Chapter 8 Incomparable To Mathias

"There isn't extra money; Phil's leg is sure to scar. It's only right that I compensate for it. You two go ahead and chat. I have to leave now." Having said this, I turned and walked away.

The happiness that this young couple, so engrossed in each other, was experiencing wouldn't last for long. Maybe they had a month, tops. Within two weeks, Mathias would make a forceful entrance, and Olivia would become his target. Phil would no longer find himself chatting and laughing joyfully with his girlfriend.

Now that I had reflected on it, I realized that Mathias was truly merciless.

After departing from the hospital, I directed Lanny to take me back to the villa where Mathias and I resided.

I needed to fetch the medical nutrition supplements that I had purchased and left there. Consuming it daily, especially when paired with my mom's exceptional cooking at my parents' home, would likely help me put on some weight.

The supplements untouched remained in the living room.

I couldn't say whether Mathias had returned home the previous night or what conclusions he and Ximena might have arrived at.

"Why didn't you exit the car yesterday?" As I was about to leave with the supplements, Mathias appeared at the top of the stairs. His eyes were locked onto me, and he was clearly displeased.

What was he doing back home? Normally, he would show up every three months or so.

Mathias was dressed in casual clothes that were completely black. Despite the simplicity of his outfit, he carried himself in a way that radiated an undeniable charm.

"I've always stayed out of your previous romantic entanglements, so there's no reason for me to change that approach now," I replied in a measured tone.

"Do you expect me to believe that the sudden loss of resources and the emergence of scandals surrounding them were mere coincidences?" Mathias fixed his gaze on me, his face devoid of any emotion.

It became apparent that he had a good idea of the actions I had taken behind the scenes. Yet he had never interfered, possibly because those women didn't matter much to him.

The situation would be entirely different with Olivia. Just the mere thought of crossing paths with her would set Mathias off, as if I were threatening someone he held dear.

"Let's not pretend otherwise. You invested considerable sums of money and other resources in those women. As we are married, that makes those investments joint assets. I saw it fit to recoup some of what was spent." I articulated my stance.

"And why did you not stake your claim on the house I gave to Ximena last night? After all, you are entitled to half of it," Mathias countered, descending the stairs to stand directly in front of me. His height and demeanor created an aura that was almost overpowering.

Had he been completely bewitched? I couldn't help but wonder why Mathias was now engaging in this pointless back-and-forth.

In no more than a year, he'd be the one proposing we divorce, likely offering a very substantial financial settlement. In the grand scheme of things, what was one house?

"Ximena is far from being the first woman you've been involved with, and she certainly won't be the last. Keeping track of them all has become more effort than it's worth," I responded swiftly before exiting. I regretted not asking Lanny to pick up the supplements for me earlier.

It wasn't until I stepped out of the house that I felt the chill of Mathias' gaze lift from me.

I threw the packet of supplements onto the back seat and told Lanny to get moving.

Once back at my parents' house, I handed the supplements off to the housekeeper. My mom was engrossed in her cooking, a favorite pastime of hers.

I noticed my dad's car in the driveway. As soon as he walked in and saw me, he thrust his phone in my face, sternly asking, "What's the meaning of this?"

The screen read, "Popular young actress Ximena spotted with CEO of Murray Group at a hotel; Ximena denies romantic involvement."

Any relationship between them would be an affair, not a romance.

I returned the phone to my dad and tried to soothe his nerves. "Dad, it's all made up. You know Mathias has business obligations that require him to attend social events."

"You're still defending him!" My dad's voice rose in anger.

I wasn't defending Mathias. I was more concerned about my dad getting worked up over something trivial.

"I'll go tell him off right now," I said, rolling up my sleeves. "We can do it together. Let's give him a run for his money!"

My dad, who had been wearing a stern expression, broke into a wide smile. "You're always the one to make such backhanded comments. Is this your idea of dark humor?"

I took my dad's arm and tried to calm him down. "Don't get angry, Dad. Just think about how much the Murray Group has contributed to Oldston's economy. Doesn't that put you in a better mood?"

"You're right about that. Just recently, Mathias donated new running tracks to several local schools. He does have a sense of community responsibility," my dad said, recalling some of Mathias' charitable actions.

"Exactly," I concurred.

While we were talking, my mom began setting the table, filling it with all my favorite dishes. Moms really are the best.

Our lunch was quite heartwarming, but afterward my dad had to go back to work, leaving just me and my mom for the rest of the day.

Originally, my mom had planned to head to the office. However, since I was home, she opted to invite some friends over for a card game. This way, she could simultaneously catch up with her friends and spend quality time with me.

I reclined on the sofa and tuned in to the news piece about Mathias and Ximena.

Ximena clarified that their relationship was purely platonic. Mathias was considering investing in a movie she was going to star in, which accounted for their frequent get-togethers to discuss the project.

Once again, Mathias appeared to be playing the generous benefactor. A wise move on his part, no doubt.

Without realizing it, I drifted off to sleep on the sofa, only to be awakened by a phone call from Sonia.

Glancing at the time, it was evident she was calling to invite me out for drinks again.

"Rylie, you've got to come out for drinks; there are some incredibly good-looking guys here!" Sonia practically yelled in excitement.

"How good-looking are we talking?" I asked.

"So good-looking it's mind-blowing, awe-inspiring, and out of this world! Get over here; Valerie is already here. Tricia is away on a small business gig and can't make it," Sonia exclaimed.

Ever since they learned about my impending divorce from Mathias, they've been keeping my schedule packed with various outings, be it meals, karaoke, or shopping.

I knew their intentions were good. They were probably concerned that beneath my calm exterior lay a pool of sadness. Their diversions were most welcome.

It was true that I needed help. If left to my own devices, I would likely fall into a pit of rumination about the past.

"I'll get changed and head over," I said before hanging up. Sonia had already texted me the location by the time I put the phone down.

About thirty minutes later, I stepped out of the house, charged up and eager to kick off the night's festivities.

Sonia was practically a connoisseur of Oldston's nightlife, with an encyclopedic knowledge of where to find the best drinks and most attractive men.

The men Sonia had rounded up this evening didn't disappoint. They could easily be mistaken for up-and-coming celebrities.

"Ugh!" I had overindulged in drinking, and my stomach protested loudly, leading to an unfortunate regurgitation.

What a waste! I was surrounded by attractive men, and yet my mind persistently held them up against Mathias, diminishing my interest in engaging with them beyond the confines of drinking.

In both looks and charisma, Mathias continued to hold the upper hand, standing on a higher echelon.

"Excuse me, I need to visit the ladies' room," I announced, rising from my seat. Almost instantly, one of the handsome men rose to escort me, lending me his support.

I allowed it, appreciating his tender and mindful attention.

Upon reaching the restroom, I experienced a terrible bout of vomiting, followed by a thorough rinse of my mouth and a splash of water on my face. The considerate man waited outside, and when I emerged, he inquired, "May I add you on Line?"

"For what purpose would you like to add me?" I queried.

"To keep in touch," he responded plainly. "If you ever find yourself lonely, don't hesitate to contact me."