Arthur stood in front of the mirror staring at his reflection, but it was not his face that occupied his thoughts. It was the image from the video Nick had seen, the one that had ripped their lives apart. He could still hear Nick's words when he faced him, the pain and betrayal in his voice. The video had destroyed everything, making it appear that Arthur had something to do with Ake after everything they had been through.
But it was not true. None of this was true.
Ake had done it. Ake had controlled everything. Arthur felt wrath well up inside him, boiling over at the notion of how far Ake had gone. He had used his past with Arthur to harm his future with Nick, which Ake had no right to do. But now Arthur had proof. He had discovered the files, video edits, and timestamps. He had delved deeply into Ake's affairs, and the truth was finally in his grasp.
Arthur's fingers tightened on the printed evidence as he picked up his phone and called Nick. Nick answered the phone after several rings, his voice icy and distant.
"Arthur?" Nick's voice seemed strained, as if he was terrified to hear what Arthur had to say.
"I need to see you." "It's important," Arthur remarked, attempting to maintain his voice. "I have the truth. The video you watched was faked.
There was a long stillness on the other end, and then Nick spoke quietly. "Are you sure of what you are saying?
"I'm not lying," Arthur replied, his heart thumping. Please, Nick. Please let me clarify. "I need to show you what I found."
Another prolonged delay. Arthur could detect doubt in Nick's quiet. Nick eventually spoke. "Ok, I will see you at the office in an hour."
Arthur exhaled a breath he had not realized he was holding. He muttered, "Thank you," before hanging up the phone.
Arthur arrived in Nick's office full of dread and hope. He had the evidence, but would it be sufficient to bring Ake down? The doors of Nick's office were closed, but Arthur could see him through the glass windows, standing by his desk with his back to the door. He had not fallen in love with the same man. There was a distance now, a wall that Arthur didn't know how to tear down.
He knocked quietly, and Nick's voice rang out from inside.
"Come in."
Arthur pulled open the door and stepped inside. Nick did not instantly turn to face him. Instead, he fixed his gaze on the papers on his desk, a tiny stiffness in his stance.
"I've got the proof," Arthur stated, walking over to the desk and placing the printed paperwork on it. " Ake made the video you watched, "Everything was a lie."
Nick's gaze moved to the papers and then back to Arthur. His expression was unreadable, and Arthur noticed a tiny trembling in his fingers as he reached for the paperwork.
"What is this?"" Nick asked, his words scarcely audible.
"It's the timeline of the video," Arthur stated, his heart thumping. " Ake edited the footage. "He had a contact that modified the timestamps so it appeared that I was with him. But I never was. I am innocent, Nick.
Nick's gaze finally met Arthur's. For a minute, they just stood there, the quiet between them thick with the sorrow they'd both experienced. Then, gradually, Nick stepped forward. "I wanted to believe you, Arthur, from the beginning. I did. You think I will ever doubt you after everything that happened with Tyler? I know you will never cheat on me, but I was hurt and angry that Jake would use you to manipulate our marriage. I was also angry at myself for not protecting you enough.
Arthur took a deep breath and felt a sense of relaxation sweep over him. It is over, my love. But I cannot do this without you, Nick. I need you to fight beside me. Not just for the business, but for ourselves." Let's expose that scheming animal together.
Nick froze immobile, his eyes fixed on Arthur's. He didn't say anything for a long time, and for a while, Arthur worried if he had made a mistake, if Nick had gone too far in his hurt. Nick nodded slowly.
"I'll fight," he replied calmly. I will fight for us. Please don't leave my hand." Arthur's heart skipped a beat, and tears stung his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes," he said. "I will show you that I am worth fighting for."I will spend the rest of my life proving it."
Nick nodded again, and for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, he smiled again, and his lips were tugged. It wasn't much, but it was enough to inform Arthur that they had won this fight.
As they exited the office together, the weight of the previous several weeks lingered between them, but a spark of optimism was finally beginning to kindle. The war was far from done, and the road ahead would be filled with challenges. But for the first time in a long time, they were certain that they could face it together