All Chapters of BEHIND THE MASK (DARK ROMANCE): Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

121 Chapters

INK AND INSIGHT

"I know you're in there, open the door".The sound of Jame's persistent knock and voice behind the door jolted me awake. It was 7:14am in the morning and I felt so exhausted that I couldn't muster the energy to respond.After I met with Darius the other day, I grabbed a bite to eat and retreated to my room.I didn't even remember falling asleep, but apparently, I had been out cold until morning."I still need to sleep", I said, rubbing the grit from my eyes.He didn't stop knocking, so I stumbled towards the door.The door swung open, and he stepped inside. " Why didn't you open the door last night?"Last night?I didn't know he was at the door."You know exactly why", I said His eyes narrowed slightly. " No, I don't.I rolled my mental eyes at the familiar pattern--- The interrogation."Well, I didn't wanna talk", I replied curtly.He stood there, waiting expectantly "Are you ready for me now that you're awake?"."You do the talking, I'm listening, I said, crossing my arms.His ey

BEFORE YOU GO

Just before I reached the bottom step, I halted to smooth out my dress.I chose a stretchy fabric, which hugged my curves and accentuated my features. With my hair styled and a light touch of makeup, I looked like a supermodel.Satisfied with the final touches, I headed downstairs.Our eyes met as he looked up from the TV screen. For a moment, he just stared at me."Hey", he said "Hey", I replied shyly, despite the casual setting.He looked around and whispered, "You look beautiful, wifey.I felt the sincerity in his voice like a gentle touch. And the way he called my name? Very demure, very inviting."Thanks ", I replied.He gestured for me to follow him and as we entered the kitchen, the sight of the meal he had prepared took my breath away.He was so thoughtful, so sweet."I made you all these, would you like a plate?", he asked.I nodded and settled into one of the dining chairs.As he moved and dished the food, I thought of how sexy it was to have him in my kitchen. It fe

REGRET IN HINDSIGHT

The rest of the day flew by in a blur. After Adrian broke the news of leaving to me, I trudged back into my room, and that was the last thing I knew.I fell into a deep sleep.Our conversation replayed in my head and it broke me so bad. The crash was brutal, it was a harsh reality check from the high I was riding.My journal lay open on the stool beside the bed, a trusted confidant waiting to absorb my thoughts."Dear Journal", I wrote," I feel so lost. Adrian's leaving, and I feel really bad about it when I'm not supposed to. Although, a fleeting and unassuming memory, its quiet beauty continues to haunt me. It was undeniably a real connection, and for a moment, I was lost in it. But guess what? I'm alone again. I'm left with just my thoughts, and they are not good company".I paused, waiting for answers that wouldn't come, empty words, hollow promises. I sighed and continued to write."On one hand, I'm grateful to be a rich housewife despite the hurdles and hurt that's packaged wit

BEYOND WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN

I knew I had to make lemonade with the lemons, but right now, I just wanted to throw the lemons away.Because, lifting my spirit had become a full-time job, but I wasn't actually getting any job done.Something had to change, immediately.I stood up from the bed, wiped the dried tears off my cheeks, and reached for the laptop that'd be my ticket to new beginnings."Cheers to finding me", I said, as I booted up the system.My fingers walked across the keyboard, as I opened different job portals and filled out applications.The available jobs weren't high-paying ones because I didn't have the educational qualifications, but I didn't mind. My bank account was full, but my mind, empty.So, Yeah.The applications were done, and I was ready to unwind. I showered, changed into a light and revealing dress, and headed downstairs to grab a cold drink from the fridge.I glanced up at the clock in the hallway and raised an eyebrow, "12:47am, already?"Wow, time really flies when you're productive

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

"Yes, yes", I shouted.I threw off the covers and leaped out of bed.I did it.I actually did.The night before, I had spent hours applying for jobs and updating my Job profile. I was so nervous but it paid off.I had to double-check on the laptop screen, and I couldn't be happier. The job details, the interview date, everything—it was real.As if grinning from ear to ear as I replayed the events from hours ago wasn't enough, the universe decided to hit me with a job offer."Hey, Bestie. We did it, thanks for having my back" I said, kissing the journal I dropped on the bed.My feet barely touched the ground as I danced over to the closet, to get ready to take on the day.I reached for the doorknob, ready to head downstairs but just as I was about to step out, James walked into my room, fuming.What now?It was past 9am, and he was still lounging around the house."I did a check-in around midnight, and your room was empty, he said, his tone casual but curious.What?Is he that paranoid

