Alle Kapitel von Temporary Alliance: I Married a Man Who Loves Another: Kapitel 51 – Kapitel 60

— Because I didn't want you on my back! — I let out, turning fully to face him. — Because I knew that if I told the truth, you would come with this posture of owner of the truth, demanding explanations from me that I don't owe you anymore!— Oh, you don't owe me? — He took a step forward. — Funny, I thought that when you're in a relationship, you still owe some level of respect!— Relationship? You only remember we're together when you want to control something. The rest of the time you're too busy having coffee with Chiara or locking yourself in the office as if I were a nuisance!— Is that what you think of me?— That's what you show! Alessandro, I can't take this cold war inside the house anymore. I just wanted some time, a breather. But you turn everything into a weapon!— Because you lied! — he shouted. — You took a flight with Rafael, spent two days away, and didn't even bother to tell me the truth! What did you want me to think?— That maybe I just wanted peace! — I shouted bac

I stayed mute for an instant. He was right. And that hurt more than I wanted to admit.— It's not your fault — I said, too fast. — Rafael, you did nothing wrong. It's me who… — I swallowed dry. — It's me who should have been more honest with you.He looked at me, confused.— Honest about what?— About me… about what's happening between me and Alessandro. Or what happened. — I looked away, feeling my face heat up. — It's all a mess. And I… I didn't want to put you in the middle of this.Rafael let out an ironic laugh, but there was no joy in it.— I'm already in the middle, Larissa. From the moment he entered that room expelling me as if I were some intern.— I know. — I lowered my head. — And I'm so sorry for that.— You know, I never imagined he was that type. So controlling… so petty. — He ran his hand through his hair, irritated. — I always thought the problem was between you two, but now it seems the problem… is me. Just for being close to you.— It's not you — I insisted. — It's

Dinner was calm, almost therapeutic. Teresa talked about the flowers in the garden, Lúcio complained that no one let him put more olive oil on the food because of cholesterol, and for a few minutes, life seemed simple again.After we finished, Lúcio got up with a glow in his eyes.— So, girl. How about a game of chess? It's been a while since I had a decent opponent.— I don't guarantee much — I laughed, getting up — but I'm in.We went to the living room. The little table already had a classic wooden board ready. He took the pieces out of the box with the same care as someone handling a relic.— This one was a gift from my father. I got it when I was about twelve. — He adjusted the pieces. — Let's see if you still remember how to play.I played. And I played well. I even won one game — but Lúcio swears he let me.Between one move and another, we talked about everything. Old movies, recipes, trips. No mention of Alessandro. No question about work, about the company, about all that was

He opened his mouth to answer, but I didn't let him. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him.A burning kiss, urgent, full of everything that stayed stuck in my chest for too long. He stayed paralyzed for a second, and then his arms wrapped around my waist with force. He pulled me against his body, and the kiss got even more intense, more desperate. It was as if we were trying to erase the world in that instant.But then…I bit his lower lip with all my strength. He pulled away with a start, touching his mouth, where the blood started to run.— Fuck, Larissa! — he growled. — Why did you do that again?I cleaned my own mouth with the back of my hand, without hurry. A sad smile playing on my lips.— Because that was our last kiss. — I looked deep into his eyes. — And I wanted you to remember that the woman you met doesn't exist anymore. She died. And in her place… there's someone left who learned to survive.I started to leave, but he tried to hold me again. But, at that moment, two employ

— That's called jealousy. She's desperate not to lose control over him. But I'm already tired of this soap opera.— And him? — Catherine looked at me from the side, fiddling with the papers. — He's more lost than a blind man in a shootout. But when you touch him, he falls apart. You noticed, right?— Catherine — I cut in, grabbing a pen and starting to scribble on one of the pages. — I'm not going to waste time anymore trying to understand Alessandro. I just want to fulfill my last days here in peace. After that, disappear from their lives.She let out a "hmm" and focused on the reports.— You deserve more. Much more. I just hope that "disappear" doesn't include disappearing from my life too.I smiled slightly, feeling a good warmth in my chest. However confused everything was, I still had her. And that was worth a lot.— Don't worry. You'll only get rid of me when you move to another planet.— So good. Just let me know in advance so I can buy a ticket.The two of us laughed, and for