4

CHAPTER 4

ALEX

“So my birthday is in two days and I'm throwing a party. If you don’t mind, I want you to make the canapes and cake. I’ll pay you for the service of course. I just love how good you make everything.”

Lacy told me while she had breakfast alone and I got excited after hearing her offer. This was a good opportunity for me and I'd be damned if I let it pass me by.

“Yeah, yeah. I would happily make the canapes and cake for your birthday, Lacy. I don’t mind at all” I quickly agreed to take the job while I stirred the meal I made for dinner and she gave me a thumbs up before she continued to eat.

Blake didn’t wait for the muffins. He left for work after taking his cup of coffee and I didn’t miss the moment when that lonely look settled in Lacy’s eyes again.

It was obvious that despite being married for two years, Blake didn’t care for her like a husband should.

It felt like their union was more of an arranged one than a love marriage and I wondered if my suspicion was true. Too bad I had no one to answer my questions.

“So… you can give me a list of what you would need for the party and I would have Mr Preston get them all for you”

Lacy said as she placed her now empty plate in the sink while I switched the burner off since the meal was ready and I walked over to the sink to wash the plates before leaving.

“Okay, I'll send the list to you once I get home” I avoided making long eye contact with her since I still felt guilty about me and Blake and unexpectedly, I felt her lips on my cheek.

I went still until she pulled away, giggling like a shy high school girl who just confessed to her crush and I felt utterly confused because why did she do that?

“You looked adorable while washing the dishes so I wanted to give you a reward” she winked at me and I rolled my eyes at her.

“Funny. Someone would think I was your girlfriend if you did that in front of people” I joked but she didn't say a word.

I looked up to find her staring at me, a small smile on her lips and I chuckled awkwardly while wondering why she was suddenly acting so weird.

I took that as my cue to leave as I was done washing the dishes.

“Um… so I’ve got a few dresses to finish at home and I've got to go now” I told her while I grabbed my jacket from where I hung it and she came closer to hug me like she always did even back in college. I returned the gesture.

“I wish I could make you stay but you've got to make more money. So have fun at work” she said before pulling away and blowing me a kiss.

“I’ll try to have fun” I returned and with that, I left since the uber I ordered a while ago had arrived.

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TWO DAYS LATER…

It was finally Lacy's birthday. I got to the villa as early as I could that morning, made all the canapes and cake for her birthday like she wanted me to and soon, the party was set to begin.

Guests began to arrive by noon and the atmosphere was a cheery one… but Blake was nowhere to be seen yet and Lacy wouldn't show up either.

I could feel it in my guts that something was wrong so I rushed into the building to see Mr Preston and he was in the kitchen having one last look at everything that was prepared.

“Where's Lacy? I have to see her” I demanded as I approached him and he adjusted his glasses.

“She should be in her room preparing for the party, Ms. Alex” he replied and I dashed up the stairs to find her.

Lacy was alone in her room, seated before her mirror and doing nothing but staring at herself, that melancholic look in her eyes again.

She looked like she was holding back her tears as I walked in but then she quickly bowed her head, trying to recollect herself and put on a smile before turning around to face me.

“What's up? Did something happen?” She asked me but I shook my head as I walked closer and took a seat on her bed.

“Sit with me, Lacy” I patted the space beside me and she looked reluctant at first but then she stood up and joined me on the bed.

“Is something wrong? Today is your birthday but you don't look excited. Why's that?” I asked her worriedly. She quickly shook her head, her smile looking strained.

“It's fine, I'm fine. I just needed a moment to look in the mirror before coming down. Don't worry about me” she winked at me and I caught her wrist to hold her down when she attempted to get up.

“Alex…”

“I know you're not fine Lacy. You don't have to lie to me and pretend to be alright when you aren't” I looked her in the eyes to let her know she could talk to me and her shoulders instantly fell.

“I shouldn't…”

“It's me, Lacy. Who would you talk to if not me?” I asked her and she sighed heavily as tears filled her eyes again. Her lips trembled and I caught the moment her restraint broke.

“It's Blake. He should be here to greet the guests with me but he isn't and I know he won't show up” her voice broke as a tear rolled down her chin. I quickly wiped it away.

“Yes he will. I'm sure your husband will be here soon” I tried to assure her but she shook her head adamantly.

“He wasn't here last year. Alex. He's always been like this… like it's my fault he was forced to marry me when I didn't even have a say either.”

She broke down completely as the truth came to light, confirming all the suspicions I had and I finally understood what Blake said to me in the car. How he had no choice.

“Don't say that, Lacy. This year might be different” I tried to console her but once again, she shook her head and scooted closer to me.

“Just stay here with me, Alex. Fuck the party. They can have it without me” she sniffed while holding onto my hands tightly like I was her lifeline and I could tell she was searching for a reason to stay grounded.

So I smiled at her and nodded. Then I pulled her in for a hug, resting her face on my shoulder before patting her on the back.

“I’ll be right here, love. I'm not going anywhere” I whispered and silence ensued. Then she pulled away to stare at me until the mood suddenly felt charged with tension.

“You have no idea how much I missed talking to you, Alex” she whispered, her gaze now intense and not faltering as she kept staring at me for way too long, making me swallow hard.

Gradually, she began to lean toward me but I couldn't bring myself to stop her. I was mentally freaking out, but I still remained seated and let her slowly close the small distance between us.

My heart raced faster the closer she came, and despite knowing what she wanted with me, I remained put.

Like dynamites exploding, I thought my heart would shatter to pieces the moment she gently met my mouth with hers, her lips cupping mine possessively.

In return I closed my eyes, letting myself drink in the softness of her lips and I welcomed her tongue inside my mouth when she licked my lower lip so sensually I could feel myself getting wet.

Lacy wrapped her hand around the back of my neck to pull me closer. I moaned when she bit my lip and sucked on my tongue as if it was her next meal.

Then it hit me.

I was kissing my friend and ex roommate.

I was kissing Blake's wife.

I was kissing Lacy just a few days after I kissed her husband.

What the fuck was I doing?