Matilda stared stupidly at Rory, trying to wrap her mind around what he was saying.
He started by asking her about her leg, that's normal and, then he smiled sweetly at her-- the unusual part.

He didn't leave the house today, he watched movies all through.
Maybe he got into a fight with Celestine.
Because, no matter how hard no she thought about it, that seemed to be the perfect answer. The Rory she knew would never stay home all day, never.

" I thought we could be friends, enough of fighting and all. I thought it through and I realized I don't really know much about you. Let's work together, Tilda".

Her eyes were glittering in surprise. It wasn't a bad idea but Rory can be so fickle. One minute, he's in a good mood, another minute he's upset.

" Alright, let's do that". She cleared her throat.

He grinned.

"Then... Would you like to see a movie tonight?"

What would it be like to see a movie with Rory? Well, she was going to find out. She'd barely slept a wink last night, reminding herself of the dangers of moving close to Rory and even worse falling in love with him, but it hadn't done a bit of good. Her heart still skipped anytime he came close to her.

This is so scary. He's so handsome, so... everything.

When he had almost kissed her last night...oh well, she'd never dreamed in a thousand years that anyone would make her feel like that. Jude had, but it wasn't this intense. Her heart had pounded, and for a horrible second, she thought she might faint.

"Sure".

"Get prepared, by four". He said

What has gotten into him?

****

THEY SETTLED IN THEIR seats with a big bowl of popcorn laying between them.

As he sat, he hoped he made the right decision. The truth was that he did flirt with  many ladies that he came across, but he couldn't recall any who affected him the way Matilda did without even trying.

" We're seeing A walk to remember?". She asked in amusement.

"Yes...why?".

"Cassie loves the movie a lot but I've been so busy to download...I'm glad I have the opportunity to see the movie".

" Oh, really? Movie is not my stuff though"

But he saw movies all through today. Whatever, she didn't need to ask.

His eyes kept straying to the way her simple shirt clung to her breasts. But, her reaction was important, so he brought his eyes back up again.

There was silence all through.

*

Tears gathered in her eyes. She didn't realize she was crying until her tears fell on her fingers. She blinked rapidly, her blinking did nothing to stop her tears, instead it came rushing.

He watched her keenly as he passed her a tissue paper. She looked at him " I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't be doing this...infact I'm embarrassed".

There's nothing to be embarrassed of. He actually liked it. It felt so normal, having her right next to him felt so good.

"Their love was perfect, beautiful even till the end". She said as her jaw trembled.

He watched her, a bit surprised at her reaction. Like seriously, who cries because of movies these days?  In all honesty, he liked it, she amuses him a lot.

She rolled her eyes " Oh God, I can't believe I'm crying right now". She sniffed "I'm so sorry, Rory".

He passed her another tissue paper.

"Thanks".

He seemed to him like he was just getting to know her and it felt nice. There was a silent pleasant gaze in his eyes as he watched her.

Immediately they got to the Beach house, she settled in one of the cushions in the living room. Her head was pounding really hard. She grimaced as she sat. She closed her eyes hoping the pain she was feeling in her head would go quickly.

By now, Rory has dished out the food. He slowly whispered her name asking her to come to the dinning room where they had dinner of Cured lourensford trout and salad

After dinner, she stood up to clear her plate but he stopped her by telling her he was capable of doing it. She'd have protested but the pain in her head was engulfing.

He later gave a tablet of aspirin and a cup of water.

"You cried a lot tonight, you must be having a headache".

Tonight, there was a kind of tenderness in his eyes, she noticed.

"Thanks".

She took the aspirin.

"I advise you get a good night rest else, I'll force  you to". He said.

In spite of the pain, she chuckled.

"Rory, thanks for tonight". She said sincerely.

He wrinkled his nose " No, don't thank me. I made you have a headache".

"It's not your fault...

He cut her short " Just go to bed already".

.

"Hey". He called as walked to the entrance of the bedroom.

"Yes". She turned.

He walked to her, a small smile on his lips.

"This is what people who go on dates do nowadays". He said before tipping up her chin.

He gave her a featherlight kiss.

"Goodnight".

.............

LAST NIGHT WAS GOOD, Rory thought as he downed the bitter coffee and watched the cookies in the oven.

He couldn't stop thinking about last night. Last night, he had his first real conversation with Matilda, it really made him so happy. She wasn't unpleasant, as he thought her to be, rather she was fragile and gentle. All of her actions were just some act put up by her. She was acting really tough but he was very sure that she's not entirely tough.
He swore he would find out who she really was.

He brought out the hot cookies from the oven with a satisfactory grin on his lips.

There was a knock on the door.

He sighed at that. That must be Karen, he should have told her not to come but it had skipped his mind last night.

He walked to the door with a grin. He pulled it open " Karen...".

He glanced up at the smiling male. Luke Brown?  He froze on the spot. What was his brother doing here?

" Luke?....

"Hi". He pushed up his dark framed glasses and grinned " won't you let me in?".

