Chapter 5

TARA’S POV

The air in the cab grew heavier as my mind circled around the possibility of the stranger being dangerous.

What if he took pictures and videos?

What were his plans?

My chest tightened as I wrapped my hands around my phone.

I inhaled and leaned backwards. Over half the city knows I am married to Daniel Bryce and Daniel has a lot of rivals.

What if I fell into a trap created by one of them?

My mind reeled on the worst case scenario.

“Turn the car around,” I yelled, coming out of my thoughts.

If my suspicions are right, then going back would be a silly move. But… I had to know who the stranger was.

The driver turned to me with a dark expression. I figured he'd see me as crazy, judging from my actions and appearance but that was the least of my worries.

“You'll pay for my time, ma'am.” I nodded and he turned the car back to the hotel next to the bar from last night.

I tried convincing myself that I was making the right choice and I needed to meet the stranger but deep down I knew I was being silly.

If he didn't see me properly last night, he'd definitely recognise me now. The car came to an abrupt halt, this made me realise we had arrived.

I was now certain I didn't want to proceed with my initial plan.

“Sorry sir, but please take me to the Bryce mansion,” I said, my voice low and eyes lowered.

The driver turned off his car, turned and looked at me for a few seconds breathing heavily. I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eye.

“Ma’am… decide where you’re going,” he said, irritation slipping through. “I can’t keep driving in circles.”

“The Bryce mansion,” I said quietly.

The driver sucked in a deep breath and rubbed his temple.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to get another cab. Thank you,” he said firmly, unlocking the car doors.

I gently opened the door and exited the vehicle without a word. He zoomed off amidst me shutting the door, without asking for his payment.

I let out a loud sigh and looked around, the street wasn't very busy but my eye spotted something a few blocks away.

My car.

I face palmed myself.

I never knew I could be so disoriented that I’d forget I came out with my car.

I headed for my parking space using my purse as a face shield so I wouldn't get noticed.

I walked fast, my eyes lowered. Then I bumped into someone.

A man… judging from how firm his chest was.

A familiar scent instantly filled my nose.

I froze.

That scent…

I turned quickly, holding my breath… but he was already walking away.

Tall… broad shoulders.

I shook the thought off my head. It couldn't possibly be him.

I couldn't risk getting noticed so I let it go and continued heading towards my car.

I got into my car, took a breath of fresh air and ignited the engine. As though on cue, my phone rang.

Daniel

Turns out I had 15 missed calls and 6 messages from him last night.

Where are you?

Come home, this instant before I do something you regret.

You ran off to your boyfriend right?

What joy do you derive from ruining my mood?

Fuck you!

You better be next to me by the time I wake up in the morning.

I hissed after going through all the messages.

I wanted to go to my parents house so I could escape Daniel's madness but now I was anticipating his next move.

I wanted to know what he'd do knowing I slept out, for the first time since we got together.

My heart was broken but I felt elated. Maybe because I wanted to see the look on Daniel's face when I got home or because despite the chaos, I felt a sense of calm from last night.

I drove to the mansion with a smirk on my face.

Images of Daniel and his mistress flooded my head the moment I pulled over in the parking lot and once again my heart sank.

But…

The thought of getting back at him felt better. I might be weak but I'm not stupid.

It was 8 : 30 am and his car was still parked, which was unusual.

He's probably waiting for me.

“What a lovely husband,” I chuckled at the irony.

I fixed my hair and walked into the living room, swaying my hip from side to side, face blank.

“And where are you coming from?” Daniel's voice came from one side of the living room.

I paused just as I was about to take the first step upstairs.

I turned slowly, moving my hair out of my face gently.

“And…how does that concern you, if I may ask?” I said calmly.

“Last I checked, I put a ring on your damn finger,” he said, with a glass of orange juice in his hand, all dressed up.

“I'm tired and I have to sort out some art. Have a nice day, Daniel,” I said, already tired of the conversation. I proceeded to climb the staircase.

“Don't take another step, Tara,” he said harshly, placed the glass on the side table and approached me.

With one swift step, he stood in front of me, grabbed my arm and roughly spun me. I was now facing him.

He scanned me from head to toe.

His eyes became fixed on my neck and I nervously rubbed the area.

I forgot I had marks all over, and there was a hickey on that particular spot.

I gulped hard.

I tried to maintain a calm expression but my cheeks became flushed from embarrassment and a tinge of guilt.

Daniel breathed in… hard, his jaw clenched and his eyes locked with mine.

“Don't let me ask again. Where… were… you, Tara?” He asked, his eyes twitching.

I took a step back.

He moved even closer. I could feel his breath in my neck. He sniffed my hair slowly.

His fingers dug into my chin.

“Who touched you?”