Our Affairs

The moon shone brighter than usual that evening, casting a soft, silvery glow over our quiet suburban neighborhood. I was thrilled because my husband, Richard, was finally coming home after a grueling two-week business trip. To surprise him, I slipped into a fancy, sexy red nightgown that hugged my curves perfectly, the silky fabric whispering against my skin as I moved. My heart raced with anticipation as I heard his car pull into the driveway."He's here," I whispered to myself, a smile spreading across my face. I hurried to the door, my bare feet padding softly on the cool hardwood floor. He opened the door, flicked on the lights, and his eyes widened when he saw me."Wow, baby, you look incredible," he said, his voice laced with a hint of surprise."Do you like it?" I teased, wrapping my arms around him and running my fingers through his tousled hair."Of course I do," he replied, kissing me gently as he dropped his suitcase with a thud on the floor.Slowly, I began unbuttoning hi

We paused, frozen, as his office phone erupted into relentless ringing. Neither of us moved. I blinked a few times, then gently pressed my palm against his chest, easing him back.“You should get that,” I said quietly.His expression darkened in an instant—anger flashing through those fearless eyes.“Hell, who could that be?” he muttered.He finally released me and stepped away, but not before helping smooth my skirt back into place with careful, almost reluctant hands.“I should go,” I said, quickly adjusting my blouse and hair. I slipped out of his office before either of us could say anything more.I nearly collided with Brooke in the hallway. My heart lurched.“Hey, Payton,” she said brightly. “I swung by your office earlier, but you weren’t there. Looks like you were just leaving our resident sexy boss’s domain.”I forced a casual smile. “Of course. I’m his assistant, remember?”“That’s just a fancy excuse to see him every day,” she teased, her eyes narrowing with playful suspic

Teddy had given me the Monday off—officially to “rest and sort things out” with my husband. The irony wasn’t lost on me. Richard still hadn’t come home from his so-called business trip. He’d called once the night before, voice casual, as if nothing had happened.“Hello, babe. Are you still in Hawaii?” he’d asked.I’d gone cold. “I’ve been home since Sunday,” I told him flatly.Silence. Then a quick recovery, excuses about meetings running late. I didn’t bother arguing. I just hung up.That evening I sat curled on the living-room sofa, absently eating apple slices, when I heard the familiar purr of Richard’s car pulling into the driveway. He’d texted earlier that he’d be home tonight. I wasn’t surprised, but my stomach still twisted.The front door opened. “Hello, pretty,” he said, stepping inside and closing it behind him. His smile was easy, warm—the same one that used to make my knees weak.“I’m good,” I answered, standing to meet his hug.He pulled back slightly, reached into his j

I paused for a few seconds trying hard to stay cool.“Why do you have to go back to Seattle? What happened?” I asked, forcing my tone to stay casual even as anger burned beneath my skin.“There are some problems with a business deal there. I have to go fix it in person.”I stared at him. “Huh. But you can always video call from your laptop or set up a meeting from home. You don’t have to travel all the way to Seattle again.”He took a deep breath and reached across the table to hold my hand. “Babe, I really have to be there. But I promise—when I get back from Seattle, we’ll go straight on that trip you’ve been talking about. Just pick a place, any place, and we’ll book the flights. Just you and me. Okay?”I didn’t know what to say. The anger inside me had turned molten. I couldn’t believe he was still treating me like a fool.I yanked my hand away and stood up. “Whatever. Do what you want. I don’t care anymore.”I stormed to the bedroom before the tears could fall in front of him. As

Teddy's car glided to a stop in the parking lot of his estate. As we stepped out, I was struck by how vast and impeccably neat the place was—manicured lawns stretching under soft evening lights, the air fresh and quiet.He guided me gently toward the entrance of his house, then paused, turning to look at me with a playful smile."What's wrong?" I asked, confused.Without a word, he scooped me up into his arms."Oh, Teddy!" I laughed, wrapping my arms around his neck. "What are you doing?""Shhh… you're my bride," he said in an exaggerated, funny voice, carrying me effortlessly through the doorway.The living room was breathtakingly elegant. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, scattering warm golden light across the space. Fresh jasmine flowers bloomed in a crystal vase, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. A luxurious velvet sofa commanded the center, its silk pillows carrying faint hints of vanilla and clean linen. The sleek glass coffee table rested on a plush cream rug, atop