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Chapter 45
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2024-12-23 18:44:36Related chapters
The unfaithful encounter Chapter one
The small apartment was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator. I stared at the eviction notice taped to the counter. Bold, unforgiving letters. Two weeks to find a miracle—or a new place to live. My heart clenched, but I refused to cry. Not after everything Cameron put me through.Cassie’s voice rang from the other end of the line, sharp with concern. “You’re not thinking about going to that party, are you?”“I am,” I replied, pulling on the heels she’d lent me months ago. They pinched, but I couldn’t let that stop me. “What else am I supposed to do, Cassie? Sit here and wallow?”“Getting drunk isn’t going to fix anything, Emma.”“No,” I said, grabbing my purse. “But it’ll shut my brain up for one night.”Cassie sighed heavily, but I didn’t wait for her response. I hung up and left. The chilly New York air wrapped around me as I stepped out, heading toward the club where my life was about to change forever.---The music was deafening, a mix of bass and lights that made my
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The unfaithful encounter Chapter 2
Emma’s Point of ViewThe sound of a spoon clinking against porcelain banged loud in the dining room. My stepmother, Regina, sat across from me, her perfectly manicured nails tapping rhythmically on the table. Her sharp green eyes scanned me like a predator stalking its prey. “Tell me, Emma,” she said, her voice deceptively sweet, “what exactly do you plan to do with your life now?” I hesitated, gripping the edge of my chair. “I’m figuring things out.” She let out a soft laugh, one that sent chills down my spine. “Figuring things out? That’s not good enough. Your father didn’t work his entire life for you to become—” she paused, her lips curling into a smirk—“a burden.” I clenched my fists under the table, willing myself not to react. Regina always had a way of digging under my skin, but I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. “I have a plan,” I said firmly, meeting her gaze. “Oh?” she arched a perfectly shaped brow. “And does this plan involve the father o
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The unfaithful encounter Chapter three
Ethan’s Point of ViewRegina’s townhouse was far from the opulence I expected for a woman with such a sharp tongue. It was modest, even charming, but I wasn’t here to admire the decor. I stepped out of the car, adjusting my cufflinks, and made my way to the door. My driver had already announced my arrival, so I wasn’t surprised when the door opened before I could knock.“Ethan,” Regina greeted with a sly smile. “What a pleasant surprise.”I didn’t return the smile. “We need to talk.”She stepped aside, waving me in. “By all means. You didn’t have to come all this way, though. A man like you must have better things to do.”“Nothing is more important than protecting my interests,” I replied, stepping into the living room.She closed the door and followed me, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. “You sound so serious. What’s the matter? Is the perfect marriage already falling apart?”I turned to face her, my expression cold. “Let’s skip the games, Regina. I know what you’re try
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The unfaithful encounter Chapter four
Emma’s Point of ViewThe morning light streamed through the windows of Ethan’s estate, but the beauty of the view did little to calm my nerves. I sat at the kitchen table, staring at the coffee cup in front of me, trying to focus on anything other than the storm that was brewing.Ethan had been distant for the past few days, his mood colder than usual. He was always intense, but now there was a hard edge to him that made it impossible to ignore. I had an uncomfortable feeling that things were about to get worse.“Good morning,” I said quietly when I saw him enter the kitchen, his eyes dark with something I couldn’t quite place.He didn’t respond immediately, instead grabbing a mug and pouring himself coffee. His silence made the air thick with tension, and I could feel my throat tighten.Finally, he spoke, his voice low and clipped. “You need to get dressed. We’re going out.”I didn’t have time to ask why before he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. His co
Last Updated : 2024-11-24The unfaithful encounter Chapter five
