Page 61 of Lost Room Lawyer
It was Leo, standing in front of me, hauling me out of my thoughts. He greeted Viktoria with a kiss on the cheek, then we shook hands. I patted him on the shoulder and offered mycondolences—even though his relationship with Rina had ended twenty-five years ago. Despite their separation, they had always maintained a good relationship, mainly due to Nico.
“Thank you,” Leo said, visibly exhausted. “It’s truly a terrible thing.”
“Let us know if there’s anything we can do for you,” Viktoria offered graciously.
I truly admired her. In such circumstances, she always knew what to do. She had already placed a card on the designated table. Even when Grazia, Leo’s third wife, joined him and greeted us, Viktoria kept her polite smile. Behind closed doors, she made no secret of her dislike for the thirty-five-year-old. All my attempts to focus on Leo’s happiness were dismissed by her.
“Oh, come on! Leo is twenty years older than her. She’s just after his money.”
The fact that Leo’s third marriage had already lasted five years didn’t sway her.
“Another two years, and the infamous seven-year itch will hit. I wouldn’t be surprised if Leo sends her packing. Care to bet?”
“How is Nico?” Viktoria asked.
“I think he has been in shock since,” Leo replied. “He was on sick leave, wasn’t he?”
I nodded understandingly. “Yes, he sent a medical certificate. But I don’t know for how long.”
“He should be somewhere here,” Grazia said, turning her head from side to side.
But there were too many people. As new mourners arrived, Grazia excused herself to greet them.
“She’s doing a great job,” Leo said. “She sent out the mourning cards, arranged the catering, and even took care of a few things at Rina’s house.”
I didn’t even need to look at Viktoria to sense her struggle to keep from rolling her eyes.
“I’m glad for you,” I said to Leo. “In times like these, we’re grateful for any help.”
“That’s true.” Leo fell into thought for a moment. “It’s incredible how quickly something like this can happen.”
An awkward silence fell, and I took the opportunity to scan the open kitchen and living room. And there he was. Nico. At the far end of the room, he was half-sitting against the windowsill, appearing utterly disoriented. His roommate Dominic approached him, handing him a glass of water, but the way Nico downed it, it could have been vodka.
From a distance, it was clear how much he was struggling. His hands trembled, and he appeared emaciated and weak. Dark circles under his eyes, brittle hair, and pale skin made him look as if he were seriously ill.
Dominic stood beside him without speaking, typing something into his phone. It was clear that he was keeping Nico company, whether Nico wanted it or not. Dominic was there for him, and that comforted me. But it also hurt.
I automatically excused myself from Viktoria and Leo, making my way through the living room. I watched as an older woman approached Nico to offer her condolences. Nico stared blankly through her, accepted a brief embrace, and then returned his gaze to the ground as she moved on. Dominic cast a concerned glance at him and exchanged a few words with him.
I had met Nico as a bright young man. His captivating smile and charisma won everyone over. He was full of life and vitality. But now, the light was gone. His body seemed numb, and his mind dazed. In a way, there was still a glimmer from him, but deep darkness and grief overshadowed it.
“Hello,” I said as I approached them.
“Hi, Corvo,” Dominic said, managing a forced smile.
I nodded at him, silently expressing my gratitude for his company with Nico. When Nico lifted his head and saw me, I was shocked. Observing him from afar was one thing, but seeing him up close, how exhausted and worn out he was, sent a chill through my whole body.
It took a moment for Nico to recognize me, but once he did, his emotions overflowed. His eyes filled with tears, and his face crumpled. Fearing he might collapse, I stepped toward him. Instantly, he wrapped his arms around my torso and sobbed on my shoulder, clinging to me with a desperation that nearly shattered my heart. I gently stroked the back of his head. As I felt his entire body trembling with grief, I held him even tighter.
I didn’t notice how much time had passed, yet I knew that Nico had been in my arms for far too long. But it was okay. If this was what I could do for him, I wouldn’t let him go, because right now, he was releasing a tension that had been building up for over two weeks.
The longer I held him, the more I felt my own heart bleeding. It hurt so much to see him suffering, knowing that his pain wouldn’t dissolve quickly, even more so.
“I’m going to use the restroom,” Dominic said.
I simply nodded.
“She fought so hard,” Nico cried into my neck. “So hard.”