RELENTLESS GRIP

James strolled over to my window as if pulled to a stop. "Hey", he saidNo questions--not now, I thought. So, I stepped out of the car and walked into the house without a word.I hadn't even made it to the stairs before I heard the door shut behind me, and then his voice."Stop, Miriam", he ordered."What now?", I turned to himA wicked smile crept across his face, like a cat with a secret."What was that with Adrian?" he asked.My voice laced with fake confusion, " Sorry, dear, I'm lost"."Cut the act, Miriam", he said, his voice firm"I'm tired, I need to go inside, I said, hoping that he would back off.He held me in place. " You are not going anywhere until you talk to me. I've had enough of your lies."You're hurting me", I said, struggling against his hold.He loosened his grip ."Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to, he said, then he smiled awkwardly ."You're not going anywhere until you understand that I'm in control"The way he looked at me was suffocating, like he owned me"I do

PAWNS IN HIS GAME

The night went by really fast as it felt like I had only been asleep for fifteen minutes.I wish I could take back the night, but the morning chaos was already knocking on my door.The sound of my phone woke me up, and the name 'Mother' appeared on the screen.That woman has a sixth sense for timing."Hi, Mom", I said "Hi, baby", she replied.Aww, I miss her soft voice.She doesn't just call, she calls with a purpose.We talked about everything-- family, life, latest drama until she finally asked about my husband, and the conversation took a more serious turn."Uhmm, he's good", I said" Miriam, he's good but things are not good. I can tell", she said Then, she launched into a familiar lecture about perseverance and commitment in marriage.Same words---same thoughts.Then she ended it with " Don't make him call me again. Is that ok?".Who?James?"Mom, did he call you?. What did he say?, I asked "Never mind, baby. Just be careful ", she replied I could almost hear the half-truths

THE UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS OF DECIET

Indeed, troubles come in threes. I quickly cleaned myself with the tissue on the table, adjusted my dress, and my hair.Luckily, I had my body mist in my purse. So, I hastily grabbed it and gave myself a quick spritz while the doctor adjusted his clothes, too.We did a final double check, and I composed myself to look like I was waiting for the doctor before I gestured for him to open up.From the doctor's expression, I could tell that he was rehearsing the words he'd use to explain the situation to my husband.You don't have to bother, I thought.He took a deep breath, with the hospital air filling his lungs, before reaching out to grasp the door handle and slowly turning it.Then, A nurse walked in and handed the doctor a clipboard, her voice low and professional as she began to read out a list of vitals and medications.My gaze rested on her; her bright smile and youthful appearance made me think that she was more suited to be handing out flowers than administering medications.Oh

CUT OFF NOT CHECKED OUT

I exited the hospital and ordered a ride to take me back since I couldn't wait for James.It was a gorgeous and sunny afternoon my ride was about ten minutes away. So, I decided to settle in the restaurant that was literally around the corner.Given that I hadn't eaten all day, I ordered a massive burger the moment I sat down. And because of my ride that was on its way, I requested a full meal take-out.I didn't know if James ' newest staff would whip up to meet my cravings, so I had to get more food.To my surprise, the orders were ready ahead of schedule. I was happy I wouldn't have to delay the ride."Here's your bill, ma ", the waiter said, handing over a paper.With a soft nod, I held out my card to settle the bills.I wasn't even paying attention because one of my favorite songs was blaring out of the speakers until the waiter handed me the card."It's declining, ma. Wrong password," he said."Can I have the machine, pls?", I asked I pressed the password again twice but it didn

SHE IS CAlMIED

I vaguely remember Darius dressing up to leave, but what happened after?-- I guess exhaustion caught up with me.It was 6:49pm. I just woke up from the nap I never planned on taking.With my sleep-deprived eyes, I made a ride request back home.Without delay, the ride notification popped up on my phone, and I grabbed my bag, made my way out of the building, and slid into the back seat of the car.With a tired face, I responded to his greetings, gave him my address and we were off.My eyelids grew heavy and before I knew it, we were at my building.I wished the ride lasted a little longer."Oh, that was fast", I said, and handed over the fareThe driver smiled, "Thank you, ma'am.I stepped out of the car and an annoying gust of wind welcomed me. "Hmmm, feels like home ", I said, disgustingly Finally, I was at the gate, with a new face welcoming me. Whatever.I planned my night as I made my way in — shower, food, pajamas, and face-plant in my pillow.I walked into my room, and the

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