"Oh...um...yes. Come in". He stammered.

He stepped aside as he ushered his brother in.

" Why are you here!?". Rory asked with a frown.

"Calm down guy". Luke laughed. His laugh was quick and a little strained.

Apparently, Rory wasn't so pleased to see him which was fine. He was here to apologize anyways, before leaving on his one adventure sailing boat.

Luke settled on a cushion " I need a cup of coffee, Rory".

Rory scowled " I asked you a question...oh, like seriously do you think it's right to come here unannounced? I'm on my honeymoon for fuck sake!".

He didn't mean to shout but he couldn't help it. Luke was the reason he was in all this mess, the reason he suffered a lot trying to save his father's company. The reason he got married to the lady he has zero feelings for. If only Luke hadn't walked into their lives. If only he hadn't happened. Gosh Their life was filled with "if onlys" . He was always visible to his parents only when Luke isn't around and that scared the crap out of him. He stole his parents, his company, only God knows what he'd steal next.

"Sit Rory. "

" Say what you have to, I'm listening"

" Okay? I'm sorry I wasn't at your wedding ceremony because...

" You were on a yacht in Dubai". Rory completed.

Luke chuckled " I...I wasn't on a yacht in Dubai"

"Oh, was it Paris? I guess you were partying in Paris". Rory scoffed.

" I know things have been kinda weird lately...Rory I want things to go back to how they were...

"Weird lately? Do you mean the condition Father gave?".

"What condition?..

"Fuck! I'm fucking tired of your pretense."

Luke sighed " I can't get through you...well I missed you and that's what I'm here".

" On my honeymoon? If you really missed me, you would have showed up on my wedding ceremony, come on man, don't give me that".

" I have some business here, so here I am".

"Partying business, I guess".

Luke laughed " No...I'm here in case you might never see me again".

" Never see you again? What do you mean?"

The door chose this moment to creak open as Matilda walked in.

*

SHE WOKE UP TO a stinging headache. Ah, jeez, she needed a cup of water, badly.

Yawning, she stumbled upon the nightstand, then let out a muffled scream as she fell. Oh, well, Rory won't be able to hear her because the whole house was soundproof.

She opened the door and staggered and in the process, her robe stirred revealing her cleavages. Her eyes widened as she glanced at the two figures that were staring at her. Rory was standing while the other man was sitting on the cushion. She didn't seem to notice the tension in the living room because she smiled widely.

"Oh...um...hi, good...morning?". She stammered.

Rory chuckled.

She cleared her throat and belatedly remembered to close her robe.

"Good morning". Luke stood and walked to her "I'm Luke Brown, Rory's younger brother". He stretched out his arm to her.

She took it " I'm Matilda Wr... Brown, nice to meet you"

"You look pale, I hope you're alright?". Luke noted.

"I'm fine, and how are you? I am so sorry I'm not decently dressed to receive a guest. I wished your brother had told me earlier, I would have made plans...jeez I sound confused right?" Matilda said forcing a smile.

" Nope, no problems. Actually I'm at fault here, I didn't tell Rory I'll be coming. Sorry to barge in to your honeymoon unannounced". Luke apologized.

" No, no, no I would really love to have you around. You are welcome to stay as long as you want. Have you had breakfast?"

Rory scowled at her but she ignored him.

" Yes, the lousy food given to us in the plane...if that actually qualifies as breakfast.". Luke smiled warmly.

" I'm so sure it doesn't. How about we eat out, you and me?". Matilda said enthusiastically.

Rory gritted his teeth. He hated it that they were talking about him as though he wasn't listening.

" Eeeehhhh how about Rory?". Luke was taken aback.

" Rory?". Matilda said eyeing her husband "I'm  sure he has one or two appointments for the day."

Rory rolled his eyes, not sure of the game Matilda was playing with him. He didn't recall telling her he had any appointment and he was so sure he was being dismissed by her. He was annoyed at Luke for coming to disrupt the bliss of getting to know his wife, thereby wasting all his efforts. Luke won't be here for long anyway, once he's gone, he'll get to deal with Matilda himself.

Luke looked at him with those stupid puppy eyes of his and for a second, Rory  felt like getting a knife to pull Luke's eyes out of its sockets.

" Yes, I think I do have an appointment"

Frowning, Luke looked from Matilda to Rory and immediately knew something was afoot, but whatever was going was definitely not his business and he was not going to interfere in their marriage. marriage's not his deal though..

Matilda smiled awkardly and left the room after excusing herself .

"Excuse me, I need to get decent". She mumured.

*

" Breakfast was delicious".Luke exclaimed
"I see you are a foodie"

" Definitely, you got me there".
That was a big fat lie. Honestly, she felt like staying at home, alone with Rory but she couldn't. She was starting to grow on him, it really bothered her.

Luke seems to be the only route to escaping from Rory....

Suddenly Karen walked in, jiggling  between six grocery bags.

" Hiiya.". She said breezily.
" And don't you dare come over to assist me, I can handle this."

