CHAPTER V: THE UNFAITHFUL MAN

HE had finally achieved his dream.

"Thank you for believing in me as a leader. I'm excited to work with you all as we take the Salameda Group of Companies to new heights!"

The audience erupted in applause when he finished his speech. They were all beaming as they applauded him with a standing ovation. His wife and son were seated in front of the stage when he first spotted them. His son was so happy with his accomplishments. It was a great moment for him because one of his life's ambitions was for their son to be proud of him as a father and a man.

His wife, on the other hand, was not the same. Something didn't feel quite right about her, even if she was smiling. Something seemed to be bothering her, and he wondered as to what that was.

She clapped her hands and gave him a broad smile when their eyes met. She exuded pride in him and seemed to have forgotten what she had been thinking earlier.

"Thank you! Thank you, everyone—"

F*ck.

She was hiding in one of the corners.

What was she doing there, anyway? She wasn't supposed to be present at the party!

She smiled seductively and lifted a glass of red wine to him. He immediately moved his focus to his wife, who appeared to be completely unaware of what was going on.

Bloody hell! This can't be happening!

***

HE immediately called Andres, his assistant, when he went down the stage. His assistant was the only person who knew about his secret. Therefore, he was the only person who could help him.

"I saw her. How did she even get here in the first place?" he murmured.

"Sir—"

He added, frightened, "My family is here."

"Don't worry, sir, I'll take care of everything. Just enjoy the party and entertain the guests. They can't notice that something's wrong."

He gave a slight nod and then tapped his shoulder.

"You're right. I'd appreciate it if you could clean up this mess for me."

He got a call right after Andres turned his back on him. He took a quick look around and searched for a quiet spot. Luckily, he found a deserted corridor where he felt safe enough to speak with her.

"How are you, babe?"

"What the hell are you doing here? I told you—"

"Calm down. I already left," she cut him off before he could say anything else. "I just had to see you, babe. Sorry, I couldn't stop myself. I just needed to see you up there... celebrating your victory."

His anger had faded and his heart was warmed by her words. He understood where she was coming from. She only wanted to celebrate his success. Unfortunately, it was not possible. She couldn't be in the same room with his wife and son. Not ever.

"I understand you. But you know the situation, don't you?"

"Yes, I know. I'm just your dirty, little secret—"

"You know that's not true. I love you."

"Then prove it to me."

"Babe..."

"Leave your wife. We both know I can make you happier. I am way better than her. I can be the best wife for you."

"We've already talked about this."

"If you can't leave her yet, then just be with me now."

"What?"

"Come to me after the party. I'll be waiting for you in our love nest. I'll reward you for all your achievements, Mr. CEO," she gave him a teasing tone.

"Ugh! You know I can't—"

"You can't resist me, Marco. You just can't." He heard her laugh sexily on the other line so he laughed too.

"'Hon!"

He was about to drop the cellphone when he heard Elena's voice calling to him.

"Hey, what are you doing here? The guests are looking for you."

"I'm sorry, 'hon. I was just talking to someone about an important project."

"C'mon, it's your night. Stop thinking about work."

"I need to get off the phone right now," he added hurriedly. "We'll talk about it again shortly."

"What 'soon' are you talking about?" his woman sounded mad.

"Sorry, I need to entertain the guests."

"Babe!" she screamed. "Make sure to come here right after the party, or else, we're done!"

"A-all right, I understand!" he said, trying to seem eager so his wife wouldn't notice the stress in his voice. "I have to leave now. I'll talk to you later!"

"Let's go?" Elena murmured, holding out her hand.

"All right, 'hon!"

***

HE HAD a hard time concentrating on the party because of what had happened. But he forced himself to smile and entertain their guests. He also did everything so that his wife would not notice that something was wrong with him. But she knew him too well.

"Are you all right, 'hon? You seem distracted," she asked as they sat down at their table.

"I'm fine, hon. Maybe I'm just tired, given how busy I've been these past few days."

She smiled at him and squeezed his right hand.

"You're always busy. That's why I always tell you to slow down a bit. You might get sick because of that."

"Yes, I will try to slow down. Maybe we can go on a family vacation over the weekend?" he suggested for the sake of diverting the topic.

"That sounds fun! We have something else to celebrate, anyway."

"Really? What else?"

"Well, haven't I already shared with you about the upcoming season of my talk show?"

"Yes."

"Aside from that, I found out earlier that the network executives decided to put me in the primetime news."

"W-wow! That's such a great news!"

"I know, right? So, more reasons for us to celebrate! So let's plan that vacation!"

"I'm coming!" their son, who had been listening to their conversation, groaned.

"Of course, son. Of course!" and Elena.

"And I'm so proud of you both. You're the best parents ever!"

"Well, you have no choice since we are your only parents."

Truth be told, he didn’t know how he was going to insert that vacation into his schedule. But never mind, he needed to do that so her wife won't be suspicious of him.