That afternoon, the aroma of grilled salmon and asparagus cream soup filled the dining room. Outside the window, the sky was clear, but the atmosphere inside the dining table was tense. Selena sat next to David, while Lilian sat opposite, and Mrs. Morena was at the end of the table with her usual critical expression.Selena picked up a spoon and began to fill a plate for her mother-in-law. "Mom, Selena made the mashed potatoes using the recipe that Mommy taught her last time," she said kindly with a smile."Hm," Morena replied briefly. "You're a good cook like Mommy."Selena just smiled, and then she began to fill David's plate. David was silent, but his gaze was thoughtful. He realized just how gentle Selena was today - and how much he had overlooked that.Lilian, in a tight red dress that was too flashy for lunch, leaned against the back of the chair and opened the conversation."Oh yeah, when are you moving out of this house, Lilian?" asked Mrs. Morena sarcastically."It seems to h
After lunch, the room was quiet. There was only the sound of glasses clinking softly on the table. Selena sat gracefully beside David, while Lilian helped clear the dishes with a contrived smile.Mrs. Morena stood up, picking up her clutch from the chair."I have to go home. I still have a community event this afternoon," she said, then turned to Selena. "But before I go..."Selena lifted her face, waiting."Selena, you should start considering quitting your job. You're the wife of a CEO, and household responsibilities are more important."Selena kept smiling politely. "I've already signed a contract for a project that runs for the next three months, Mom. But I promise, work won't get in the way of my role as a wife."Morena snorted softly. "All right. But don't let David come home to be greeted by another woman. Especially since Lilian is still here. Huh, Mommy is very worried."Lilian was silent, but her eyes glanced sarcastically at Mrs. Morena. David could only sigh, then put his
The sky was suddenly dark. Clouds rolled thickly over Manhattan. Lightning flashed in the distance, followed by rain that fell in torrents as if hunting the earth. The sound of heavy rain hitting the windowpane of the room, accompanied the quiet atmosphere inside.Selena was still closed, her back to David, her body huddled small under the thick blanket. But her breathing wasn't exactly calm. Her senses were empty-not hot, not cold, just... flat.David stared at his wife's back in silence. The light of the bed lamp illuminated a part of his restless face. He bit his lower lip, then slowly pulled back the blanket and slipped into it. His hands touched Selena's waist, then curled around her body.Slow, but firm. Tight.It was no ordinary hug-there was anxiety, fear, and something Selena couldn't explain. So tight, it made Selena open her eyes slowly."David?" she mumbled sleepily. Her voice was hoarse, lazy. "Why are you holding me like this?"David didn't answer immediately. Only his b
The wind was blowing gently, but it couldn't cool David's hot head. He stood on the second floor balcony, staring blankly at the rain-soaked city. One hand clutches a wine glass, the other rests on the cold metal railing.Streetlights danced in the puddles, but the sight meant nothing to David. His face was tense. Every now and then, he took a deep sip of wine, hoping the alcohol would drown out the feelings raging inside his chest."What the hell am I doing?" he muttered under his breath. "Damn it... I'm hurting Selena. Over and over again."Images of Selena's face danced in her mind. That cold look in her eyes. The honest words that came out without drama: "I'm on my period."But that wasn't what hit his chest. That's not what made the wine taste like vinegar.What broke her was-Selena didn't look hurt. Didn't even try to explain. Didn't defend herself. She just kept quiet. And that hurt more than a thousand curses.David swore under his breath, then took another sip of wine from th
David opened the bedroom door slowly. The rain was still falling heavily outside, creating a slow rhythm that could be clearly heard through the window. His eyes were puffy, his breathing was heavy, his body felt empty... but regretful at the same time.Inside, Selena was sitting in front of the dressing table. Her hair was neatly combed, her face fresh even without excessive makeup. She wore a white blouse with a long navy blue skirt, simple but elegant.David was standing in the doorway.Selena turned her head briefly, noticing his presence, then looked back at her reflection in the mirror."What's wrong with you?" asked Selena lightly, her hands still busy fixing her loose hair.David didn't answer. He just walked slowly, then immediately hugged Selena's body from behind. Strong. Tight. Her breath caught, like a child who had just found a safe place after being lost for too long.Selena was silent. Her hands hung at her sides.David lowered his head, resting his face on her shoulde
David was stunned at the door, his breathing ragged, his eyes kept staring at Selena's retreating back."Selena! Wait-!"He stepped quickly to catch up, but suddenly his head throbbed violently. The world seemed to spin, his vision blurred. Her body swayed."A-akh..."Her steps came to a halt. She touched her temple, then held onto the wall for dear life. But it didn't last long. His body collapsed instantly, falling on the floor with a loud thud."David!" cried Lilian, as she ran towards him. Meanwhile, Selena drove in the rain that was still falling slowly. Her face was blank, but her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. Her heart was still tight, but there was one place that made her feel a little breathable. That was Dominic's apartment.As soon as she arrived, Selena rang the bell. Before long, the door opened.Dominic stood in the doorway in his casual clothes-a gray T-shirt and dark jogger pants. His hair was slightly disheveled, his face looked tired but his smile was wa
