Chapter 1

Moonlight slipped through the curtains, illuminating the dark room. Amidst the dimly lit room, soft panting and delicate gasps filled the room.

I could feel the tips of his fingers barely touching my skin, but the places he skimmed burned.

A sweet heat engulfed my body especially in that place. I bit my lips and looked at my husband. Walker's gaze was flowing with fury.

I knew wouldn't get what I wanted. I provoked him tonight, and it had been long since they were physically affectionate. He was going to do it his way. I knew it in my head, but my body wanted him now.

Walker leaned closer, our lips almost touching, but he refused to kiss me. Instead, his lips trailed down my neck, past my chest. As he was going lower, his eyes never left mine.

My heartbeat quickened to the point where I felt dizzy. But just as he got there, I jolted awake. My heartbeat quickened to the point where I felt dizzy.

As I sat on the plane, my breath came in quick gasps, and although my eyes were open, darkness surrounded me. My heart racing, I tore away the fabric covering my eyes, and the sudden brightness made me wince. Regaining my senses, I realized I was on a plane. Even in first class, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wished no one had overheard my groaning.

"Damn it," I muttered, running a hand through my short hair. Ever since that night, the dream had haunted me, relentless in its pursuit. No matter where I was or when I tried to sleep, it was always the same scene playing in my mind.

Feeling defeated, I decided to return home and accept my situation. Thoughts of Walker filled my mind. We argued constantly, and even when we were together, the tension and awkwardness was too much. I'll admit that something stirred within me that night we made love. Maybe it was because of our compatibility or because we hadn't done it in a long while. But I knew it wasn't enough to save our marriage. It shouldn't be what is saving our marriage.

Just then, a flight attendant walked by with a tray of food, and a wave of nausea hit me. I rushed to the bathroom.

"Are you okay, miss?" a concerned voice called from the other side of the toilet door.

I wanted to answer, but another wave of nausea overwhelmed me. When I finally emerged, a small group had gathered outside, worried about my well-being.

"I'm fine," I insisted, feeling embarrassed. "Must be something I ate before getting on the plane."

The older woman who had called for assistance looked at me with pity. "Are you sure? You look pale, my dear."

My embarrassment quickly turned to defensiveness. "I'm fine. Thanks for your concern." I knew she meant well, but I didn't like it when people got persistent. If I say I'm fine, then I'm fine.

Soon the plane landed at our destination. So I gathered my belongings and made my way out of the plane, still feeling shaken. As I stepped into the bustling airport, the cool air-conditioned environment enveloped me.

I walked toward the exit, my heels clicking on the polished floor. The fluorescent lights above seemed to hum in sync with my racing thoughts.

As I approached the exit, my eyes scanned the surrounding area. The airport was alive with activity, but somehow, the scene around me made me feel lonely.

I wasn't someone who typically had hopes, but I wished for at least one person to be waiting for me.

Suddenly, someone bumped into me. I looked down to see a little girl no older than two, her big eyes staring up at me.

We stood in an awkward stare-off until a woman approached and apologized.

As they walked away, the little girl waved at me. The gesture tugged at my heart, highlighting the bitter essence of what could have been. She would have been the same age. Those feelings of loss from two years ago swarmed my chest giving me the feeling of dejavu. But I quickly shook it off, remembering how those feelings destroyed me and my marriage.

I adjusted my sunglasses and continued walking. Stepping out into the warm summer air, I felt relieved I hadn't worn my coat.

"...Mrs. Anderson."

I turned towards the voice, shocked to see my husband's secretary. I know I said I wished someone would be waiting for me, but Walker's secretary was not what I wanted.

"Why are you here? I don't remember asking him to send anyone to get me."

The man inclined his head slightly. "The director asked me to take you home—"

I scoffed. "How nice of him. But I don't need an escort to go to my own house. You can leave; my Uber will be here soon."

"We are here to take you to the Anderson house, ma'am."

I raised an eyebrow as he pointed to the car waiting for us.

Without saying a word and a sigh, I entered the car, and we soon set off for my in-laws' house.

As we arrived at the mansion, the sun had already set, and the grand structure was brightly lit.

I stepped out of the car and went inside. The warm glow of the chandeliers and the familiar scent of fresh flowers welcomed me.

Moving effortlessly through the spacious foyer, my heels clicking on the marble floors. Memories of holiday gatherings, family dinners, and laughter-filled moments flooded my mind.

This grand estate, although filled with wonderful and annoying memories, would never be my home.