Chapter Three: The deceptive candlelit

Dione's POV

“Thanks for driving me home,” I said, my voice shyly low, as we stopped at the house. My utterance broke the damp silence that had clouded us.

Maybe because I wasn't used to being driven home by someone different.

But, I had no choice since Aldric had left me at the hotel in shame. In front of everyone. Cameras too.

“ You don't have to thank me for that. For you it's nothing,” Alexander said, his lips lifted up in a smile.

That smile.

I couldn't help but smile too. Though it was barely visible, but I knew I smiled. Maybe because I was grateful. Or the way his deep pink lips curved beautifully.

I blinked, taking my eyes off.

“And yeah, t..thank you for the billion-dollar investment,” I quickly got out.

He smiled back, his voice softer, “You really don't need to thank me. I've always wanted to collaborate with you,” he confessed and leaned forward. Yet again... my heart bolted faster that I feel the soft taps alongside my breath.

Somehow... I knew what was coming. And, no. I didn't flinch. I didn't stop us.. I waited for it.

But instead he picked my handkerchief that had fallen and handed it to me. "Don't forget this."

Shit.

Dione!

What was wrong with my mind?

Why was I feeling this soft and tender around another man? Worse, I think I just blushed again.

Why's my mind drifting apart…now?

Had my heart been too hostile to quickly melt when I'm shown real care in the slightest?

Fuck, Dione. Get yourself together.

I masked the embarrassment that had taken over my face with a little something stoic and confidence I knew wasn't there. I thanked him, got out walked towards the towering iron gate that served as entrance to the house.

The black marbled floor clicked softly, as my heels knocked on them while I walked into the house.

The cold air from the conditioner hit my face and tingled my skin. The first floor was dimly lit.

The room smelled like candle wax and roasted ham.

I traced the smell till I stopped at the dining space.

Candles burned on the table, soft yellow light emitting from them. It shone around the platters of served ham and a bottle of red wine.

Aldric.

Maybe he had only not forgotten to celebrate the company's biggest investment with me, yet.

The somewhere he had to be was actually here. To set this up for me and surprise me. A smile crept up my face and burned my cheeks and I felt bad for getting mad at him for leaving me at the hotel earlier.

I reached for the flowers that were carefully placed at the table edge with a heart shaped card and perceived it.

The sweet and spicy smell of roses wafted up into my nostril and their velvety petals released a romantic fragrance that filled the air.

My fingers flipped the red ribbon attached to the card as I read. The palpable feeling, invoking memories of gentle moments of love, chemistry that I couldn't deny.

‘To my only princess. Love always. Aldric’

A smile smeared my face, somehow.

Was this deceptive? Factual or what? I don't understand but a smile tore through my lips yet again.

I heaved in relief, climbing the stairs.

And though tonight had been a nightmare, I could finally use my drugs, enjoy the dinner and rest from this chaos.

Just when I got to my bedroom and picked my pills. I heard voices I hadn't heard when I entered.

My eyeballs danced in their socket in quizzically.

I shoved the pill bottle into my purse and moved outside.

My bare feet melted into the cold marble.

I traced the voices.

My heart beat increased by each closer step I took.

My fist clenched tight beside me.

My mind raced with questions.

Or had Aldric left his television on?

Did someone break in and held Aldric hostage? Oh no.

Aldric isn't home. And I don't remember seeing his car parked anywhere in the house?

Did I even check well? I'm not sure.

What if he's in trouble? I hated to have to stay in different rooms. Aldric frankly wanted it. And now see.

Somehow the urge to return to my room tugged my heart, but fighting myself off the urge didn't require much as I found my legs still moving...towards the increasing voices.

Voices? No. They sounded rhythmical and as much as it was similar to voice, I couldn't grab any.

Like something... something. Hell no!

My heart stopped the moment I got the sound clearer. It was a moan. A deep throat moan like... Aldric?!!

I felt a skip in my ribs.

My eyes watered.

And my mind screamed caution…harder than earlier.

To just flee, get out, escape maybe. And be anywhere but here.

But it was too late. Because I realized I was already standing at the door where the mourn sounded like some adult movie to my ears.

And just then, I heard the knob, click and the wood squeak open, revealing my…own husband.

The man I sacrificed everything for and still gave my kidney, covered in some fucking sweat, bare chest, save for the pants that hung loosely on his torso.

My nose crushed and I just wanted to explode as their godforsaken scent almost dug a six feet for me.

"What the hell are you doing here?" He scowled, shamelessly masking the guilt that webbed his tone, like I hadn't just caught him cheating on me.

And the way he looked me over like I was some piece of trash ruining his fun. Made me wish I didn't exist.

"Get back in your room, I will see you there, okay?"

"Baby, any problem?" A soft voice called from inside.

My teary face turned to a little frown.

"It's nothing babe, we are good."

Babe?

Aldric called someone babe..in my presence?

With all my strength, pushing the pain that had started to build up again in my ribs behind, I forced my way past Aldric and stormed into the room.

"What the hell has come over you?" Aldric thundered.

My heart sank.

The world blurred around me. And for a moment my ears just chimed like an alarm.

My pulse increased and I felt my lips go wide.

Lily?