The next day Benjamin decides to go for counselling. Though not sure if it will help, he now realizes that he does have a problem. He calls up the university that Ann is interning in and books an appointment for the next day. He stays in bed the entire day with his thoughts, finally ready to confront what he really feels.

Ann goes to university and spends her day working and studying. She does not think about Benjamin much but instead, she dreams about Nicholas. His behaviour the previous day was like a dream come true for her. Though she was grateful he stood up for her, his acceptance and understanding of her left her weak in the knee. He promised to have dinner at her house today and she is ready to cook for him the best meal of his life. As the time comes for Nicholas to arrive, Ann gets everything ready. Nicholas being a very punctual man rings the doorbell at the exact time he said he will arrive.

“Hi…” Nicholas says as Ann opens the door enthusiastically. “You look beautiful.” He says looking at Ann all dressed up.

“Thank you.” She says smiling. “Come in.”

“This looks lovely…” Nicholas says as he looks at the food set out on the table. “Did you make all this?” Nicholas suddenly realized that Ann had worked hard and made all this food from scratch.

“Yes.” Ann replies happily.

“You should have told me.” Nicholas says sighing. “I would have helped you. I thought you would have ordered out or…”

“No, it's fine.” Ann says. “I love to cook. It’s a hobby.” Nicholas looks at Ann and despite her fresh look with makeup, understands how hard she must have worked to make this dinner.

“Well then…” Nicholas says. “I will make sure to enjoy it all.” As they sit down to talk Nicholas tastes the food and is amazed at the flavour. “You really are a good cook.” He compliments her. They enjoy the meal making small talk and after dinner Nicholas insists on doing the dishes.

Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

“You don’t have to…” Ann says trying to take the plate from his hand.

“You made such a lovely meal and now it’s my turn to clean this up.” As they lightly argue as to who can wash the dishes there is someone at the door. Ann lets go of the plate and goes to check and standing at the door is Oscar.

“What are you doing here?” Ann asks.

“What? Am I not allowed to visit my sister.” Oscar says as he walks past her into her apartment.

“Not unannounced.” She says as she closes the door and Oscar notices Nicholas who comes out from the kitchen.

“Hi. Nicholas.” He says stretching out his hand. Oscar stares at him for a second and shakes his hand.

“Oscar…Ann’s brother.”

“Nice to meet you.” He says as he continues to take the rest of the dishes to the kitchen. Oscar looks at him and then looks at Ann.

“Let me help with that.” Ann says ignoring her brother, following Nicholas to the kitchen. Oscar is left alone in the living room for a moment and then he follows them to the kitchen.

“Did I interrupt something?” He asks intimidatingly.

“No, not at all.” Nicholas replies politely. “We were just having dinner. By the way… your sister is an amazing cook.” Ann blushes and looks away.

“I know.” Oscar says. “She has cooked for me many times.”

“Why are you here Oz?” Ann asks abruptly.

“Yes, I just wanted to talk to you about…” He looks at Nicholas and whispers in Ann’s ear. “Benjamin MacLerie.”

“What about Benjamin.” Ann replies in a normal voice. Nicholas seems uninterested in the conversation and continues to do the dishes. Oscar then clears his throat and begins to speak.

“It’s about the other day. We have found certain evidence.” Oscar says normally and turns to Nicholas. “I believe you are not aware but there is a man named Benjamin MacLerie and his…”

“Wife went missing…I know.” Nicholas replies.

“How did you know?” Oscar asks surprised.

“I am a journalist. I have my sources.” Nicholas says as he turns to Oscar. “But how do you know about this?” Nicholas asks curiously. “Ben’s friend has kept this well-hidden. Not anyone would just know about this.”

“He is the investigating officer in this case.” Ann replies promptly with Oscar looking regretful at Ann’s words.

“That right.” He unwillingly admits. “On that subject…” Oscar says looking at Ann seriously. “I need you to stay away from him.”