Share

Chapter 5: The Confession

Author: Richard Frank
last update Last Updated: 2024-09-05 23:49:11

Casey stood outside the door of the Wilkins' house, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the driveway. He had come to see his in-laws, hoping for a casual visit, but a sense of unease lingered in the back of his mind. He hadn’t seen them, in a few days. He had been busy with work, and he been tied up with his own responsibilities. A part of him wondered if this visit was a way to escape the workloads that barley give him time.

He knocked on the door, and after a few moments, it swung open. To his surprise, it wasn’t Mr. or Mrs. Wilkins who greeted him but Linda, Barbara's younger sister. She smiled at him, her eyes bright and welcoming.

"Casey! What a surprise," Linda said, stepping aside to let him in.

"Hey, Linda," Casey replied, trying to match her enthusiasm. "Are your parents around?"

"No, they just stepped out for a bit. You just missed them," Linda said, closing the door behind him. "But you can wait here if you’d like. I’m sure they’ll be back soon."

Casey hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I guess I can wait."

Linda led him into the living room, and Casey settled into one of the comfortable armchairs. He glanced around the familiar room, noticing the small changes that had been made since his last visit—a new painting on the wall, fresh flowers on the coffee table. It all felt so normal, so refreshing, yet there was an undercurrent of tension in the air.

Linda sat across from him, her posture relaxed, but there was something in her gaze that made Casey feel slightly on edge. They made small talk for a while—discussing work, family, and the latest movies—but as the conversation drifted, Casey couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

"So, how are things with Barbara?" Linda asked casually, leaning back on the couch.

Casey stiffened slightly at the mention of his wife. "Things are... okay. You know how it is. We’re both busy with work."

Linda raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "Just okay? You don’t sound too convinced."

Casey shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "It’s just... we’ve been a bit distant lately. But it’s nothing serious. We’ll work through it."

Linda leaned forward, her eyes locking onto his. "You sure about that?"

There was a challenge in her tone, and Casey felt his pulse quicken. He knew Linda had always been bold, unafraid to speak her mind, but this was different. There was a predatory glint in her eyes that made him uneasy.

"Yeah, I’m sure," Casey said, his voice firmer now. "Barbara and I are fine."

Linda tilted her head, studying him for a moment before a slow smile spread across her face. "You know, Casey, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be with someone like you."

Casey blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation. "What are you talking about?"

Linda’s smile widened as she moved to sit beside him, her hand lightly brushing against his arm. "Come on, Casey. You’re a smart guy. You know exactly what I’m talking about."

A wave of unease washed over Casey as he realized what was happening. He stood up quickly, putting some distance between them. "Linda, this isn’t funny. You’re Barbara’s sister for goodness sake."

Linda didn’t back down. She stood as well, taking a step closer to him. "And you’re Barbara’s husband. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy each other’s company."

Casey’s heart pounded in his chest as he tried to process the situation. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This was wrong—so very wrong. He loved Barbara. They might be going through a rough patch, but that didn’t mean he would betray her like this.

"I can’t do this," Casey said, his voice strained. "I won’t do this."

Linda’s eyes softened for a moment, and she reached out to touch his hand. "Casey, I’m not asking you to leave Barbara. I’m just saying... why not indulge, just this once? No one has to know."

Her words were a whisper, a tantalizing promise that tugged at the darkest corners of his mind. Casey swallowed hard, his resolve wavering. He had always prided himself on being loyal, on being a good husband, but in this moment, the temptation was almost too much to bear, beholding the standing nipple protruding from her revealing wear.

He closed his eyes, trying to block out the thoughts swirling in his head, but Linda’s presence was overwhelming. She was right there, so close, her hand warm against his skin. He could feel his control slipping, the rational part of his mind fading away as desire took over.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The room was silent, save for the sound of their breathing. Casey opened his eyes and found Linda staring up at him, her expression readable. He knew what she wanted—what she was offering—and despite every instinct telling him to walk away, he found himself unable to move.

Linda leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "No one has to know, Casey. It’s just us."

The last thread of his resistance snapped. Before he knew it, he was pulling her closer, his lips crashing against hers in a desperate, hungry kiss. Linda responded eagerly, her hands sliding up his chest as she pressed herself against him. The world outside ceased to exist. All that mattered was this moment, this stolen moment of forbidden passion.

