ReinaThe next morning, I walked into the studio with my red heels clicking softly on the polished floors. The sun was shining brightly through the tall windows, casting a golden light across the workspace just like it always did. Everything seemed normal. I smiled at the assistants running around, making last-minute preparations for the day. We had a very busy schedule today. A lot of things had to be done. Fittings, choice of fabric and finalizing the designs for the upcoming gala.“Good morning, everyone!” I called out and I waved at all of them as I passed by.“Morning, Reina!” a few of them responded. They sounded really exhausted even though they felt excited about the big day. I placed my bag down on my desk, settling into my chair, when one of the junior designers, Kat, hurried over. She looked flustered, her face slightly pale, and I immediately sensed something was wrong.“Reina, we have a problem,” she said and her voice was a little shaky.I frowned, standing right up
Ethan“Well, well, well,” I said to myself as I treated my hungry stomach to some french toast and some juice. I could not get the image of Reina walking out of the house every morning out of my head.I knew she was excited about this new project. I had a lot of work to do than to worry too much about them. Everytime I texted her, she always replied that she was busy. It sounded suspicious that I thought I might just go to her workplace unannounced to find out what is really happening. I sat on the couch, trying to focus on the soap opera playing on the television. I tried to keep up with it since I didn't have anything to do at the moment . Andrew was already back from school and as usual, he was playing with his toys on the floor. “Hey, buddy,” I called out to him, needing a distraction. The soap opera was not enough for me and I was not quite enjoying the show. “You want to go outside for a bit?”Andrew looked up, his face lighting up with excitement. “Yes, Dad! Can we go t
ReinaI was excited that I ended my day with hot sex with Ethan. He fucked me like he was trying to remind me that I was still his. The next morning started really smoothly unlike other days. Maybe the sex was what did the magic. There was no heaviness in the air between Ethan and me. We didn't talk last night so I didn't feel weird. Although, I knew that he wanted us to talk but he was tired of having a conversation about Leonard. That was the last thing I would be doing. Yes, I understood his concerns, but I also felt like he did not trust me as much as he said he did. I had been working hard on this project, and the last thing I needed was doubt creeping in from home.It was crazy. It was really a crazy thing to do. I wish I could blame him but I could not. He was human after all and a man for that. I sat at the dining table, sipping my coffee slowly, waiting for Ethan to come down. I had an early meeting with Leonard and his team today to finalize some design choices fo
ReinaThere was one thing I loved in this world, and that was when things went as planned. The night of the gala had finally arrived, and it was a success. A huge success. I owe that to Leonard because that man put a lot of work into it, and I was glad I was part of this project. As usual, the guests were dressed in their finest, the models were stunning, and the runway show went off without difficulty. Everything went so smoothly. I could cry. People were laughing, chatting, and sipping champagne everywhere I looked. The air was filled with excitement, and the spectators were so satisfied with what they had seen. I could not believe I had pulled it off.It felt really good. As I stood by the bar, watching the final few models walk the runway, I allowed myself to breathe for the first time that night. All the stress, all the sleepless nights, had been worth it. I wanted to throw a party and celebrate my sucess. My bank account was also smiling. Everybody won. The designs wer
EthanI sat in the living room, staring at my phone, waiting for Reina to text me back. She hadn’t replied to my earlier message about how the gala was going, and I was getting uneasy. I knew how important this night was for her, and I wanted to share in her joy or her disappointment. Whichever way the gala went. I really wished she fed me with the gists about the gala but she didn't. A small part of me could not shake the feeling that something was off. Maybe I was just thinking too much as usual. After all, she had worked so hard for this.Andrew was already asleep, snuggled up in his bed with his body wrapped in blankets. He had a long day at school. I won't lie. After his sleep, he would be up again, devouring his book. It's not easy being a student who wants to get good grades. I got up and paced the room, trying to shake off the restless energy that I had in me. The house was too quiet without Reina.It didn’t feel right. My thoughts wandered back to her at the gala, s
Reina I laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to calm the storm of raging emotions swirling inside me. I could still remember my argument with Ethan and I felt bad. I could not stop myself from feeling this terrible. I hated it when we fought, and even though I understood why he was upset, I could not help but feel frustrated myself.The gala had been a huge success, and instead of celebrating it together, we were at loggerheads because of Leonard.Isn't that crazy? I thought I would come back, opening bottles of wine go celebrate my win but that was not the case. I sighed out loud and rolled over on the bed, pulling the blanket up to my chin, but sleep was not coming.My eyes were still wide open and even though I was tired, sleep was far from me. It was the last thing on my mind. My mind kept replaying the events of the night, Leonard’s advances towards me, his charming words. I had not wanted to make a scene or embarrass him, but thinking about it again, maybe I should