Selena was fixing her clothes one by one when a warm hand suddenly tugged at her wrist. Her body staggered, falling right into Dominic's arms who was still without a single thread."Dominic..." Selena said softly, half laughing with amusement. "No more teasing, ahh... I have to go."The man didn't answer, just kissed Selena's nape from behind, then up to her neck. His breath was warm, his scent distinctive. Selena chuckled, ducking to avoid the mischievous kiss."Ssh... Ah... I'm serious, I need to go to the hospital."Dominic sighed lazily, his arms still hugging Selena's waist tightly. "Stay here tonight. Keep me company for a little while longer. I still want to have sex, Baby."Selena turned her head, looking at the face of the man who was now draped over her shoulder. "You're so tempting like this. But... I can't, Uncle dear. My mom just woke up."Dominic looked at him deeply, there was sincerity there, although wrapped in a little disappointment. "But you can stay here first, ri
The early morning air in the hospital corridor was colder than usual. David stood still in front of the door to the ICU room, wearing only the thin jacket he had hurriedly taken from home. His breath formed a small vapor, his eyes could not escape the glass of the door, staring at the shadow of Selena in the room who never turned to him.Her legs began to tremble. Not only because of the cold, but also because of the excruciating fatigue. Guilt piled up in her chest, suffocating her to the point where it was difficult to breathe.The door finally opened. Selena came out with slow steps."David?" she asked in shock as she saw her husband almost fall.David wavered, his body unable to support the weight of his own emotions. Reflexively, Selena caught the man's body and helped him lean against the wall."Oh my God, what's wrong with you?" asked Selena, panicking but keeping her tone so as not to wake the other patients.David looked at Selena with sad eyes, his lips trembling. "I... just
The sound of a car door closing loudly boomed in the hotel's basement parking lot. Damian pushed Isabella into the back seat of their black SUV. His face was red, his eyes blazing wildly."Shut up! Don't open your mouth one word!" he hissed, breath catching.Isabella staggered into the car, her feet dragging on the floor. As soon as the door closed, Damian entered from the other side, sitting next to her, immediately closing the glass partition between them and the driver."I ask you again, ISABELLA-IS THIS TRUE?!"Isabella twisted her body, her face still wet with tears. "Damian... I can explain...""EXPLAIN?!" Damian shouted so loudly that the window shook. "The whole world saw that video! That's your face! Your body! In a hotel bed with a fucking stranger! You... You've ruined my reputation!"Isabella grabbed Damian's arm. "Please, listen to me first. I'm doing this for you... for our company. We need investors, Damian! You know that! They won't give me money if I don't give them s
Paris that night looked like a living painting. The sky was clear, the stars were faint in the city lights, and the Eiffel Tower stood majestically, casting a bewitching golden glow. Dominic took Selena's hand, leading her through the crowds of tourists busy taking pictures. They stepped onto the most private side of the Champ de Mars park, where the view of the Eiffel Tower was most perfect."Why are we here at night?" asked Selena quietly, her voice almost drowned out by the sound of the cool spring breeze.Dominic turned his head, looking at Selena's face which was flushed in the light of the garden lamps. "Because tonight, you're too beautiful not to be taken to a place as beautiful as this."Selena smiled a little, looking at her own dress. The maroon dress draped snugly around her body. The shoulder pieces were open, accentuating her graceful collarbone. Her lips were painted blood red, her hair was half up, the rest hanging in curls over her shoulders."The dress fits, doesn't
The plane landed smoothly at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The Parisian sky that afternoon was gray, but still held an undeniable romantic charm. From the window of the limousine car that picked them up, Selena could see the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, faintly obscured by fog."For the first time I'm here," Selena murmured softly, her eyes staring out.Dominic glanced at her from the side, smiling faintly. "You'll like where we're staying."Selena nodded soberly. She still hadn't fully calmed down after the incident at the apartment and the call from David. But she was also too tired to ask too many questions.The car pulled up in front of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a legendary hotel on Avenue Montaigne, just a few minutes from the Eiffel Tower. The building is grand, classic, with small balconies decorated with red flowers. Its luxurious feel needs no explanation.Selena widened her eyes. "Are we staying here?"Dominic came out first, then opened the door for Selena. "