They stumbled toward the couch, their movements frantic and uncoordinated as they gave in to the desire that had been simmering beneath the surface. Clothes were discarded, and soon they were tangled together on the cushions, lost in each other.

For Casey, it was a blur of sensations—Linda’s soft skin, her breathless moans as her legs are well coordinated spread, the way her fingers dug into his back as they moved together. He knew it was wrong, but in that moment, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was the heat of the moment, the way Linda made him feel—wanted, desired, powerful.

But as the passion subsided and reality set in, a cold wave of guilt washed over him. Casey lay beside Linda, his heart pounding, his mind racing. What had he done? How had he let it come to this?

He sat up, running a hand through his hair as he tried to collect his thoughts. Linda reached out to touch his arm, but he pulled away, unable to meet her gaze.

"Casey?" she murmured, her voice laced with concern. "Are you okay?"

He shook his head, unable to find the words. He felt sick, disgusted with himself. This wasn’t who he was. He wasn’t the kind of man who cheated on his wife, who betrayed the woman he loved.

"I need to go," Casey said abruptly, standing up and reaching for his clothes. He dressed quickly, his movements jerky and rushed.

Linda watched him, her expression a mix of confusion and hurt. "Casey, wait—"

But he didn’t wait. He couldn’t. He needed to get out of there, away from the guilt and shame that threatened to suffocate him. Without another word, he left the house, the door slamming shut behind him.

As he drove away, the weight of what he had done settled heavily on his shoulders. The guilt gnawed at him, a constant reminder of his betrayal. He didn’t know how he was going to face Barbara, how he was going to look her in the eye knowing what he had done.

But one thing was certain: nothing would ever be the same again.

Related chapters

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 6: The Road of Regret

    As Casey stepped out of his car, the cold wind that swept across the driveway mirrored the unsettling storm inside him. The large mansion loomed before him, its grand appearance a symbol of everything his new life with Linda was supposed to be—a life filled with comfort, luxury, and the promise of happiness. Yet, as he stood on the polished steps of his home, the sense of unease gnawing at his heart only grew stronger. He could feel it in every breath he took, the bitter realization that he might have made the biggest mistake of his life.Linda was everything he had once believed he wanted. She was beautiful, sophisticated, and alluring in ways that had drawn him in like a moth to a flame. She’d made him feel alive, like the world held infinite possibilities. And yet, the more time he spent with her, the more he realized how different she was from Barbara—her sister, the woman he had left behind.Barbara. The name alone sent pangs of guilt through him, though he tried his hardest to p

    Last Updated : 2024-09-20
  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 7: Barbara's Grief

    The silence in Barbara's apartment is deafening, punctuated only by the occasional soft sniffle that escapes her lips. She sits alone on the plush sofa, her eyes fixed on the blank, white walls that surround her, but her gaze is unfocused, lost in the haze of her shattered dreams.The remnants of her life with Casey lie scattered around her – a framed photograph tossed carelessly on the floor, a throw pillow that has lost its place on the couch, a stray sock peeking out from beneath the coffee table. Each item a silent witness to the life they had built together, now reduced to mere fragments, a painful reminder of what she has lost.Barbara feels the weight of Casey's betrayal pressing down on her, suffocating her with its relentless force. She had trusted him, loved him with every fiber of her being, and yet, in a single, devastating moment, he had chosen to leave her for her own sister, Linda. The thought alone is enough to send a fresh wave of anguish coursing through her, her che

    Last Updated : 2024-09-20
  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 8: Scattered Fragments

    Slowly, the walls she has so set around her heart begin to crumble, and she finds herself opening up to Ethan in ways she had not anticipated. The vulnerability is both terrifying and liberating, and as she meets his gaze, she sees a glance of something that ignites a spark of hope within her – the promise of a connection that could, perhaps, help her heal. As the weight of Barbara's grief begins to ebb, Ethan senses an opportunity to provide her with a much-needed respite. Gently, he clears his throat, drawing her attention away from the scattered remnants of her past."Barbara," he says, his voice soft and measured. "I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you to be cooped up in this apartment, surrounded by reminders of... well, everything that's happened. Perhaps a change of scenery might do you some good?"Barbara's eyes flare in surprise, a glint of uncertainty crossing her features. "I... I don't know," she murmurs, her gaze drifting towards the window, where the bustling

