My Unfaithful Lover

Chapter OneEmma's POVI clutch the small gift box in my hands, excitement and nervousness stirring in my stomach as I head toward Daniel's apartment. It has always been on his birthday that I get to do special things for him-even little gestures-to let him know he is important. I envision his response, the brightness of his face at that first glimpse of me. That alone gives me a little bit of courage as I knock on the door to his room.And there is no answer.I frown, stepping back and wondering if I have the wrong time. I could have sworn he would be home; part of me even imagined he might be planning a quiet night in, just the two of us. I reach out and turn the knob, surprised to find it unlocked. Curiosity and a sense of worry tug at me as I push open the door, stepping inside.Muffled voices come from down the hall, and instantly I am frozen, my heart pounding in my chest. It's Daniel's voice-low and soft and. a woman's voice. The words are indistinguishable but the warmth in hi

Chapter Three The sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the streets as I walk, my thoughts blowing in every direction like leaves across the pavement. It's been weeks since I've been outdoors for more than errands or quick jogs. The quiet weight of the world around me feels oddly comforting, yet a little too suffocating. I'm not going anywhere today. Yet, somehow, here I am, walking down familiar streets, lost in my own thoughts, trying to make sense of it all—of my life, of what it has become. I don't think to cross the street when I do, turning that way because of the fading sunlight, when suddenly a sleek black car appears beside me, slowing. Freezing, my heart rate quickens as the window rolls down. "Emma," I hear the all too familiar voice call. My breath catches in my throat as I turn to the driver. The second our eyes meet, it’s as though the realization comes with the sting of a slap across my face. Simeon. For a moment, I can't speak. It's bee

EMMA'S POVI never expected to see Simeon again, let alone in the middle of my workday, sitting across from me in my office. Of all people, why him? The moment I saw him step into my office, I felt my heart skip. Simeon Grant, the man I’d met at the bar yester-night, was now here to buy fifty percent of Daniel's shares in Pixel Forge Studios.Before I could fully process his presence, my phone rang. The name flashing on the screen made my stomach twist: Daniel.“I heard there’s a buyer for my shares,” his familiar, cold voice said as soon as I picked up.“Yes,” I replied cautiously. “But why are you selling? The company is doing so well.”“What I do with my money is none of your business,” Daniel snapped, his tone loud enough that I was sure Simeon could hear him.I clenched my jaw, biting back the words I wanted to hurl at him. Daniel’s selfishness never failed to surprise me. Part of me wanted to tell him that Simeon Grant—his business rival—was the one buying his shares. I imagined