CHAPTER 1

The room was almost dark, and the dim lamp light could barely reflect on their skin. 

Lucas lay back against the pillows, his broad shoulders exposed as he lay down, almost unclothed. He was playing around with her nippl*es with exhaustion written all over his face. 

She playfully removed his hands.

Becky rolled over, her hair strands spilling across the pillow, and her body cuddling up to him in a tight manner. She stared at him like she owned him, and in some ways, she did.

“You know,” she said softly, trailing a finger down his chest, “if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re starting to enjoy this double life.”

Lucas didn’t respond. He reached for his phone, the screen lighting up with yet another missed call.

From Alicia.

His wife.

He stared at it for a while, with an unreadable expression, then threw it across the room. It hit the armchair and dropped to the carpet. 

Becky raised a brow. “You still haven’t told her.”

“She wouldn’t understand.”

“Of course she wouldn’t.” Becky slid closer, wrapping her arm around his waist. “That’s why you married her, remember? The sweet little nerd who thought she was special, so stupid of her to think she could have this hottie all to herself.” She pats kisses all over his neck. 

Lucas didn’t answer.

Becky’s tone turned teasing. “It was just a bet, Lucas. You weren’t even supposed to keep her, a stupid bet at that.”

He closed his eyes, trying to remember that singular day he made the bet that changed his life. “I know.”

“But you did,” Becky said, her voice sharper now. “She got pregnant, Daddy stepped in, and boom, wedding bells, there is nothing I could have done, he threatened me with my inheritance, remember? “

“You should’ve walked away.”

“I couldn’t.”

“You mean, you wouldn’t.” She pulled away, slipping out of the bed. “You still let her believe you’re her Prince Charming. And me? I’m the dirty secret.”

Lucas sat up, running a hand down his face. “This conversation’s over.”

“No,” she snapped, walking toward him. “It’s not. You either tell her, or I will.”

“Not yet.”

Becky laughed bitterly. “Always ‘not yet.’ You’re going to push her so far, she might never come back.”

He didn’t respond. He grabbed his car keys and walked out the door.

******

The house was quiet when he stepped in.

But not empty.

Amaya was there, pacing the living room with a phone pressed to her ear. She turned sharply the moment the door opened.

“There you are!” she said, lowering her phone. “Do you even check your messages?”

Lucas frowned. “What are you doing here?”

Alicia called me. She was worried.” Amaya crossed her arms. “You’ve been gone since morning, and she couldn’t reach you. You even ignored Maya’s event planner call about the birthday setup.”

Lucas threw off his jacket. “I’ve had a long day.”

“She was scared something happened to you, Lucas.”

“I’m fine.”

Amaya stepped forward, her voice low and firm. “You’re not fooling me, you know. You haven’t loved her in a long time.”

Lucas looked away.

“She gave up everything for you,” she said. “She got pregnant, dropped out of school, and married you when your father forced you to. She stayed through every cold night you slept in separate rooms. And you can’t even look her in the eye anymore.”

“Enough.”

“No,” she snapped. “I won’t shut up. Because when she finally opens her eyes, it’s going to be too late for you.”

He didn’t respond.

Instead, he walked past her and climbed the stairs.

Upstairs, Alicia stood in front of the mirror, dabbing concealer beneath her tired eyes.

She hadn’t planned on makeup. But his voice echoed in her memory like a cruel refrain:

“Put more makeup on. You don’t have the privilege of going out with your bare face.”

She used to love her face. The soft lines, the bare skin, the little scar near her lip, she got from a fall when she was ten. But somewhere in their marriage, he made her hate it. Made her feel insecure in her skin and body.

She touched her cheek. “You can’t cry today,” she whispered to her reflection. “It’s Maya’s birthday, tomorrow.”

******

The backyard was filled with balloons, stickers, and children’s laughter. The birthday arrived so soon!

Maya danced in a fluffy pink dress, a blue band neatly on her curly hair, and a small baby purse. She was showing her mum her present excitedly.

Alicia turned when she heard footsteps approaching behind her.

Becky.

Dressed in a black gown just below her knee, and sunglasses to match her accessories, her smile has always been charming, and Alicia has always admired it right from childhood, too warm.

“Happy birthday to my favorite girl!” she beamed, kneeling and handing Maya the chocolate. “For the princess.”

Maya squealed and hugged her. “Thank you, Aunty Becky!”

Then Becky rose and leaned in to kiss Alicia on the cheek.

“You look tired, sis,” she said sweetly, brushing a strand of hair from Alicia’s face.

 “But still holding it together, huh?”

Alicia smiled faintly. “Thanks for coming.”

“Of course. Wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Becky said with a knowing glint in her eye.

Alicia didn’t know whether to hug her or cry; she had always been there when it became tougher. 

Amaya arrived just as the party began. She scanned the yard, her gaze landing on Lucas, who stood calmly by the table, staring at nothing, his face screamed uninterested. He didn’t speak to anyone. Didn’t pick up Maya once.

Amaya joined Alicia near the cake. “He hasn’t said a word to her.”

Alicia didn’t look up. “Maybe he’s tired.”

“From what?” Amaya said under her breath. “Lying?”

Before Alicia could respond, a loud thump silenced everything.

Lucas collapsed.

Alicia screamed. “Lucas!”

The party was thrown into chaos, and Maya burst into tears.

Amaya rushed forward with Alicia, kneeling beside Lucas. “Call 911!”

He was unresponsive; he didn't show any sign of life. 

Alicia held him, crying. “Lucas, please! Don’t do this!”