    Last Updated : 2024-09-20
  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 9: Myriad of thoughts

    The warm morning sun poured through the kitchen window, casting a soft glow over the freshly painted walls of Casey and Linda's new home. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sizzle of pancakes on the griddle, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Casey stood at the counter, his brow piqued in concentration as he carefully flipped the golden-brown discs, his mind wandering to the life he was now building with his new wife.Despite the cheerful setting, an underlying tension tugged at Casey's heart. As he glanced at the refrigerator, his gaze fell upon a framed photograph of himself and his ex-wife, Barbara, taken years ago during a happier time. The image seemed to mock him, a stark contrast to the new life he was trying to embrace. He sighed, pushing down the familiar pangs of regret and nostalgia that threatened to resurface."Darling, those pancakes won't flip themselves, you know," Linda's playful voice rang out, snapping Casey from his reverie. She sauntered into t

    Last Updated : 2024-09-24
  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 10: Echoes of the Past

    The warm glow of the afternoon sun streamed through the living room windows, casting a soft, ethereal light over the cozy space. Casey stood before the Christmas tree, his eyes alight with childlike wonder as he carefully hung each ornament, a mix of handcrafted treasures and cherished memories.Beside him, Barbara, his wife of three years, hummed a gentle tune, her delicate fingers arranging the twinkling lights with a practiced touch. Their laughter mingled with the crackle of the fireplace, creating a symphony of domestic bliss that filled the air."This tree is going to be the most beautiful one on the block," Barbara proclaimed, stepping back to admire their handiwork. She turned to Casey, her hazel eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can you believe it's our first Christmas in our new home?"Casey smiled, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "I can't think of a better way to start our new life together." He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, savoring the wa

    Last Updated : 2024-09-24
  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 11: Unraveling Secrets

    Linda's fingers tap an anxious rhythm against the cool granite of the kitchen counter as she glances nervously at the clock. The apartment is enveloped in an oppressive silence, save for the soft hum of the refrigerator – a mocking reminder of the restless thoughts swirling within her mind.Her eyes dart towards the front door, heart pounding with each passing second. She knows Casey will be home from work any minute, and the weight of her deception grows heavier with every tick of the clock. Linda's stomach twists with a familiar cocktail of guilt and fear, the consequences of her actions looming ever closer.Exhaling a shaky breath, Linda tries to compose herself, smoothing a hand over the crisp fabric of her dress. She's practiced this dance before, the art of perfectly calibrated smiles and feigned innocence. But today, the mask feels more like a suffocating veil, threatening to unravel with the slightest provocation.As the apartment settles into the quiet of the night, Linda kno

    Last Updated : 2024-09-27
  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 12: The Weight of Doubt

    Casey's fingers tremble as he scrolls through the endless stream of photographs on his laptop, his eyes narrowed in concentration. Ever since witnessing Linda's hushed conversation on the phone, an unsettling feeling has taken root in the pit of his stomach, whispering that all is not as it seems in their newly forged union.Methodically, he sifts through the digital archives of Linda's social media accounts, searching for any clues that might shed light on the nature of her relationship with the mysterious Jude. The more he uncovers, the more the foundations of their marriage begin to crumble, the realization of Linda's betrayal slowly dawning on him.Photographs of Linda and Jude, smiling and embracing, paint a damning picture of the intimacy they once shared. And the timestamps, the way their bodies lean into one another, the soft gazes exchanged – it all points to a relationship that long predates Casey's arrival in Linda's life.A knot forms in Casey's throat as he scrolls through

    Last Updated : 2024-09-29
  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 13: Torn Between Two Paths

    The apartment is cloaked in an oppressive silence, save for the maddening tick of the clock that echoes through the empty rooms. Barbara sits alone on the couch, her gaze fixed on the blight city lights beyond the window, but her mind is a turbulent sea of conflicting emotions.The decision that looms before her – to rekindle her relationship with Casey or to embrace the possibility of a new life with Ethan – weighs heavily on her heart, each choice a double-edged sword that promises both hope and pain. The weight of her family's expectations, the Wilkins' unwavering pressure to support Casey and Linda's union, adds an additional burden to her already fragile state.Barbara's fingers trace the outline of the wedding band that still clings to her finger, a lingering reminder of the vows she once made to Casey. The memory of their shared life, the love they had built together, is a siren's call that tugs at the edges of her consciousness, even as the sting of betrayal still lingers, a c

