Three

Samantha was pleased with herself that Delia had finally found out about their affair, maybe now Samantha could finally marry the successful boss that she had been after for as long as she could remember. Samantha didn’t ever see Delia as good enough for Thomas. She didn’t seem to appreciate him like Samantha did.

“I’m so sorry that had to happen.” Samantha turned to Thomas as he kept his eyes on the road and both hands placed firmly on the steering wheel.

“It’s not your fault. I haven’t been happy with her for a long time. I guess she needed to find out sooner or later.” Thomas shrugged his shoulders as if it were no big deal but instead his heart he couldn’t deny how the guilt stabbed at him. He swallowed hard and focused on where he was going. He decided that he would talk to Delia properly later. She had been distant for a while and he had his needs. Samantha was the opposite of Delia, she wore short skirts, made an effort with her hair and make up. She have Thomas the attention he craved and he couldn’t stop himself from bending her over his desk and having sex with her. He knew it was wrong and he shouldn’t do it since he had made a commitment to how wife five years ago when he married her and vowed to stay loyal and faithful but things had changed since then. Delia had stopped making an effort with herself and would barely speak to him unless she needed something. He didn’t think it was fair that she would blame him for being driven into another woman’s arms and now she was pregnant with his child. Thomas relished at the idea of being a father but it also scared him a little. He was pushing thirty and knew it would have to happen eventually. His business as a successful ceo would need to be handed down to a heir one day when he decided to retire.

“Darling, let’s go shopping I need a few things. For the baby.” Samantha pouted and rubbed Thomas on his thigh seductively. He couldn’t say no to Samantha. She was sexy and everything he could only dream about. It was difficult for him to control himself.

“Of course my sweetness.” He pulled into the car park and pulled out his wallet. Samantha grinned as she took his credit card and leant across to plant a kiss on his cheek. “I will just be a moment.” Thomas informed her as he got out of the car to go and pay for the parking. He smiled to himself as Samantha waited in the car for him. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and decided to try and contact his wife to make sure that she was ok and had hopefully calmed down. Arguing was not what he wanted to do. He frowned when the call went straight through to the answer machine. He placed his phone back into his pocket and quickly got his ticket for parking. Turning around he headed back to the car where Samantha was waiting impatiently.

“Thomas, what took you so long?” She huffed, crossing her arms in mock annoyance, though her eyes sparkled with mischief.

“I was just making sure everything was in order,” he replied, trying to downplay the moment of hesitation he had felt when calling Delia. “You know, didn’t want to keep you waiting.”

“Let’s go, then! I can’t wait to pick out the cutest little outfits for our baby. Just think of all the attention they’ll get!” Samantha cooed, her excitement bubbling over. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “I’ve already seen some adorable things online—like tiny little shoes and a matching hat. We have to make sure this little one is the most fashionable baby on the block!”

Thomas’s heart raced at her enthusiasm, yet a flicker of doubt gnawed at him. He loved the idea of being a father, but it felt surreal given the circumstances. The weight of his betrayal loomed large over him, even as he sat next to Samantha, who represented the thrill of a new beginning.

“Right, shopping first. Being practical is key.” He nodded, forcing himself to focus on her. “Let’s get everything you need.”

Once inside the store, Samantha became a whirlwind of energy, darting from aisle to aisle, picking out items with glee. Thomas trailed behind, half-heartedly scanning the merchandise, while his mind drifted to Delia. He hadn’t been the perfect husband and had taken her for granted. Yet, the more he watched Samantha move with confidence, the more he found himself drawn to her. She exuded a life he craved: vibrant, passionate, and unapologetic.

“Look at these!” Samantha held up a tiny onesie that read “Daddy’s Little Star” and giggled. “It’s cute, isn’t it?”

Thomas forced a smile and nodded. “Yeah, cute.”

As they moved to the checkout, Thomas’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced down, heart flipping at the name on the screen. Delia. Ignoring the call felt wrong, but answering it drew a line he wasn’t sure he was ready to cross.

“Are you going to get that?” Samantha asked, noticing his expression.

“It’s…” he hesitated. “It’s nothing. Just a work thing. Let’s focus on the baby.”

“Sure! Your last-minute decision not to answer could definitely wait,” she teased, though her smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of concern passing across her face.

The register chimed as they paid for the adorable baby clothes, and the clerk flashed a knowing grin. Thomas took the bags from her, trying to absorb the rush of the shopping trip, the excitement of what lay ahead.

Outside, the sun was beginning to dip, casting a warm glow over the mall. Samantha looked at him expectantly, biting her lip. “So, what’s next on our agenda? I mean, we can’t just go home yet after making all these purchases! We should celebrate!”

Thomas bit back a reluctance, sensing a storm brewing in his personal life. But Samantha’s infectious excitement pulled him under.

“Alright, let’s grab a bite. Your treat, of course,” he said, smirking at her.

“Anything for you, love!” she chirped, linking her arm in his as they headed toward the exit.

And yet, as he walked beside her, a shadow haunted him—a reminder that he still had a wife to answer to, a heart to mend, and choices that could change everything. With every step he took, the path was becoming more convoluted, and he wondered just how long he could keep both worlds separate before everything came crashing down.