See what he has to say.

“Sure.” William nodded, predicting that Mr. Wilson wanted to bribe him in some way so he wouldn’t tell Amelia.

He entered the fancy lobby, its roof decorated with huge, glass chandeliers. Mr. Wilson lead him to a coffee shop inside the hotel, where they found a table for two and he told William to have whatever he wanted. He didn’t really want anything, but he’d always been curious about how different expensive coffee tastes, so he got that.

“Mr. Sawyer,” Mr. Wilson started. “The woman you saw me with…”

“You don’t need to explain anything, Mr. Wilson. I’m not here to meddle in your business. Though I do feel bad for your wife. She’s been very kind to me,” William said, innocently.

“Yes, she was particularly adamant on the matter of the basement room. She said she felt bad leaving a young man in the streets.” He sighed. “She’s always been a bit too soft for this business.” He looked at William with a wry smile. “I would… appreciate it if you didn’t tell her about this. In return, I would-”

“I won’t tell her,” he casually lied. Though it wasn’t like it mattered since she already knew. “And I don’t need anything from you, Mr. Wilson. Like I said, I’m not here to meddle in your business. However, I would just like you to remember that I know.”

The man grimaced but stayed silent and nodded his compliance. William didn’t know how the older man interpreted those words, and honestly, he himself didn’t even know why he said them. Was he trying to save this for when he needed a favor? Or perhaps as a backup in case he ever found out about Amelia’s cheating?

Just now his coffee arrived.

“I’m curious, though, Mr. Wilson. If your wife was cheating on you, what would you say?”

‘Yes…! Throw it in his face! Revel in his despair!’

“She’s cheating on me…!?” he asked with honest shock on his face.

“I don’t know.” William shrugged. “And even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you. Just how I won’t tell your wife about your affair.” He wanted to believe that if he was an outside party in this matter, he truly would have stayed away from it. However, something inside him was telling him it was okay to act like this, and it was perturbing how good it felt.

“I-I see,” Mr. Wilson nodded nervously. “If she was cheating on me… I… I couldn’t say anything, could I? I guess at this point our marriage is more business than love, huh?” He muttered, as if realizing it just now. “Well, Mr. Sawyer. If you ever need anything, let me know. I’ll pay for your coffee right away, so please enjoy it at your leisure.” He nodded goodbye and left William alone.

That was an experience. It was… thrilling, in a way. There’s a nagging feeling in the back of William’s mind, but he couldn’t deny the excitement.

Author's note: Author's note: This branch just went through hard editing to change it from second person perspective to third person in past tense. It will continue like that to make it easier on myself, since other stories I'm working on are written like this as well. Hope it's not an issue.

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