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30

Latest chapter

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 40: Shattered Reflections

    The evening light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the modest living room where Barbara and Ethan sat. An atmosphere of unspoken tension enveloped them, punctuated only by the soft ticking of a wall clock. They had tried discussing their future, but the words hung heavy in the air.Suddenly, Barbara's phone buzzed on the table between them—the screen lighting up with a name that sent chills down Ethan's spine: Casey. He barely concealed his reaction, anger and jealousy intertwining within him like a storm brewing on the horizon. “Do you want me to leave?” he asked quietly, gripping the edge of the sofa as if it were a lifeline.Barbara hesitated, her brow creasing in uncertainty. “No, it’s... it’s okay. Just give me a moment.”She picked up the phone, glancing nervously at Ethan as she swiped to answer. “Hey, Casey.”“Hi, Barbara,” came the voice from the other end, light and breezy, yet with an undertone that could slice through glass. “Just calling to check up

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 39: The Weight of Secrets

    The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow that spilled through the sheer curtains of Barbara's modest apartment. She entered, her heels clicking softly against the polished wooden floor as she shut the door behind her. The scent of jasmine wafted through the air, a calming aroma lingering from the candle she had lit before leaving for work. Yet, no amount of fragrance could mask the somber weight inside her heart.Barbara threw her bag onto the plush, indigo sofa and sank into its depths, staring blankly at the familiar canvas where she had painted her dreams and aspirations years back. Her job as a marketing executive at her father bustling shipping firm was supposed to fulfill her ambitions—yet today it felt more like a prison. In the clatter of deadlines and conference calls, one moment stood out, haunting her thoughts—a moment that could alter the trajectory of her life forever.Earlier that day, Ethan had breezed into her office to know her answer about his marriage

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 38: A Delicate Dilemma

    Barbara sat in her office, surrounded by towering piles of records detailing the latest shipment inventory. The tan leather chair she occupied squeaked softly as she shifted her position, carefully cataloging expenses and delivery dates on her computer. Each keystroke sounded like a distant echo in the spacious room, a sanctuary of productivity amid the bustling company outside her door. A faint hum filled the air, a reminder of deadlines looming closer, reinforcing her focus.Suddenly, an intrusive sound broke through her concentration—an electronic chime that signaled the doorbell. Barbara’s gaze darted to the ceiling as she took a deep breath; interruptions were just another part of her tightly wound routine, but this one felt different."Come in," she called, steeling herself for the inevitable visitor.Her secretary, Julian, opened the door cautiously, peeking around the frame with a familiar expression. "You have a visitor," she said, her voice low and tentative. "Who is it?" Ba

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 37: Echoes of Gunfire

    Gunfire erupted outside as officers scrambled for cover, the startling sound echoing ominously within the walls of the precinct. Detective Andrews dove behind a desk, heart racing, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He glanced toward Meyers, who was already crouched behind the evidence locker, her eyes sharpened with focus.“Get the backup!” Andrews shouted, fear threading through his voice. He could see the glint of attackers’ weapons through the shattered glass of the station's entrance. Heavy rounds pummeled the building like relentless rain, splintering wood and sending shards flying in all directions. “Right! On it!” Meyers yelled back, his voice lost among the chaos. Outside, shouts mingled with the sound of gunfire; each blast was a reminder of how quickly things had escalated from routine to life-or-death.“We can’t hold out forever!” Andrews gritted through clenched teeth as bullets ricocheted. He turned to see Officer Collins across the room, frozen in shock behind a rec

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 36: The Veil of Shadows(The Accountant Arrest)