As Selena's hand touched the doorknob of the apartment, a strong tug on her wrist stopped her. She turned around, startled, to find Dominic standing very close."Uncle, what else?" she grumbled irritably, trying to remove her hand.Dominic smiled casually, as if not taking Selena's refusal seriously. "Are you sure you want to leave like that?" he whispered, his brown eyes flashing something that made Selena's chest flutter."I have to go to the office," Selena insisted, trying to sound firm even though her tone sounded shaky.Dominic chuckled, his tone dismissive. "Ah, what office? This isn't Paris for work, Selina. It's just for a vacation."Selena stiffened. "What do you mean?"Dominic brought his face closer, almost pressed against hers. "I organized all this. All the meetings, all the excuses just so you could be free. With me."Selena stared at Dominic with a mixture of anger and shock. "So you lied to me?"Dominic shrugged casually. "A little lie makes a beautiful thing... No si
Lilian sat in the living room, her eyes blankly staring at the phone screen in her hand. Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the back of the sofa, a sign that her mind was busy struggling.After a moment's consideration, she took a deep breath, then opened the contacts. He searched for the name he had saved but never used - Dante - Private Investigator.Without hesitation, he pressed the call button.The phone rang twice before being picked up."Yes?""Dante, this is Lilian," she said, trying to sound calm. "I need your help.""What do you want?" Dante's voice sounded wary."I need you to keep an eye on someone. A woman. She's leaving for Paris this afternoon."There was a brief silence on the other side. Then Dante asked, "What's the reason?"Lilian gritted her teeth, holding back anger. "I just want to find that woman's weakness. I want to know where she went, who she met, all the details. Got it?""Her name and picture?" asked Dante practically.Lilian hurriedly sent a picture of Se
Selena fell into David's arms, her body pressed tightly against his warm chest. She let out a long breath, trying to control her heartbeat that had begun to race erratically."Honey... one more time, okay? Hurry up," David whispered, his fingers gently caressing Selena's waist.Selena shook her head softly, her face pressed against David's shoulder. "I can't, David. I have to rush to the office, there's still a lot to take care of before the flight."David sighed heavily. "Just a minute, Selena. I still want to have sex with you."Selena lifted her face, looking into her husband's expectant eyes. A pang of guilt ran through her, but she had to be firm."Later, after I get back from Paris," Selena said, stroking David's cheek gently. "I promise, when I get back, I'll give you whatever you want until you're satisfied."David pouted like a child. "But you just left in the afternoon..."Selena chuckled, then brought her face closer and kissed David's lips briefly. "I have a lot of things
The air in the room was warm, only the gentle whir of the air conditioner could be heard. After taking a shower, David shuffled into bed, his body still fresh and slightly wet, his hair a mess.Selena fell asleep with her back to the empty side of the bed. The blanket only covered half of her body, forming the curves of her back clearly under the thin pajamas.Without a sound, David approached and slowly tucked himself in beside Selena. He lifted a hand, pulling her petite body into his arms. The scent of soap still lingering on David's body filled Selena's sense of smell, making her stir slightly in her sleep.David leaned down, kissing Selena gently on the nape of her neck. The kiss was slow, meaningful, as if awakening a hidden passion. The large hands began to roam, gently squeezing Selena's breasts hidden beneath the thin fabric.Selena moaned softly, half-awake. Her eyes opened slowly, seeing David's shadow behind her."Baby..." David whispered in Selena's ear, his voice husky.
It was almost eleven o'clock in the evening when the key turned in the apartment door. David entered with tired steps, his tie loosened, his face looking rumpled after a long meeting.The living room light was only dimly lit. It was quiet. He thought Selena was asleep, and she was.However, someone else was still awake. Lilian.The girl emerged from the kitchen, wearing thin silk pajamas, her hair in a loose bun. Without saying much, Lilian walked straight up to David and hugged him from the side, her face pressed against his chest."David..." she whispered, spoiled. "You're finally home."David was a little surprised, but tried to remain calm. He patted Lilian's back briefly, then tried to keep his distance."What's wrong, Lilian?" he asked softly, his eyes already half heavy.Lilian looked up, a look of tears on her face. "I got kicked out by Selena," she said quickly. "She told me to leave. She was really mean to kick me out."David let out a long breath, releasing the hug slowly.
The apartment door opened slowly. Selena stepped in with cautious steps, her body still feeling tired after a long day at the office. It was quiet. David wasn't home yet. But the sound of the TV on low made Selena immediately know who was in the living room.Sure enough, there was Lilian sitting casually on the sofa, wearing thin pastel-colored pajamas, one leg folded, hand holding the TV remote.Seeing that, Selena took a deep breath, then walked over without saying much. She plopped down next to Lilian, making the woman turn her head slightly."Hi," greeted Lilian casually, as if she didn't feel guilty.Selena crossed her legs, her eyes staring straight at the TV screen, though her mind was far away from the drama playing."Lilian," Selena opened, her voice calm but firm."Hm?" Lilian glanced over briefly."When are you leaving?"Lilian raised an eyebrow, pretending not to understand. "Going? Go where?""Out of here, I mean," Selena replied matter-of-factly. "You said you were only