Chapter 6

TARA’S POV 

His grip tightened 

“I asked you a question.”

My breath hitched.

In all the years we had been married…

Daniel had never looked at me like this. 

Not with this kind of rage.

“You're hurting me, Daniel,” I groaned. 

“Tell me who it is…now!” He yelled, finally letting go roughly. 

I stumbled back but got a hold of the rail.

“Stop this madness, Daniel,” I retorted, pushing him slightly to create distance. 

“You wanted an open marriage… remember?”

He clenched his fist. 

Silence lingered for a moment.

“It doesn't matter who touched me. Get over it.” 

I moved closer to him, lifted my chin and locked eyes with him.

“You lost the right to care the moment you suggested that,” I said slowly, eyes wide as I pointed at him.

I turned on my heels and headed for my room. “You'd better not be fucking random dudes. I have a reputation to maintain.” 

I heard from behind but I didn't turn nor did I respond. 

Our marriage was on the verge of breaking and his reputation was still his top priority. 

I continued climbing the stairs, then my phone beeped. 

“Get everything set. The exhibition has been moved forward. Tomorrow, 10 am.”

“Shit!” I exclaimed and hurried upstairs.

I headed for the walk-in closet in our shared room, took out a mini box and packed a few clothes. 

We can't share a bed anymore. 

I took my bags into the guest room down the hall. I hurried into the bathroom for a quick bath. 

I stood under the shower letting the water glide down my body, hopefully that would relieve some of the stress. 

I shut my eyes as cold water rolled down my back, my hand on the wall. 

Memories of last night flooded my head, the sensation the water created, reminded me of how I felt when the stranger made the first thrust.

I inhaled deeply. 

Heat flooded my cheeks amidst the cold water.

His voice echoed in my head. 

“Quiet. Spread,” he ordered. Voice low. 

I ran my hand through my hair, sucking another deep breath as I let the water splash on my face.

I wish last night had no end. I shook my head, trying to push the thought off my head. 

It's a new day and above all, I need to focus because my life henceforth depends on how well my career goes. 

I was done depending on Daniel's influence.

I hurriedly took my bath and got dressed in a simple red floral gown, black heels and a mini purse. I packed my hair in a messy bun and applied light make-up.

An even more hectic day was about to begin. I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror and looked at myself.

“This too shall pass. You can do it,” I said like a mantra before leaving for the parking lot. 

Daniel's car was no longer in the compound so I assumed he had already left for work.

I got into my car without the driver and drove to Holloway museum.

I became lost in thought, brought back to reality only by the honking of the cars around me. 

The traffic light had turned green and I was unaware. Turns out I had been there for almost 5 minutes since the light turned. 

I took my head out the window and yelled an apology to the people behind before stepping on the engine.

I had been thinking a lot about the stranger and that was unusual.

The thought that I had an intimate moment with a total stranger still didn't sit well with me but I couldn't help thinking about him.

Soon I arrived at the museum. It was a beautiful chaos.

Staff ran around carrying crates 

Curators stood outside, arguing the best position to place an art piece while a few black cars lined up the street. 

I sighed. They were arguing about placements when they hadn't seen the art? 

I walked towards the museum and my gaze fell on something, no… someone. 

The man in black.

He looked familiar. 

Lean build, long legs, black hair with a pair of glasses on. 

He stood in front of a car glancing around the museum. 

Slowly, his gaze fell on me. 

It lingered. 

I squinted, keeping my gaze on him. It felt like I had seen him at the club the other night.

I narrowed my eyes. Every man I came across reminded me of the stranger. 

But, it can't be… 

Unlike the men at the club, this man was dressed in luxury.

He brought down his shades slightly and winked at me. My breath hitched.

“Mrs Bryce, you are here,” one of the art curators came running to me. 

Fawning. 

“Don't,” I said sternly and walked into the museum not sparing her another glance. I didn't want to hear whatever she had to say.

Ms. Brown was already seated in her office, a stack of files on her table as she flipped through the rest. 

The office had an ash interior with a beautiful rim light displaying a sculpture. Small sculptures and a few awards were scattered on the shelves and a few boxes were outside the office

“Aren't we rushing things?” I said, my brows gathered as I stepped into the office fully.

She glanced up from the files she was holding and calmly dropped it.

 “Good. You are here,” she said.

She walked over, her long hair falling backwards with thick makeup on her face. 

It was an eyesore.

“I will leave the arts curators to your care and most of all,  I will need you to get the Mona Lisa painting.” 

My lips parted. “Mona Lisa? Me? You know that's impossible.” 

She smiled. 

“Almost impossible, but the Bryce family is very capable.” 

I froze. 

“Even with my influence, I can't possibly borrow the Mona Lisa,” I explained, shaking my head with my brows furrowed.

She frowned. 

“Your influence?” She repeated then chuckled softly as she leaned forward. 

“That's not what I meant Mrs Bryce.” 

My stomach tightened, hands clenching by my sides.

She held my gaze.

“Use your husband's, Tara.”

The office phone rang…

“Good afternoon, Mr Hale,”

I heard a loud ring in my ear.

Hale?