Chapter 2
The
Amelia stood in the shadows, watching Theo on the balcony, his back to her as he spoke quietly into his phone.
They had been married for three years, sharing what should have been an unbreakable bond. But in that moment, Theo felt like a stranger.
On the surface, nothing about him had changed–he was still the tall, handsome man with the effortless charm that had once made her fall in love.
Yet something beneath the surface was different, intangible but undeniable.
The longer she observed him, the less familiar he seemed.
Her instincts screamed that his cryptic phone conversation and vague “arrangements” were somehow tied to her.
This wasn’t the time to confront him. After a moment’s hesitation, she silently retreated, heading downstairs to the living room.
She moved deliberately, keeping her expression calm and neutral, as if nothing had happened.
If the sender knew enough to expose Theo, he or she might have more answers.
Amelia dialed the number repeatedly, but each attempt ended in silence.
Frustrated, she typed out a message instead: “Who are you?”
The reply came moments later.
Unknown number: [Amelia, I can’t take calls. The other woman is someone you know. Pay closer attention, and you’ll figure it out.]
Unknown number: [This is as much as I can say—I don’t want to expose myself and risk unnecessary trouble. I hope you understand.]
Amelia’s chest tightened as the words sank in. ‘Theo’s mistress is someone I know?‘
The revelation sent her thoughts spiraling.
Before she could delve deeper into her thoughts, a shadow moved across her legs.
She looked up, startled, just as Theo appeared seemingly out of nowhere and wrapped her in his arms.
She stumbled, pressing against his chest as his warm breath tickled her neck. The intimate closeness made her stomach churn.
When she pulled back slightly, she found herself staring into his piercing eyes—the same eyes that had once captivated her.
His voice was low and velvety as he murmured, “Amelia, you look stunning tonight. I love you so much…”
His hands wandered over her with practiced ease, his breathing quickening.
The image of him kissing another woman in their home flashed through Amelia’s mind, making her skin crawl.
She shoved him away instinctively, her voice sharp and distant. “I’m too tired tonight.”
Theo froze for a second, visibly surprised, before softening his tone. “Alright, babe. You’ve had a long day. Go take a bath and relax.
“By the way, I’ll be leaving for a business trip tomorrow. I’ll bring you something special when I get back.”
Amelia forced a smile and replied curtly, “Okay,” before heading toward the bathroom.
Little did she know, the “gift” Theo promised would push her into an irreversible nightmare.
That night, neither of them slept.
They shared the same bed but might as well have been in different worlds, each consumed by their own secrets and thoughts.
At dawn, Theo got up to pack his suitcase.
The sound of the wheels rolling across the floor was followed by the soft click of the front door closing.
As soon as Amelia heard the door shut, her eyes snapped open.
She sprang out of bed and rushed to the window, peering out just in time to see Theo’s car pulling away.
1/3
Something felt off. He wasn’t heading toward the airport.
Her brow furrowed as she traced the route in her mind.
Her pulse quickened. Acting on impulse, she threw on an outfit, grabbed her car keys, and hurried out the door to follow him.
Theo’s car weaved through the streets, bypassing the airport entirely.
He drove until he reached a quiet, secluded resort–style hotel surrounded by trees.
Amelia’s stomach sank. “This is it,‘ she thought. ‘He’s meeting her here!’
The so–called “business trip” had been nothing but a lie.
The drive over had been agonizing, her emotions fluctuating between dread and rage. But now, parked outside the hotel, fury took over.
It was still early, and the hotel was…ely empty.
Theo, with his careful and deliberat
2 “vements,
was easy to spot.
Amelia followed him at a safe distance, watchi
Her fists clenched at her sides.
as he entered a room on the eighth floor: C803.
The room number was all she needed. Now, it was time to catch him in the act.
Amelia’s breath came in sharp, shallow bursts as the gravity of her situation slammed into her.
She breathed in and out heavily.
Her feet felt as if they were weighed down by lead as she approached the door to Room C803.
With every step, her pace slowed, dread pooling in her chest.
At last, she stopped in front of the door.
Her hand trembled as she reached out to knock.
In those brief seconds, sweat beaded on her palms, and her mind swirled with a tangle of emotions–anger, fear, and a gnawing sense of dread.
A small voice in the back of her mind begged her to flee, to avoid facing the betrayal and the crumbling wreck of her marriage.
But running wasn’t an option. She wasn’t a coward. She needed answers, no matter how painful they might be.
The door creaked open with a suddenness that startled her.
Amelia’s heart leapt into her throat. She looked up, expecting to confront Theo and his lover–only
to find the doorway empty.
From where she stood, she could see part of the bed inside. It was unmade, the sheets tangled in a careless heap.
match t
Her fury fiared like a match to dry kindling.
Without hesitation, she stepped into the room, her heels clicking against the floor. But the moment she crossed the
hold, a
a chill swept over
her.
Something wasn’t right.
The bed was empty.
“Finally, you’re here. I’ve been waiting for you,” came a low, mocking yoice from behind her.
Amelia froze. Her stomach twisted into knots.
Slowly, she turned, her heart hammering in her chest.
Behind the door stood a tall, broad–shouldered man. He wore a plush bathrobe, his smile oily and predatory.
His eyes gleamed with a sinister light that made her skin crawl.
Theo and his mistress were nowhere to be found.
2/3
The room was empty–except for this stranger.
Every fiber of Amelia’s being screamed that she’d been set up.
Realizing the danger, she bolted for the door, but the man slammed it shut with a resounding bang.
He locked it in one swift motion, cutting off her escape.
His grin widened as he advanced on her, step by deliberate step. His imposing frame filled the small space, leaving Amelia with nowhere to run.
He backed her into a corner, the bed pressing against her thighs.
“Don’t come any closer or I’ll-” she began to shout, but before she could finish, the man snatched her phone from her hand.
The call she had just dialed–911–was disconnected with a quick press of his thumb.
The man leaned in closer, his body towering over hers.
Half–pinning her to the bed, he smirked as he whispered, “Mrs. Hartwell, the name’s Damon Cross. Remember it well. Today, you and I are going to share a very… pleasant morning. Don’t worry–I’ll be gentle.”
