Chapter 182 051
THE Rolls-Royce Phantom glided smoothly to a stop in front of the posh bungalow, its polished body reflecting the soft glow of the estate lights. The engine purred quietly before falling silent. Almost immediately, the two backseat doors opened in near-perfect unison.
Two men stepped out.
Adrian emerged first, tall and composed in his tailored suit, his face carrying the familiar mixture of confidence and fatigue that had become second nature to him. Jakes followed, adjusting his cufflinks as his eyes swept over the house appreciatively.
The chauffeur remained seated, hands on the wheel. Jakes leaned slightly toward the open window and muttered a few instructions. The chauffeur nodded once, respectfully, before settling back.
The two men walked toward the entrance.
Leonard was already at the door, waiting.
“Gentlemen,” Leonard greeted, spreading his arms wide with a grin. “Look at you two. Still moving like kings.”
Adrian chuckled as they clasped hands in a firm handshake that quickly turned into a brief shoulder hug.
“Leonard, you old devil. This place suits you.”
Jakes stepped forward next, pulling Leonard into a rough embrace.
“You look good, man. Damn good.”
Leonard laughed, the sound deep and genuine.
“I will take that as a compliment, considering who it is coming from.”
They stepped inside, the door closing softly behind them. The living room was expansive, tastefully furnished, exuding quiet luxury without trying too hard. This was a house built for comfort, not noise.
“Sit, sit,” Leonard said, gesturing toward the couches. “Make yourselves at home.”
As they settled, memories seemed to hang thick in the air, memories of nights spent chasing pleasure, laughing too loud, drinking too much, and betraying vows without a second thought. Once upon a time, these three men had bonded over recklessness.
Life had since collected its debt.
A young man appeared from the kitchen, neatly dressed, carrying a tray with a bottle of light wine and three glasses. He set them down respectfully.
“No toast,” Leonard said casually. “Just pour.”
The young man did, handed each of them a glass, and quietly retreated.
They drank.
No clinking of glasses, not even a small celebration.
“Men,” Adrian said after a moment, studying Leonard closely, “you look healthy as fuck.”
Leonard smirked.
“I hear that a lot these days.”
Jakes nodded.
“Seriously. You look better than half the men our age pretending nothing is wrong.”
Leonard leaned back, swirling the wine in his glass.
“Come on. HIV isn’t a death sentence. People need to stop acting like it is. I just have to double— no, triple how much I take care of myself.”
His voice softened slightly as he continued.
“The pills, the routine, the constant reminders… it’s not easy. Some days are harder than others. But I’m alive. That counts for something.”
Adrian listened quietly.
“What is harder,” Leonard went on, “is living without my family. That is the part nobody prepares you for. My wife couldn’t stay as you already know. I don’t blame her. I destroyed the trust long before the diagnosis came.”
Jakes exhaled slowly.
“The kids visit,” Leonard said, staring into his glass. “Two, sometimes three times a month. And when they do, I become paranoid. Washing my hands like a madman. Watching every movement. Making sure I don’t even nick myself shaving and making sure we don't share personal belongings.”
“You can’t transmit it like that,” Adrian said gently.
“I know,” Leonard replied. “I know. But fear doesn’t listen to logic. I just want them safe. I already failed them once.”
Silence followed.
Then Jakes cleared his throat.
“Funny how life humbles us all.”
They turned to him.
“My wife and kids are still abroad,” Jakes said. “You both know that. But… things are different now.”
Leonard raised an eyebrow.
“Different how?”
“I don’t live that life anymore,” Jakes said simply. “No women, no sneaking around, no stupid temptations. I spend all my time working and flying out to see them. Every chance I get.”
Leonard looked at him, surprised.
“That serious?” He asked and Adrian smiled knowingly.
Jakes nodded, smiling for the first time.
“Roseline even said to me a week ago that she is tired of the distance. She wants to come back. Permanently. With the kids.”
Leonard’s face lit up.
“Now, that is big news.”
“I know,” Jakes said, his voice thick with emotion. “I can barely contain myself. I almost ruined that woman. Almost lost everything. This… this feels like a second chance I don’t deserve.”
Adrian raised his glass slightly. Not a toast, just acknowledgment.
The conversation slowly shifted.
“And you?” Leonard asked, turning to Adrian. “You have been quiet.”
Adrian sighed, rubbing his jaw.
“Hmmm. Amelia.”
Both men nodded knowingly.
“She makes it so damn hard sometimes,” Adrian continued. “Anytime Hazel plans something, Amelia calls me, scolding me over the phone like I’m some irresponsible teenager. As if I’m not their father.”
“You two still fighting custody battles?” Jakes asked surprised, as though he didn't know.
“No,” Adrian said bitterly. “She has custody already. She fought for it and won. I get hours. Scraps. And yet somehow, I’m still the villain.”
Leonard shook his head.
“That guilt doesn’t leave easily.”
“She says I wasn’t interested before,” Adrian admitted quietly. “And maybe… maybe she is not entirely wrong. But I’m trying now. I’m trying to be present.”
“That counts,” Jakes said. “Even if it’s late.”
Adrian stared at his glass.
“I hate that it took losing everything for me to learn.”
Leonard leaned forward.
“We all thought we were untouchable. Women on the side. Lies wrapped in charm. And now look at us.”
Three men. Older, wiser and most importantly, scarred.
“I regret it,” Adrian said softly. “Every single reckless decision.”
“Same,” Jakes added.
Leonard nodded. “Same.”
They drank again.
Not to forget, but to remember.
And for the first time in a long while, none of them felt alone in their regrets.