Reina The meeting with Leonard went as smoothly as I could have hoped. I was stricter this time, clear, and kept it strictly professional.There were no mixed signals, no awkward pauses. We analysed the success of the just conclude Gala's fashion project, exchanged a few pleasantries, and went our separate ways.Or at least, that’s what I thought.A week had passed since the gala, and I had not heard much from Leonard. I thought maybe he had taken the hint when I told him I was married. I didn’t expect him to reach out again, especially since our work together was done.We were not meant to cross paths again unless if we are working together again which I doubt might happen soon. But then, my phone buzzed.I glanced at the screen while working on a new design for a different client. It was Leonard.Leonard? Seriously? Again!“Hope you’re doing well. I was glad that I saw your beautiful face today. Just wanted to see how you are settling in. Dinner? You don't have to turn be down
Reina I was sure things with Leonard were finally over. After Ethan stepped in, I thought Leonard had gotten the message. There had been no texts, no calls, and no unexpected visits. I could finally breathe again and focus on my life and work without the discomfort of being pursued by a man who doesn't care about the boundaries of a woman. So today, I decided to treat myself. I had not had a proper break since the gala, and I had been working nonstop ever since. A little shopping was just what I needed. It was a way to clear my head and unwind from the stress that I was feeling. There was this beautiful mall I had been dying to check out. I had heard the stores there were high-end, the kind of place where you find rare designer pieces.Interesting. I have not really explored so many places in this country and I'm working on that. Walking through the entrance, I could already feel the luxury.The scent of fresh leather and expensive perfumes filled the air, and everything was p
EthanI could not sit still. Not after everything that has been happening.My fingers drummed against the edge of the hotel desk as my eyes looked towards the door for the hundredth time. I had double-checked the lock, slid the chain in place, and even propped a chair under the handle. But it was not enough. Not when I knew someone was following me.All these things felt like deja vu because something like this has happened to me before I moved to the country my family is in. Why was all these messing up with my life? “They have been watching us. There are cameras in the house.” I remembered Reina's words. And now this being tailed by a black car, the creeping feeling that every step I took was being tracked. I ran my hands through my hair and each strand was damp with sweat. I felt trapped and powerless, and it was eating me alive.My phone buzzed on the desk. I snatched it up, my heart pounding, hoping it was Reina. It was not.It was Carl. He never backed down even when I told
Reina I was scared to death, unaware of what to do. Ethan had been yelling at me that I should call the cops. “Call the cops now! Reina!” I wish I could. My hands were shaking and I could not dial the number correctly. When I was able to call the cops, the line operator answered and I heard a faint knock at the back door. My breath caught in my throat.“Reina?” Ethan’s voice came in again. I knew he heard the noise. “They are at the back door,” I whispered with tears streaming down my face. I could not believe that I would be crying this minute. See what we have gotten ourselves into. “Get out of there,” he said. “Now.”“I can’t. It's not that easy,” I said, my voice barely audible.“Then hide,” he said. “Go somewhere safe and stay there until the police arrive. I’m on my way, Reina. I promise.”On your way? Oh, Ethan. I know that you haven't booked a flight yet even though you pleaded with me that you will book the next available flight. I hung up and bolted toward the pantr
ReinaThe house has always been this quiet in the past few days. The kind of quiet that made every creak of the floorboards and every faint rustle outside feel like something heavy. I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the unknown number on my phone screen. My hands were trembling as I read the message again.“You’re in over your head, Mrs. Reina. Tell your husband to back off and leave Japan or you will both regret it.I had seen my fair share of threats in my career. The angry competitors, disgruntled clients, jealous rivals but this was different and more dangerous. I knew Ethan was in danger. I knew I was in danger. But what chilled me to the bone was the realization that whoever sent this message didn’t just know about us, they were watching us. They had their eyes on us. I felt like I was suffocating, the walls of the house closing in around me. I needed air. I needed to breathe. I ran outside so that I wouldn't faint and the cool night breeze kept on hitting my face as I
