All Chapters of Falling in love with my husband's son: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

I summoned every ounce of energy in me to walk to the hotel downtown where Ben was staying. He embraced me before I could even speak. Once I got settled in a chair, I reached out for Ben's hand, pleading on behalf of my husband's behavior."He was just having a bad day. He's not like that."Ben's stare was empty and disbelieving. I could tell he didn't buy a word of it."Elena, I have learned to stay clear of your house, but what about you? Do you really want to be there? You could go back with me.""No, this is my family. I am right where I want to be," I lied, swallowing the bitterness in my throat. "Enough talking about my marriage. I just wanted to make sure you were fine. I need to head home before my husband gets back."I stood up, gave a final shrug, and left for the estate.Arthur had gotten back by nightfall, soaked in alcohol and the stench of tobacco, screaming my name at the top of his lungs. I remained still on the bed with my eyes squeezed shut, but he kept staggering to

The car was stuffy, and the drive was extremely quiet. It didn't feel like two lovers going on a romantic runaway trip. I sat pressed against the passenger door, my throat tight as I fought back the rising nausea. I could hardly breathe with the heavy stench of tobacco and Arthur's strong perfume clinging to the leather interior, and I felt like I could throw up at any second. Every few minutes, I would stare at Arthur for a second to see if he was staring back at me or taking any note of my discomfort. But he remained stiff and distant, his jaw set, his eyes glued to his phone screen the entire time without offering a single word.Eventually, the long highway turned into a gravel path, and we arrived at the apartment near the lake. On the outside, it was extremely beautiful. The interior featured furniture made of well-polished native wood, big glass windows overlooking the water, and vaulted ceilings that looked like something straight out of a fairytale for people in love. Under an

I walked past my husband without waiting for him to say another word, the sharp click of my heels echoing off the floorboards as I headed straight for the door.By the time I arrived at the company tower and settled into the executive chair behind my desk, the exhaustion from the night before was already settling deep into my bones. My body ached, and my mind was racing with every possible worst-case scenario. Before I could even open the first folder on my desk to pretend I was working, the office door pushed open without a knock.Stefan walked in, a broad smile gracing his face and one hand tucked casually into his suit pocket. He looked rested, sharp, and completely unfazed by the storm brewing around us."A thank you is all I get? Not even a morning kiss?" Stefan asked, his cheeks slightly flushed as he stepped around the corner of my desk, closing the space between us.I pulled back slightly, keeping my hands resting flat on the desk to hide their subtle trembling. I couldn't let

"I suppose we should congratulate you on the acquisition before we even sit down, shouldn't we, Arthur?"Mr. Raymond's smooth voice cut across the executive conference room, sharp enough to snap the thin, agonizing tension that had been building since I stepped off the elevator.I kept my expression entirely neutral, though my pulse hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird. My phone call with Arthur barely ten minutes ago still echoed in my mind—a summons that felt less like an invitation and more like a trap snapping shut. I didn't wait for a secretary to announce me; I had pushed past the frosted glass doors of Arthur’s executive floor and walked straight into the lion's den.And right there in the center of it all sat Marcus, leaning back in a leather chair with a casual, mocking smirk, while Mr. Raymond sat opposite Arthur, adjusting the silver band of his watch.Arthur looked up, a thin, polished smile touching his lips. He didn't look angry; he looked amused, which was infin

"This doesn't look professional," I whispered to Stefan, leaning in just as we crossed the threshold of the site office. He had brought her along—out of spite, out of convenience, or simply to build a wall between us.He didn't even turn his head. He brushed past me as if I had spoken into the wind, leaving me to step into the trailer alone while he lingered outside with the lead contractor.Outside the trailer’s tinted windows, Stefan stayed deep in discussion, but I wasn't looking at him anymore. My eyes were glued to the stack of blueprints spread across the folding desk.Right beside me, his guest leaned back against a filing cabinet, her voice dripping with cloying sweetness as Stefan finally stepped back through the door."Oh, Stefan, you simply *must* look at this layout," she cooed, sliding into his path and brushing her shoulder against his. Her hand trailed lazily down the lapel of his jacket, her voice rising in a soft laugh. "I mean, it’s just so massive. Don't you think i