you're the child because you honestly believe that you'll get anything you want."

"Listen here-" Celia begins, furious.

"No," Fynn snaps. "You don't get to say anything. You are a despicable human being and I hope you're happy with yourself. You are a home wrecker. Get out of here before I call the police," he continues, his hazel eyes flashing with fury.

"You're not the boss of me, you little-"

"Care to finish that sentence, Miss Stephens?" Harry asks as he walks over to the doorway. He had heard the tail end of his son's rant and he's filled with rage when he sees Celia standing in the doorway. Her brown eyes widen in panic and she takes a step back.

"O-oh, Harry," she says nervously.

"Fynn, would you please give us some privacy? I've got to deal with my employee," Harry says calmly, causing Celia's heart to sink.

"No," Fynn replies coolly. He steps aside so his father can stand in front of his secretary but he doesn't dare leave. "I don't trust you with her alone, Dad. You've proven yourself untrustworthy and you will say whatever you have to in front of me or I actually will call the cops on your mistress."

"Fine," Harry sighs as he looks at his son. He can see the dislike in his eyes and he forces himself to look at his secretary. "Miss Stephens, you and I are done."

"W-what?"

"I can't, in good conscience, continue this affair any further. Things got way out of hand, and-"

"You promised!" Celia says as tears begin to fill her eyes. "You promised to leave your stupid-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Fynn yells. "My mother is a thousand times better than you'll ever be."

"Yeah right-" Celia begins, scoffing.

"You are also fired, Miss Stephens," Harry says. "I cannot allow you to continue working at my company, when you treat my family this way. I know that I am not any better than you, but I cannot allow you to continue mouthing off my family. You are fired, and this is over." Celia bursts into tears when he says this and she looks helplessly at the man standing before her.

"H-Harry-"

"You know, I recently came to terms that I never actually loved you. I was merely caught up in your body and the lust that I felt. Carrying my wife out of the penthouse every day reminded me of the intimacy that our relationship once held. I regret ever starting this affair with you, I wish I'd never done it. I can't take back what I did but I can use the rest of my life to make it up to my wife," Harry interrupts. "That's assuming that she wants to take me back. After the emotional pain that I put her through, I wouldn't blame her she doesn't."

"P-please-"

"I don't know if you noticed, but that was my Dad's way of saying get the hell out," Fynn huffs. "Get away from here, and I hope you're happy that you helped ruin what was once a happy family." He doesn't give Celia or Harry a chance to say anything else before he steps forward and closes the door.

"Fynn-"

"You know, I truly hope you are happy with what you've done," he snaps as he turns to look at his father. "Mum is never taking you back, Dad. She is never going to be able to find someone who actually deserves her. You were her one and only chance at happiness, and you ruined it. I hope you can live with yourself."

"I know you're mad at me, Fynn, but I promise that I'll make it up to your mother," Harry says desperately.

"I don't think you get it, Dad," Fynn yells. "I can't believe how clueless you've been. Mum has been labeling everything. Her memory has been going--all of the signs that she's been sick have been so obvious and you've chosen to ignore all of it. How stupid are you?" Before Harry can even begin to think of a reply to what his son has just said, the home phone begins to ring loudly. Fynn sends his father a disgusted look before going to answer it. He knows how important phone calls to home are now.

Harry sighs quietly and follows his son into the living room where the home phone is. He watches Fynn as he picks up the phone and he grows worried when he sees his son's eyes fill with tears. The conversation goes on for a few minutes and Harry gets a little annoyed when his son walks out of the room, purposefully stopping him from eavesdropping. When Fynn does come back out and tears are running down his cheeks and he looks down at the ground for a moment. He feels numb and it takes everything he has to look back up at his father.

"M-mum's in the hospital."

[•]•[•]•[•]•[•]

a/n: The next chapter (aka epilogue) will hopefully be up tomorrow because I don't want to leave you all hanging. I'm halfway done with it. Get ready for that one, it's an emotional one.