Page 25 of Lost Room Lawyer (Room #4)

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Hector

I was taken aback by the number of people at Leo’s house for the funeral. As Viktoria had informed me, Rina Simeon was known far beyond the Swiss borders for her sculptures and statues. One of her bronze sculptures even stood in Taipei.

The burial was a small, private affair, which was fitting given the many mourners who had traveled from around the world.

“This is crazy,” Viktoria whispered beside me, having swapped her shift to attend.

“Yes,” I agreed, equally impressed by the large crowd.

“Have you heard anything from your intern?” Viktoria’s concern was evident, as she had been in touch with Nico frequently before Rina’s death.

“No,” I replied, trying not to show my anxiety. Right after Rina’s death, Nico had sent me a medical certificate via email, giving him a few days off.

Of course, we were here to pay our respects to his mother, but it was hard to ignore my anticipation of seeing him. With so many guests, it wouldn’t be easy to find him.

Something had shifted within me over the past few days, possibly influenced by my conversation with Juri.

I found myself reflecting on my identity and how Nico and I had ended up in such a challenging and heated predicament.

He continued to occupy my thoughts, and while I understood he was going through a tough time, the situation still left a bitter taste, as I felt helpless despite our connection.

“Hello, Viktoria. Hector. I’m glad you’re here.”

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 my condolences—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.”

All I could do was hold him tighter. “I’m so sorry.”

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned my head. It was Viktoria, looking at me more puzzled than concerned. I frowned and pretended not to understand what was happening. Everyone grieves in their own way, after all.

“I need to get to work,” she said quietly.

That was the moment Nico slowly pulled away from me, wiping his tears.

“Hello, Nico,” Viktoria said with sympathy. “My condolences.”

Nico only nodded, staring back at the floor.

“I’ll stay a while longer,” I said, scanning the room for Dominic.

Viktoria offered a few comforting words to Nico, and I felt a weight lift from my chest when Dominic returned.

Friendly as ever, he introduced himself to Viktoria as Nico’s roommate.

Only I could see the reassuring effect this information had on her.

She leaned in, gave me a kiss, and eventually said her goodbyes.

I envied her a bit for being able to leave the funeral. As Dominic also put on his coat, I furrowed my brow in confusion.

“I’d love to stay longer,” he whispered, “but I’m on duty.”

Of course. It was Thursday, and I also had plenty of work to do. But given the circumstances, my day was done. Nothing could have dragged me back to the office—not now, with Nico standing beside me like a wreck, silently pleading for me to distract him.

Dominic hugged Nico goodbye. “Call if you need anything, okay?” He left the funeral soon after.

When Nico took my arm and led me out of the living room into the hallway and then into a sort of hobby room, I didn’t understand what he was planning. But then he closed the door behind us, pushed me against it, and kissed me.

His kiss was rough and stiff. In his desperation, he sought comfort, something to distract him from everything, but I knew that this was not the right place for that.

Gently, I placed my hands around his face and searched his eyes for answers.

With tears brimming, he gazed at me longingly, struggling to hold back more tears.

I gently caressed his cheek. I didn’t want to be a killjoy, but in this moment—here in Leo’s house—it was crucial that at least one of us stayed level-headed.

“Take me away from here,” Nico pleaded, his voice shaking.

It wasn’t just a request; there was so much more to it.

Save me from this hell.

“Get your things,” I said firmly. “We’re leaving.”

It might have been the biggest mistake I could make, but I wouldn’t leave him here for anything in the world.