    The midday sun cast a golden hue upon the city, its warmth contrasting sharply with the pulse of tension thrumming through Chief Investigator Samuel Hayes. He stood at the helm of his team outside the quaint residence of Henry, the shadowy accountant working with ties to a web of financial crime that had evaded authorities for far too long. With the arrest warrant firmly clasped in his hand, an anticipatory thrill coursed through him—one way or another, today would mark a turning point."Hayes," to his Officer are you all ready?, breaking through his thoughts. "Are you ready?" The buzz of urgency lingered in Hayes voice, and everyone shared in the anxiety that haunted their mission."Let’s get this done. Henry isn’t going anywhere today," information reaching us from his Boss Jefferson, Hayes replied, plastering on a veneer of confidence that belied the tight knot of apprehension in his gut.The team stepped onto the porch, gave each other steely nods of assurance, and fanned out as t

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 35: The Tipping Point

    Jefferson’s world fell into a chaotic silence; dread coiled tighter around every word left unspoken between him and the intruder—a dying spiral gripping the life out of him. Each tick of the clock resonated like a drum echoing the tension that thickened the air, transforming the sleek office into an unforgiving arena. He felt the weight of his heart pressing against his heart beat, threatening to suffocate him as he locked eyes with the intruder. “Who are you?” Jefferson managed, his voice strained yet defiant. “What brought you here?”The intruder, clad in a dark hoodie pulled low over his brow, smirked. “You know exactly why I’m here, Jefferson. You’re just too afraid to admit it.” His gaze darted menacingly towards the desk where Jefferson kept his laptop and the flash drive he found in Henry office —a fortress of sensitive financial data that he had fought ruthlessly to protect.The hairs on Jefferson's neck prickled in response to the underlying menace in the intruder's tone. Sta

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 34: Shadows of Doubt

    A new dawn crept cautiously over Jefferson home, the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the ornate curtains of Jefferson Wilkin’s home office. The rich wood of the desk gleamed in the early light, and the air was thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Just as Jefferson was waking up from a restless night’s sleep, his phone rang—the intrusive sound breaking the tranquil atmosphere like glass shattering on marble.“Ain’t this just perfect,” he muttered under his breath, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The name flashing on the screen belonged to Derek, a name that had long been synonymous with trouble.“Hello, Mr. Jeff,” Derek’s voice came through, loaded with a nervous tension that sent a jolt of alertness through Jefferson.“How about our last conversation? I didn’t hear back from you. Ain’t you interested in the deal?” His tone dripped with mockery, but there was an edge of something darker lurking beneath.Jefferson snapped. “You should never call my mobile again, Derek

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 33: The Unraveling

    The morning sun dripped through the sheer curtains, casting a muted golden glow on the lavender walls of Barbara's bedroom. She lay nestled beneath the covers, still cloaked in the remnants of her hospital stay—tired yet grateful. Beside her, the clock on the nightstand ticked loudly, marking time as if announcing the importance of today. A soft knock echoed at her door, breaking the stillness, It was her mother, and also Jefferson, calling from downstairs. His voice was a mix of warmth and authority, resonating with concern as he urged for her presence in the parlor. The heaviness in the air hinted at significance; conversations were often stirred with unwelcome truths.“Barbara,” Jefferson called, his tone carrying a weight she could sense even from her cocoon of blankets. With a sigh, Barbara reluctantly peeled herself from the bitter comfort of her sleep. She dressed slowly, the cotton fabric brushing against her skin feeling different now—reminders of vulnerability intertwined wi

  • Shattered Promises: A Second Change at Love    Chapter 32: The Weight of Tomorrow

    The morning light filtered softly through the curtains of Room 204, casting gentle shadows on the blue walls. Dr. Harper, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair and a warm demeanor, stood at the entrance, flanked by a team of doctors and nurses, whose cheerful banter filled the space with an infectious energy. Barbara lay in the hospital bed, her face drawn yet hopeful, surrounded by the comforting hum of monitored machines. “Good morning, Barbara!” Dr. Harper greeted enthusiastically, stepping forward with an air of optimism that seemed to wrap around the room. “I have some great news for you.” Barbara blinked against the glow of the morning sun, her heart racing. Had she heard him right? Hope surged in her chest like a bright balloon lifting her spirit. “What is it?” she asked, her voice slightly hoarse yet eager.“Every test result came back positive! You’re doing remarkably well,” he said, his smile widening. “Today’s the day you can go home.”Barbara couldn’t contain her joy; tears

DMCA.com Protection Status