Slowly, I started getting ready, undressing and cleaning off the makeup from my face. Tender strokes of the wipe were soothing onto my frazzled nerves as I did everything really slowly.I relished this transformation-taking place, akin to a caterpillar finally making its way out into the world from its cocoon, rebirthed, renewed. I changed into something sexy and hot-a tight gown, fitted at my curves to a T, cuddling me at just about all the right places like into a second skin.And then, looking into the mirror well, I couldn't help but feel this surge of pride in me, a surge of confidence-half a queen surveying her kingdom.My full, round breasts stood to attention, their tender peaks upward like delicate water droplets glistening with a subtle sheen, like the first light of dawn breaking over the horizon. The dress was tight, showcasing every bend and contour of my body, like a work of art on display. I felt like a different person altogether, one ready for the world to bring it on
Sweet and tangy, it did a tango on my tongue, the flavor bursting inside my mouth as for one moment it made me forget the tension that was building.I closed my eyes, savoring the taste, and the coolness of the juice as it ran down my throat like balm.Having drunk the juice, I went to the room where Adrian lay asleep-my intentions pure, my heart set on just sleeping well for tomorrow, a day to report to a new job. I lay down on the bed and feigned sleep, my eyes closed, breathing slowly.It was as if the darkness just wrapped itself around me, in a soft, comforting blanket. It wrapped around me, shielding me from the world. I felt my eyelids growing heavy, body relaxing, letting all the weariness of the day wash over me.But it wasn't to last. I felt the touch of Adrian's hand on my lap, the tips of his fingers touching my skin as an electric jolt bolted through my body. My eyes snapped open, and I sat up in a fluster, my voice ringing out loud."Stop it, please!" I screamed at him,
I couldn't hold myself any longer and burst out laughing. My laughter filled the room, bounced off the walls, and resounded everywhere. Deep, rich, full-bodied, a sound that seemed to emanate right from the core of me.My body was racked with mirth: my shoulders shook, my chest heaved with it, while I stood, my eyes shining with tears, my face alight with the joy of being finally happy-happy as though a weight had been lifted from my shoulders and a burden from my heart.Smiles danced across my face as I felt unhindered, high, enjoying my victory and revenge. It sounded like the laughter had washed all my cares off me, washed off all the fears, leaving me light and free, high.Just then I turned toward leaving the room; Adrian was stopping me off with words to hang upon for a moment-challenge and more. He told me where I could possibly go, without shame, or remorse, stared enticingly through dilated nostrils.And in that glance, I shivered, I thrilled, feeling a rush down my spine, me
Soon thereafter, I whined up the tires on approach to this company's parking lot in protest and brought it to a stop: the screeching just seemed to hang in the air for a moment or two there-a scream of tortured rubber with its shudder, lurch to a stop, and coughing, protesting motor dying out.I breathed deeply, and the tension began to seep from my body like air from a balloon that has been punctured; my shoulders sagged in relief as my heart, though still racing, drummed a slower, more measured beat in my chest.The instant I got out of the car, bright sunlight wrapped itself around me, its warm rays fondling my frayed nerves. A cool breeze ruffled my hair with scents of flowers in bloom and newly cut grass, some sweet fragrance which seemed to soothe the senses, the racing heart."Good morning," the voice of the receptionist greeted happily, a vivid contrast to turmoil that was churning within me, the warm and inviting smile spreading like a sunrise."Good morning, dear," I replied
We then got into his car, with the sleek and black vehicle glowing in the bright sunlight, softly upholstered, inviting leather, like a cozy cocoon.As we started driving to the cafeteria, it was a pleasant feeling with wind whistling through my hair, a song of joy, a sense of abandon, something like a caged bird free at last to soar into an open sky with wings of pure exhilaration.We took snapshots inside the car; our laughs, our smiles froze in those momentary flickers of time, like amber-preserving memories."Let's go and eat, please, I'm famished," Mr. German said. There was such a lot of warmth in his voice as he held my hands, sparking electrical currents into my body-like those jolts of adrenaline received on a roller coaster.We gained entrance to the cafeteria, where the savory smell of freshly cooked food filled the air, teasing my taste buds like a savory mist and making me hungry.We sat at a table, and I called out to the waiter; my voice sounded across the room, ringing
Adrian turned to him, his eyes narrowing slightly, like a curtain pulled against the light."Who are you and what are you talking about?" Adrian asked, his voice calm and peaceful, like some stream meandering its way across a tranquil countryside. The words seemed to fall like a question mark, while waiting for an answer.His mask of confidence fluttered; his face slipping open onto a glimpse of uncertainty underneath. "D-dude, I'm so sorry," he stammered, the words skipping from his tongue like a scratched record, hesitant and unsure. "I must have mistaken you for someone else," he finished saying, the sentence trailing off almost at a sigh over the acknowledgment of his mistake.Adrian's eyes, like a drill trying to pierce through steel, pierced into the soul of the man in search of answers. With a dismissive sigh, like a wave that washes over the shore, Adrian turned and walked out of the shop, leaving the man standing alone, like a statue, frozen in time.As Adrian drove back home
