Chapter 23: Footsteps

**Valerie**

“Huh?” I stuttered, pulling my hand away from his. I wasn't expecting Adam to be so straight-forward.

And wasn't it too soon?

"Look, Val, I will provide you with whatever you want; you'll never lack anything,” he assured me.

I was staring into Adam's eyes. He looked so sincere.

If only he'd shown me just a little bit of this part while we were married... Maybe I wouldn't be so angry.

I swallowed. “What about your wife?”

“And what about her?” He reiterated as if he didn't know what I meant.

“Would she be okay with this?” I asked, trying to study his face.

Of course she wouldn't!

No woman would be okay with her husband having a mistress, but I was curious as to what his reply would be.

He leaned forward and smiled. “Does she have to know?”

The irritation in me bubbled up.

“She's not even as beautiful as you are,” he continued.

"Oh, Adam..." I sighed inwardly. How was I able to stay married to him for three years?

“Valerie, you're by far the most beautiful woman I've ever s