Noah
My heart sank when Owen picked up the phone. The screen clearly said “Josie”. He answered, “Hello? Yes, of course, sir. I can take a look at those documents for you.”
I couldn't believe Owen was lying to my face. He glanced at me, then quickly walked over to the kitchen.
When he thought I couldn't hear him, his voice softened. He sounded so sweet. Although I couldn’t hear his words, the way he spoke to Josie reminded me of the beginning of our romance.
Owen was still trying to hide his betrayal from me. He must have forgotten that he gave away his secret last night, when he called me Josie. Those pictures on my phone left no doubt. He was cheating on me, with my best friend.
I leaned up against the wall. I felt weakened by my fever and this emotional rollercoaster. I stared at my husband as he came back inside the living room. He avoided my eyes.
It felt as if he had become a stranger. In the past, he would’ve never let me suffer like this.
“I’ll pick you up later.” Owen said, ready to go. I grabbed his hand and begged him to stay with me. “Please, don’t leave. I'm sick, Owen. I need to see a doctor. I’m too weak to be all by myself.”
He was very impatient. He said he had some important business to deal with. I couldn’t help crying as I watched him leave. My husband and my best friend were betraying me, behind my back.
I walked up the stairs slowly, carefully holding on to the railing. I was so weak and fragile. Bed rest was my best option right now. I really needed my husband to take care of me.
When we got married, he vowed to me: “In sickness and in health, in good times and bad”. This was definitely a bad time, and he was nowhere to be seen.
When I woke up from my nap, I felt even worse. In my feverish haze, I reached for my phone and tried to call Owen. I opened my recent contacts and found that Owen had not had any calls with me these days at all. I had to open the contact list to look for him, few minutes later I dialed out with a headache and dizziness. Almost immediately I heard: “Hello, Noah?”
The voice on the phone sounded very deep. I figured Owen got a cold after his late night out.
“I’m so sick, I’m so weak. I need to get to the hospital. Please, come back, please…” I pleaded, my voice weak and trembling.
“I’ll be right there.” Said the voice on the phone and hung up right away. His voice sounded different from before. And his tone was a little urgent. What’s wrong? I didn’t have enough energy to think about it. At least he might still care about me. That comforted me a lot.
Before long, there was a heavy knock on the door. Did Owen leave his key?
I opened the door, expecting to look into Owen's gray eyes, but found Raymond's kind, hazel brown eyes instead. What was he doing here?
Raymond was Owen’s uncle. He was only several years older, but very mature. He was tall, tanned and handsome. His chocolate brown hair matched his eyes. With his strong, square jaw and muscular body. I always thought Owen was one of the most attractive men I knew. It wasn't until Raymond’s appearance that I realized how dominant the handsome genes in this family are in terms of good looking.
After living in Australia for most of his life, he had come back 10 years ago to take over his family’s business. By now, he was the most successful CEO in the city. Although all women admired him, he remained single.
“Does Owen know you’re sick?” Raymond said, looking concerned.
“How did you know I'm sick? Do I look that terrible?” I asked, suddenly aware that I was only wearing my little nightgown, had no make-up on and had my hair up in a messy bun.
Raymond smiled. “Don't worry, Noah. I got your call earlier.”
Oops, I must have pressed the number of “Owen’s Boss” instead of “Owen”. I apologized for the inconvenience.
“You are a member of our family, Noah. It’s my duty to take care of you. And you are never an inconvenience to me.” Raymond said as he took me by the arm to support me. He led me to his streamlined, dark gray Mercedes to drive me to the hospital.
I sat down on the cream colored leather seat. His car smelled brand new. The seat was heated, which helped warm me up, but I was still shivering.
Raymond took off his suede blazer and handed it to me. His simple act of kindness made me feel warm, inside and out.
“Thank you, Raymond. This means a lot to me.” I said with a relieved sigh.
“Of course, Noah. Whenever you need me, I’ll be there.” He responded. He still had a slight Australian accent.