Adrian's voice, "Please don't go, baby, I'm sorry," lingered in the air, like a fragile flower swaying in the wind. A sadness washed over me, like a spring rain on a morning, softly finding its way to my heart.His hands gripped my legs, a lifeline, clinging to me with a desperation that was nearly palpable, as though he thought that if he let me go, I would be gone from him forever, like sand between his fingers."It's late, Adrian," I told him, my voice gentle but firm, a summer breeze through leaves, attempting to soothe his ragged nerves."Please, I'm only returning, I don't need a headache," I continued, my voice a gentle plea, pleading for understanding as I struggled to shift my legs, to squirm free of his grasp. But Adrian clung tight, his gaze locked on mine, his voice quivering with feeling, like a fragile vase ready to topple."I'm sorry, my love," he whispered, his voice a sincere apology, a desperate bid for reconciliation, as he lifted his eyes to mine, brimming with tea
His lips, a soft summer breeze that whispered secrets, touched mine as he whispered, "I love you, baby." And with that, my spine tingled like the summer breeze rustling through the leaves of a tree.The surrounding crowd erupted into cheers and applause, a stormy sea against the shores."Awwww!" they screamed, the chorus of delight sighs, while a symphony orchestra started playing joyful melodies. The notes were dancing in the air like a thousand small butterflies flying around while Adrian and I shared a kiss, like two lovers lost in the magic of their own private world.This song floated through the air, like a few clouds lazily drifting across a summer sky, and Adrian and I succumbed to its romantic allure, swaying our bodies to its rhythm like two trees dancing in the breeze.Sweet was the serenade of this melody, the symphony of love and longing, its notes whispering sweet nothings in our ears like the gentle caress of a lover. Moving in perfect harmony across the floor, we felt
CHAPTER245JENNY POVLooking at me, completely aghast, Grace's eyes widened with her smile. "Oh, yes," she said. "I have been watching you two for quite some time. I know about the little marriage you have with each other and I know how you both can drive a wedge into each other's side."Adrian's expression was like dusk, with his eyes blazing out all his pent-up wrath. "Touch her and your death will be at your door," he commanded.She chuckled gleefully, "Oh, but you have. I've been your model servant, pretending all along, just biding my time to strike and watch the disarray of your union as your history unfolds."I shivered at her words. Was this marriage truly in danger? Would Grace really fracture everything we had built together?Grace's words made me miserable with indecision. Surely, she wouldn't have done that. I looked towards Adrian to see how this would have affected him, but his face reflected no such expression- it had a strict seriousness."You will not lift a finger to
JENNY POVWe strolled to the living room and there, illuminated by the soft glow of the lights illuminating the path from the entrance, we found Grace (or so she claimed) standing with head downcast, turning eyes to the floor in a gesture of abandonment and with shoulders slumped in an act of discomfiture. "Good day, sir and ma'am," she addressed, her whisper almost inaudible, trembling slightly as she spoke, the words formed by hardly fluttering lips."Yea, Grace," he replied in a neutral tone, without a discernible expression, right when we sat together, as I was sitting on him, arms wrapped around me while holding me to himself, a hand softly placed on my stomach. Adrian then turned to Scarlett, his eyes narrowing as he studied her with a furrowed, working overtime with his brain to decode whatever she was ruminating upon."Grace, who are you?" he asked in a commanding tone that seemed to challenge such pronouncement, laced with some measure of skepticism, his tone even dripping wi
JENNY POVThe onset of this incident will forever remain my awakening hour, with the night still darkened. I became more aware of my surroundings, with the first thing in sight being Adrian, my husband, seated next to me with a most concerned look on his face. That dim bedside lamp light warmed him, throwing the depths of his worry into bold relief."What happened?" I pictured me demanding, but my voice was edged with confusion and alarm. Just as I attempted to rise, dizziness would encompass me, my husband's hands there to gently yet quite firmly assist me."You fell; you fainted," Adrian said. I kept on repeating it to myself in an attempt to fathom what it meant to faint. "I fainted?" I was finally able to whisper, the word now hanging in the air as if challenging my perception.He looked at me for a long moment, concerned but slightly annoyed. "Yes, love," he said gently but firmly. "I've told you to take it easy on yourself." Even as his tone reproached, his eyes showed the quick