ReinaThe sun was just beginning to set when I heard the sharp knock on the door. It was unusual. I wasn’t expecting anyone.I froze, my mind immediately flashing back to Leonard’s warnings and Detective Daniels’ advice to stay vigilant. For a moment, I considered not answering, but the knock came again, louder this time.“Reina, it’s me,” a familiar voice called out.Leonard.My stomach churned as I tiptoed to the peephole. Sure enough, there he was, standing in a crisp black suit, his expression unreadable.I opened the door just enough to see him. “What are you doing here?” I asked sharply.“We need to talk,” Leonard said, his voice calm but urgent.“We have nothing to talk about,” I replied, starting to close the door.He pushed it open slightly, his hand on the frame. “Please, Reina. This is important. It’s about Ethan.”That made me pause. I didn’t trust Leonard as far as I could throw him, but the mention of Ethan pulled at my resolve. Reluctantly, I stepped aside and let him i
EthanI stood by the window in my hotel room, staring at the city lights shining brightly against the night sky.The streets below were alive with honking cars and I could hear laughter, and the distant thrum of music right here in my room. Yet inside this room, the silence I felt indifferent. I felt something that I could not quite shake off. The events of the last two days replayed in my mind like a broken record. The redhead, the alcohol, the shame. And Carl, my so-called friend who had managed to vanish when I needed him most.I clenched my fists, anger bubbling under the surface. “You are an idiot, Ethan,” I muttered to myself. “An absolute idiot.”My phone buzzed on the bedside table, snapping me out of my thoughts. I reached for it, half-expecting Reina’s name to light up the screen. But it wasn’t her.It was Carl. “Come on dude. Let me be.”I hated the way I was dwelling on all of these. I had work to do and I haven't been able to do anything yet. For a moment, I conside
ReinaThe dinner with Leonard didn't go as expected. As usual, he was cutting through corners. If he knew that I had submitted his name to the cops, maybe he would have given me more information. I was left to rack my brain over this. This was something that was meant to be the detectives work but I have not gotten any report from them. I wanted to call them to ask if they are making any progress but I guess I should just wait for some time. I sat at my desk, staring at my computer screen. The article I had been reading earlier blurred before my eyes. Leonard's words from the night before were still looping in my head. How would I get him to tell me all I need to know?Ethan was in Japan and some unknown people see plotting to kill him. Getting anything from Leonard seemed impossible especially when I knew that he was more interested in my body. But, I can't give in him or anyone. I was w married woman and I had a child. "They see Ethan as a threat,” I repeated as I thought alou
EthanThe cold shower did little to wash away the guilt clinging to my skin. I stood there, water pouring over me, hoping the icy sting would calm the storm in my chest. But it didn’t.I was haunted by memories and all I could see and hear and feel were The redhead’s laughter, her touch, the softness of her lips. it all kept on haunting leaving a relentless echo in my mind.“You are a fool, Ethan,” I muttered, slamming my fist against the tiled wall. “A bloody fool. How could you do such a thing?”I turned off the shower and stepped out, grabbing a towel. My reflection in the fogged-up mirror stared back at me. I looked like a total stranger. A stranger with bloodshot eyes and a fucked up face. This was not me. This was not the man I promised Reina I would be.Reina. My sweet wife. Her face swam before my eyes and I could still see her bright smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. What would she think of me now? Would she even look at me the same way if she knew what
ReinaThe clock on my desk kept ticking loudly and I wondered if it was because I was paying attention to even the little things that I was able to hear it. On a normal day, I would care less about a clock. The sound of the clock was made louder by the silence that engulfed the house. At first, I was sketching a few designs that I was going to put up for sale in the online market but my attention became divided when I remembered that there was something I had to do quickly. tapped my pen against the edge of my notebook, staring at the half-written page in front of me. Research on Leonard had consumed my thoughts for the past two days, but the deeper I dug, the murkier things became.Something about him didn’t sit right with me.I sighed, pushing the notebook aside and reaching for my phone. My messages with Ethan stared back at me, our recent exchange still fresh.“Hey. Busy morning. I will call you tonight. Miss you.”His words these days had been reassuring, but something felt of
EthanI woke up to the sound of a door closing softly, followed by the faint click of heels on the floor. My head throbbed, pounding restlessly that made even the dim morning light coming through the curtains feel unbearable. Letting out a soft groan I tried to sit up, but the heaviness in my limbs kept me pinned to the bed.And then it hit me. I was naked. In her. By this time. I blinked, looking down to see the rumpled sheets tangled around my naked body. My stomach twisted as I began to remember what happened last night. The memories kept flooding back and I could not move. Her red hair glowed under the blue lights. Her laughter. Her hands. Her lips.Oh, my God! What have I done?The door clicked shut, and I turned just in time to catch a glimpse of her fiery hair as she disappeared down the hallway. She didn’t say goodbye. She didn’t even look back.I sat up quickly, clutching the sheets as if they could shield and protect me from the shame threatening to consume me. My cl