He asked me what happened. I wouldn’t have shared my family’s private problems with another man who I didn’t even know very well. But at that time, I was on the very edge of a breakdown. I really needed someone to talk to. Yet when I lost two of my closest persons on the same day, my husband and my best friend, who else could I talk to?
“I don’t think Owen loves me as much as before. It seems that he has some secrets with another woman, who used to be my best girlfriend. I couldn't sleep all night. I think that's what caused my fever.” I concluded. I was in tears again by the time I finished the story.
“How could they do this to you? You are the best thing that's ever happened to Owen. If he can't see that, he is an even bigger idiot than I thought!” Raymond shouted out.
His shocked, angry expression showed me how much he cared. “Please, don't say a word about this to Owen. I haven't confronted him yet. I need to do this myself.” I responded.
We sat quietly for a while, his hand resting very close to my thigh. I felt so weak and miserable. But his presence helped.
When we were seeing the private doctor, I tried to get out of the car but almost fell. Raymond flung an arm around me, just in time to catch me.
I blushed as I looked up to him. My face was very close to his. His piercing eyes looked at me with an intensity I hadn’t seen before. I smelled something fresh. It might be his aftershave. I remembered Owen also used it, and I always told him that I love what he smelled. But I found Raymond’s aftershave smelled a little special.
“Raymond? Noah? What are you doing?!” I suddenly heard Owen’s angry voice.
NoahMy heart sank when Owen picked up the phone. The screen clearly said “Josie”. He answered: “Hello? Yes, of course, sir. I can take a look at those documents for you.”I couldn't believe Owen was lying to my face. He glanced at me, then quickly walked over to the kitchen.When he thought I couldn't hear him, his voice softened. He sounded so sweet. Although I couldn’t hear his words, the way he spoke to Josie reminded me of the beginning of our romance.Owen was still trying to hide his betrayal from me. He must have forgotten that he gave away his secret last night, when he called me Josie. Those pictures on my phone left no doubt. He was cheating on me, with my best friend.I leaned up against the wall. I felt weakened by my fever and this emotional rollercoaster. I stared at my husband as he came back inside the living room. He avoided my eyes.It felt as if he had become a stranger. In the past, he would’ve never let me suffer like this.“I’ll pick you up later.” Owen said, re
NoahI couldn’t believe my eyes! While I was leaving, my husband was screwing with my best friend in my room! Didn’t he remember I got hurt because of him?! How ridiculous!Even though I had seen Owen and Josie’s betrayal before in photos, witnessing it in real life was way worse. It felt like a million knives stabbed me in the chest. My heart shattered.“How dare you cheat on me in our home! In our own bed, for God’s sake!” I cried out.They hadn’t heard me open the bedroom door over the romantic music that was playing. They turned around with shocked looks on their faces. If I wasn’t so devastated, it might’ve been funny.Owen's mouth had lipstick smears all over it, and Josie’s blonde hair was disheveled. They were both in their underwear. Clothes were spread out all over our bedroom floor. I tried to hold back my tears. I didn't want to show them my pain. My crying might come across as weakness. I demanded an explanation.“I don’t believe this. Owen! Did you forget I am your wife
Noah“What?! What guys? I just woke up, Owen. I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I replied to the angry voice on the phone.“More lies! I can’t believe you, Noah. You're despicable!” Owen shouted. He was so loud, I had to move the phone away from my ear.“Owen, please calm down. All I remember is you leaving with Josie last night. I fell asleep on the couch. What happened?”“Josie is in the hospital because of you. I demand that you come here right now and apologize to her!”He ended the call before I could reply. What was this about? Would my life ever go back to normal? I decided to find out what was going on.My fever was over. Although my head still hurt, the wound was healing rapidly. I took a refreshing shower and got into a pencil skirt and light blue blouse. I combed my hair and decided to wear it in natural loose waves today.After a quick breakfast, I slipped into my high heels and coat, and made my way to my car. It was a crisp sunny day.I arrived at the hospital.