JENNY POVMonica left my mother behind, with Grace, the maid, for services in the house. The next day, I woke as if with no energy; my body felt heavy and completely pregnant. "Honey," I called, sweet and gentle, hoping that Adrian would respond. But there was only silence. I waited for a moment expecting him to walk into the bedroom, but nothing.Sighing, I arise and manage to put all my strength into moving toward the kitchen. The instant Grace saw me walk through, she seemed to stop whatever the action was that she was engaged in and smiled, saying "Good morning, ma'am." In that voice, there was this plural, respectful and welcoming tone. I returned the gesture but instinctively put my hands on my huge tummy to rub it while feeling kicks from the baby inside. "Good morning, dear," I added just to sound a little more cheerful than I really felt.It was an exceptionally warm and inviting room that within one breath, would include coffee brewing. I found my usual place on the table an
ADRIAN POVIn the warmth of home, the weak lights of evening embraced us in lazy comfort. "Well, this is home; I was checking on Jenny," I muttered, sadly and tenderly gazing at her with concern. "No need to worry, babe. Jenny was fine," I comforted him with a smile, gently pulling him into hugs.As we moved on toward the room, the only sound from out two feet padding softly across the floor. "We need to hire a maid," I soothingly suggested, trying to approach the subject slowly. But Jenny interrupted, her voice very clear and very strong. "No, baby. I can do all the housework," she opposed right away, with a determined glint in her eyes that dared me to argue with her.My heart reeked of love and guilt towards her. I smiled sweetly and said, "No, my love-no." "You are expecting and I cannot allow you to submit yourself to doing that." Please, let me take care of this." I pleaded as I caressed her hair softly, as though that might somehow soften her resolute spirit.She regarded my w
ADRIAN POVFour hours later, the wait finally ended. Dr. Dazzy walked out of the emergency room, a mask of professionalism on his face, his eyes revealing but a sliver of concern. He called out my name, voice laden with reassuring authority like a lifeline thrown to a drowning man, "Mr...?" Suddenly his gaze shifted towards the waiting area, raking in one after the other until at last, it rested on yours truly.I jumped up, my heart racing. Oh yeah, that's me, I whispered back. "How is she? How's Jenny?" The floodgates burst open.The treatment softened the doctor's looks a bit as he nodded. "I'm with your wife now," he said, almost holding out a glimmer of hope. "Let's talk," he said, sending a gesture toward one of the waiting room's quiet corners. My heart drummed in my chest like a drummer preparing for some primitive ritual. What was he going to say? Was Jenny okay? The uncertainty was murder.I quickly marched into the doctor's office, purposeful stride like a man on a mission,
ADRIAN POVAs we lay there, Jenny's body tensed, muscles broiling under the skin like waves about to crest. A grotesque distortion of her face came into view as her eyes were closed shut, and a strangled, guttural cry, "Hpppp!" escaped her lips, followed closely by a heartbreaking wrenching sound. This tearing sound ripped irrevocably through the very fabric of that moment. Eyes that once sparkled with humor and fun turned into tight, scrunched-up furrows of mixed terror and discomfort." And I, exhilarated, turned toward her, speaking soft, reassuring words, almost like a summer's warm, gentle breeze."What is it, baby?" I asked, leniently. Distracted by pain, Jenny barely perceived my touch as I brushed a straining hand from her forehead. In that instant, I felt an electric jolt through my fingers. Slowly, her eyes opened, and she gazed up at me- her expression blurred and hazy, breathing labored. Each rise and fall of her chest steered with ragged breaths alongside cowering flickeri
ADRIAN POVFive months laterSoftly I entered the room calling for my wife. "Honey," I said very softly, very lovingly. "I'm over here, baby," she said, warm and inviting, as I turned in the direction of her voice.Jenny was in the room, snacking and gently rubbing her stomach. She had dancing happiness in her eyes, and her face shone with a glorious smile. I, at that moment, couldn't help but smile back at her, as time seemed to make my love grow stronger for her."You are eating too much baby," I said, staring right at her, mischief ringing in my voice."Funny. It's that time of the baby." She replied, "I'm eating for two now, you know." And I laughed and shook my head, awestruck by the miracle in her womb.Looking at her, he could not stop the gratitude that he felt for all that was in store for the couple. The joy of becoming parents was getting real for them, and the dreamy excitement of meeting their little one was almost tangible. Then Jenny held my hand, intertwining her finge
ADRIAN POVAll fit to burst with happy joy, and really not in any way able to keep joy controlled, I ran straight towards Jenny's ward; and my heart beat like a train's wheels running on the tracks. Cracked the door ajar, I peeped in. But, no sooner did my eyes lay on my beautiful wife lying down there, with her eyes locked onto the television-"Honey," I called softly so as not to startle her.She turned her gaze to me, and a slight smile fell across her lips. "Yea," she replied soft and gentle. I moved to the edge of the bed and sat on it beside her, our eyes shining into each other. I was lost staring into those beautiful eyes and getting all the more lovely toward her.Before the evils of my mind settle, I kissed her lips very lightly, "I love you very much," he whispered-voice barely audible as he choked with emotion. She smiled and wrapped her arms around me, drawing in tighter. "I love you too," she murmured, still kissing me.Kissing her made euphoria and gratification wrap aro