Chapter 11

The gallery is everything I used to dream about—raw concrete walls, dramatic lighting, and art that pulses with life and passion."This is incredible," I breathe, standing before a massive canvas covered in bold strokes of gold and crimson."The artist is twenty-four," Derek says, reading from the placard. "Fresh out of art school, working three jobs to afford paint."I can feel the hunger in the brushstrokes, the desperation to create something beautiful despite impossible circumstances. It reminds me of myself at that age—before I learned that dreams were luxuries I couldn't afford."You're crying," Derek observes gently.I touch my cheek and find it damp. "I'd forgotten what it felt like to see art that matters. Everything Alexander collects is... safe. Expensive. Prestigious.""But not alive.""No. Not alive."Derek's hand finds mine as we move through the gallery. His touch is becoming familiar, natural, like we've been holding hands for years instead of hours."There's something

Last Updated : 2025-09-15

Chapter 12

By the time we return to the penthouse, it's nearly six PM. The golden light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows feels different now—warmer, more alive—like the apartment itself has changed while we were gone."I should listen to Alexander's voicemail," I say, but I make no move toward my phone."Should you? Or would you rather tell me what you thought about the exhibition?"Derek settles onto the leather couch, completely at ease in Alexander's domain. There's something thrilling about his casual possession of the space—the way he props his feet on the glass coffee table, spreads his arms along the back of the couch like he owns it.Like he owns me.The thought should terrify me. Instead, it sends heat pooling low in my belly."The poetry reading was beautiful," I say, sitting carefully on the opposite end of the couch. "I'd forgotten how powerful live poetry can be.""Had you? Or had you just stopped allowing yourself to experience things that made you feel?"Derek's que

Last Updated : 2025-09-15

All Chapters of OBSESSED WITH MY HUSBAND’s FRIEND: Chapter 11 - Chapter 12

Chapter 11

Chapter 12