NoahOwen and I signed the divorce papers. That was that. Three years of marriage, gone.After signing the papers, Owen returned to the hospital to look after Josie. Meanwhile, I started packing up my things.Although we had multiple properties, I felt sad about leaving our beautiful villa. But I couldn’t stay here anymore. The love that once filled this home was gone now. I decided to move to our penthouse. I always loved that place. It had a large south facing terrace overlooking the river, in a quiet part of town.The next morning, I arrived at my new place. The moving company had just finished carrying all my boxes in, when I got a phone call.It was an unknown number. Curious, I answered the phone:“Hello, Noah speaking.”“Hello, are you Lisa Smith’s family member? You need to come to the police station. She was arrested.” The police officer said.His words shocked me. Lisa was the housekeeper who took care of me and Owen when we were kids. She was one of the kindest ladies I kne
NoahA throbbing headache and intense nausea woke me up. A bucket was placed within hand's reach, right next to the bed. Thank goodness. I relieved myself and looked around. Where was I? I found myself in the biggest hotel room I’d ever seen. The huge king bed had the softest, whitest sheets. It felt like I was lying in a cloud. A lustrous chandelier was hanging over a classy velvet lounge set. Outside the window, I could only see the sky. We must be in the penthouse.I pulled the covers over my head. The daylight was too bright for my sensitive eyes. What happened last night?The events from the night before slowly started coming back to me. The clothes scattered all over the floor confirmed the faint memories of moans and sweaty skin. I remembered how crazy I kissed him. I blushed. No, it can't be… When I heard the sound of a shower in the bathroom, a picture of Raymond's strong, perfect body came to mind. I shook my head, trying to clear my sinful thoughts.Minutes later, Raymond
RaymondThe first time I met Noah was when I came back to take over my family's business. She was only 19 years old then. I grew up in Australia with my mother. My parents got a divorce when I was 6. My mom decided to travel back to her home country, taking me with her.Even though my parents couldn’t stand each other, I kept in touch with my dad over the years. He was rich and successful. He inspired me to study management and start a career in business. I was really good at it and got promoted every few years.On my 24th birthday, my father called me and said he had a special gift for me. “My son, I am retiring in two years. I’d like you to come home to train under me. Once I step away from my position, I want you to take over the company.” He said.I was stunned and felt deeply honored. Of course, this was an opportunity I had to grasp. I quit my job in Australia and made my way back home.At my Welcome Home party, Noah and Owen were standing in a far corner. When I finally made i
NoahAfter a delicious breakfast in the big hotel suite, I started getting my things together. Among the clothes scattered on the floor, I found Raymond's watch under my dress. He must’ve missed it when he gathered his things.As I was about to walk out the door, my phone rang. It was Lisa. “Lisa! Hi! I hope you're calling me with some good news. I could really use it right now.”She told me that a witness came forward last night and told the police that she was innocent. She was free to go.Thank goodness. Josie had kept his promise and got Lisa out. At least all that alcohol last night had been for a purpose.“That's amazing, Lisa.” I sighed. “I'm so glad!”“Me too, what a relief!” She responded. “Where are you, Noah? I really want to come and see you.”I felt so awkward and embarrassed after last night. I made an excuse that I was busy at work and would contact her later.I was painfully aware of Raymond's watch in my purse. I'd have to return it to him soon. But I really didn’t kn
Noah“Noah…? How are you feeling?” Lisa asked after I'd been staring at the letter quietly for 10 minutes. I looked up at her and said, “I'm feeling overwhelmed… But happy to know I still have a living family member!” I smiled. I always used to envy people with parents, and now I was one of them.The next morning, I woke up with new hope for my life. Perhaps this really would be a great new chapter. A new home, a new chance, and a real family.For several days, I thought about what I wanted to say to my father. Should I bring him a gift? Should I ask him about his life, or wait to see what he has to say? I pondered and prepared for the big moment.***On Saturday, I made my way to the restaurant in the early evening. The address was remote. The neighborhood seemed a bit dodgy. I felt on edge for no apparent reason.Suddenly, my phone rang, which frightened me. I looked at the screen and saw it was Raymond. I considered not picking up, but changed my mind.“Hello, Raymond?” I answered