" I know you can, but this is too much".

With a smirk, Luke strode to Karen. " Let me help you with that".

Karen only blinked and gaped at him like a tongue-tied schoolgirl. She rushed into impromptu speech.

" I...um...oh...yes...please"

His lips curved in a crooked smile as he took all the bags from leaving her with a wide opened mouth.

He placed the bags on one of the empty chairs that were beside Matilda.

He took his seat as Matilda motioned to Karen to take a seat.

Karen sat, as she tried not to glance at Luke... unfortunately, she did glance at him and he caught her eyes.

"Alright! Luke meet Karenhappuch, my one and only friend here in Maine".

Luke stretched out his arm " I'm Luke Brown".

She took it "Nice to meet you".

She gaze at their interlocked hands, then to his face. He held her gaze with a smile on his lips. A few seconds of tensed silence ensured.

Matilda cleared her throat roughly.

Karen abruptly jerked her hand from his.
Matilda smiled.

Seems innocent Karen is in love.

All through the chat, Karen talked less which was quite unusual. Matilda thought it was a stupid thing to do: talking less because she didn't want Luke to think badly of her.

*****

Troubled by Matilda's behaviour, Rory remained at the beach house all through the day.

What had made Matilda act like that? He didn't do anything wrong last night, did he?

He poured himself a glass of wine.

He didn't get it. Up untill this morning when she had met Luke she had been cheerful; she apparently had a good time chatting with him last night.

Screw it. If she chose not to support him, fine. If she likes Luke...well that's her problem.

In case she didn't know, she chose the wrong person. Luke will be leaving tonight and soon they will be alone.

He gulped down a glass of wine as his phone beeped.

Celestine: I guess you're having a great time with your wife? So great that you completely forgot to accompany me to the airport. You promised Rory.

He couldn't remember making that promise. That's how much Matilda  overshadowed his thought. She so crowded his mind that he barely remembered Celestine.

He let out an exasperated sigh as he dumped his phone on the table.

Rory wasn't enjoying his day. First Matilda chose Luke over him and now Celestine accusing him of ditching her for Matilda. Not that they had anything together from the start but he was guilty of making her think he liked her.

That doesn't matter. What matters is that Matilda Brown kept elbowing her way into his thoughts and Everytime he shut her out,
She always find a way to sneak back in.

He kept fantasizing about kissing her again and making love to her. He liked her but not the same way he liked other ladies.

She had curves. Hell, yes he had met a lot of ladies with curves. She's beautiful. He had also slept with a lot of beautiful ladies. Oh God.

The only explanation he could think of was it had been way too long time since he had sex. That explanation didn't work.

He was physically attracted to her, of course. Any sane man probably would. In all, she was different from all the ladies he had ever met. In one word, she was unique.

***

" You like her?". Matilda asked Luke while they were in the car.

"Who?". He smirked.

" Come on. Stop acting innocent. I mean Karen". Matilda chuckled.

" Um...she is cute". He told her.

"Cute? ".

She watched as his smile reached his eyes. He liked her.

" She's a bit scared of me though". He noted.

" Not scared but shy".

" You think so?".

She mimicked Karen's voice " He is so handsome, OMG. I can't manage to ruin things and look stupid"

Luke laughed.

" For real. I'm very sure that's what she's thinking right now". Matilda said with a chuckle.

" Enough of talks about me. Let's talk about you".

"Me?"

"Yes. What did you do to Rory?".

"Rory? Nothing".

" Why did you get married to Rory? As far as I know Rory is not the type to settle you know".

Matilda looked out of the window. Having this conversation with Luke was like hitting a hammer on a nail.

Luke didn't know know about the whole situation and it'll be wise not to tell him about it. Rory should be the one to explain it to him, it wasn't her place to.

" Rory is just amazing."

" He's changed, I should give you kudos for that."

"Changed? You've been here and it's not up to  twenty hours. You're seeing the change and I just can't see it. How possible is that?"

" I know what I'm saying". He smiled " so won't you tell me what's going on?."

"I don't share my personal details, so ask your brother". She chuckled.

" What was I thinking? I know you're not going to tell me but I know one thing Rory is a cool guy. Believe me, we have lived together for years, I know a lot about him. He can be pig headed at times but when he falls in love he gives his all. He has never fallen in love before now though and it's his first time...he has never thought of fallen in love and when he really fell in love, it's with you...you Matilda."

She said nothing.

After a long silence, she spoke " I'll help you".

" With what!".

" With Karen".

" I didn't mention that I like Karen I only said she's cute". He glanced at his fingers.

" You are bad at pretending". She laughed hysterically.

" Alright"

" On one condition?  keep me company".

" Oh, really?".

"Yeah, keep me company and I'll help you with Karen. Deal?"

" Deal. "

" Thanks". She beamed.

****

" Good news, bro. I've decided to stay here for two weeks". Luke announced in falsetto as he walked into the house with Matilda.

" WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!!!!"