My wife.

Tom’s POV

A FEW HOURS EARLIER.

I sat behind my desk in the office. My mind spiralled.

Selene had been acting rather strange lately. She hardly texts me when I don't show up at the house anymore and the way she spoke to me this morning.

Her eyes were fiery. I had seen something in them. Something I had never seen before.

I glanced at the locked drawer. Could she know?

No. I doubt it.

I dismissed the thought as quickly as it came. Selene was emotional. That's how women get when they feel their spot is being threatened.

My phone dinged with Lisa’s text, but I scrolled to Selene's chat.

The last time she had texted was five days ago.

I laid back in my seat.

Someone knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Markham, my executive director, stepped inside, clutching a file.

“Sir, I’ve compiled the figures you asked for…”

I raised a hand without looking at him. “Handle it.”

He hesitated. “It involves the stock exchange records…”

“I said handle it, Markham,” I snapped, finally meeting his eyes. “If it mattered, I’d already know.”

He nodded quickly and retreated.

The door shut.

And the place fell silent again; I needed to think.

Just then, a softer knock followed.

I didn’t look up.

“One moment.”

The pause stretched before I finally said, “Come in.”

Lisa walked in, already smiling.

“Darling, I have been calling your phone all day.”

She walked around the table and sat on my desk, clutching my tie in her hands.

“I have been preoccupied, Lisa,” I muttered.

“With whom, your wife? Do you care about her more than me now?”

I gazed at her. “Of course not; you would always come first.”

She leaned back, placing her hand over her forehead. “The doctor says my blood pressure is rising, Tom.”

I reached for her hand and rubbed her knuckles lightly.

“Some days I can’t even get out of bed. The stress makes it worse… I don’t think I can handle being alone right now.”

“It's okay, honey; I am always here whenever you need me.”

Her lips curved instantly. “Awwwn, you are so sweet, Tom, just like in high school, before I lost everything and I had to leave.”

I stared at Lisa; she hadn't changed much since high school. She was still the most dramatic person I had ever met.

When she left, the rumours followed.

Whispers. Headlines. Questions about my masculinity, my legacy.

We had buried that chapter along with the rumours.  I couldn't ruin my father's image or the company's name. Selene provided me the stability I needed all these years.

The perfect wife.

Her phone dinged.

She reached for it; the glow from her phone reflected on her face.

I caught a glint of mischief in her eyes. Her jaw dropped.

She placed her hand over her mouth.

“Oops, Tom, I don't think you are going to like what I just saw.”

My stomach twisted.

“What is it, Lisa?” I demanded.

She shook her head. “I shouldn't show you; I really don't want to complicate things. I mean, things are already bad as it seems.”

“Let me see, Lisa.”

Her lips curved. “Okay, if you insist, Tom.”

She handed me the phone.

My jaw tightened at the first glance.

It was a picture of Selene. She sat in a restaurant, one I know all too well.

Across from her was a man, but I couldn't see his face. The picture was taken with him facing back, and Selene’s face could clearly be seen.

My blood boiled. So this is what everything had been about. I left her at home; she was meant to be tending to the house just like a wife should.

“Seems your wife is looking for solace in the hands of other men, Tommy”

“That cannot be my wife,” I muttered, holding on to my bruised ego.

“But it is Tom; you aren’t blind, are you? It's okay though. You have me.”

She ran her fingers along my arm.

I stood up abruptly. “Not now, Lisa.”

I checked the time the photo was taken. I should be able to meet up before she leaves.

I grabbed my keys from the table.

“Where are you going, Tom? Are you going to leave me here?” Lisa pouted.

“Wait for me. I will be right back.”

I took the elevator down the building.

Selene was definitely acting out, and I needed to put her in place.

She belongs to me and no one else.

I drove frantically, switching between lanes.

Then finally, I pulled up in front of the building.

A ‘de casa blanca’ signpost was displayed across the front.

This had to be it.

I drove in slowly, my eyes scanning the parking lot.

I picked up my phone and dialled Selene's number.

No answer.

I dialled again.

Then I spotted her walking out of the building.

She was alone, and she looked frantic.

Our eyes met. I caught the rise and fall of her chest.

I drove slowly towards her, my gaze never left hers. Then I stopped right at her front.

“T...Tom,” she stammered, “what are you doing here?”

“I am here for my wife!” I snapped. “Get in.”