Emma’s POVEthan sat at the head of the table, calm and composed, as if nothing had happened. His cold demeanor only fueled my frustration. “You’ve been quiet,” he finally said, breaking the silence. “I take it you’re upset.” I set my fork down with deliberate slowness. “Upset doesn’t even begin to cover it, Ethan. What was that meeting with Delilah about? Why didn’t you tell me she existed?” His jaw tightened, but his expression remained unreadable. “Because it wasn’t relevant.” “Not relevant?” I repeated, my voice rising. “You’re telling me that your *betrothed*—the woman you were supposed to marry—isn’t relevant?” “She’s my past,” Ethan said flatly. “You’re my present. That’s all that matters.” I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes. “Except she doesn’t seem to think she’s in the past. What kind of relationship do you even have with her?” Ethan’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s complicated.” “Complicated,” I echoed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “That’s all yo
Last Updated : 2024-12-08The unfaithful encounter Chapter six
Emma’s POVThe morning sun peeked through the thin curtains, painting the walls of the bedroom in golden hues. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Sleep had evaded me last night, as it often did since Ethan became a constant storm in my life. His words, his moods, and his secrets were like weights I carried every day, and I didn’t know how much longer I could bear them. Downstairs, the dining room table was set with an elegant breakfast spread. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants filled the air. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to eat. My appetite had vanished, replaced by the unease that now seemed to follow me everywhere. Ethan’s chair sat empty, as it often did. I pushed my plate away, frustration bubbling inside me. Cassie’s advice replayed in my mind like a broken record. *“Stand your ground, Emma. If you let him control you, you’ll lose yourself.”* The sound of steady footsteps drew my attention. Ethan entered the room, dressed sharply in his signature navy
Last Updated : 2024-12-09The unfaithful encounter Chapter seven
Emma’s POVThe room was filled with laughter and chatter, but I wasn’t part of it. My gaze lingered on Roland as he mingled with the guests, his easy smile making my heart ache. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, the start of a new chapter. Yet, a shadow loomed over it—Ethan.I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to go wrong. My palms felt clammy as I adjusted the necklace Roland had gifted me earlier, his small gesture of love and commitment.“You okay?” Cassie’s voice cut through my thoughts. She stood beside me, holding a champagne flute.“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile.“You don’t look fine,” she said, lowering her voice. “Is it about him?”I didn’t need to ask who she meant. “I just want tonight to go smoothly,” I said, evading her question.Cassie gave me a knowing look. “If he shows up, just let me handle him.”Before I could respond, the double doors at the far end of the room swung open. My heart sank as Ethan walked in, his presence commanding atte
Last Updated : 2024-12-09The unfaithful encounter Chapter eight
Emma’s POVThe drive back to Roland’s apartment was silent, but the tension was loud. Roland’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white. I could feel his worry, though he hadn’t said a word. “Roland,” I said softly, breaking the silence. He glanced at me briefly, his jaw clenched. “You want to tell me what happened out there?” “I... It’s complicated,” I replied, looking down at my hands. “Try me,” he said firmly, his voice calm but insistent. I sighed, the weight of the night pressing down on me. “It’s Damian. He’s trying to get to Ethan, and I got caught in the middle.” Roland’s eyes narrowed as he turned onto his street. “Damian. Ethan’s rival?” “Yes,” I said, nodding. “And you didn’t think to tell me this earlier?” he asked, his voice rising slightly. “I didn’t want to drag you into this,” I said. “I thought I could handle it.” Roland parked the car and turned to face me. “Emma, you don’t have to handle everything alone. Especially not when i
Last Updated : 2024-12-09
Latest chapter
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 45
Emma’s POVThe next morning, I awoke to the smell of coffee drifting through the cabin. It was a small comfort after the emotional weight of Ethan’s confession the night before. My thoughts swirled as I dressed, each one more troubling than the last. The man I had come to depend on, despite our differences, had killed someone. And now, because of that act, Damian had marked me as a target in his vendetta against Ethan. When I entered the kitchen, Ethan was already seated at the table, his laptop open and a mug of coffee in his hand. He looked up as I walked in, his eyes betraying a wariness that mirrored my own. “Good morning,” he said, his tone cautious. I nodded, pouring myself a cup of coffee before sitting across from him. “What’s the plan?” Ethan closed his laptop, leaning back in his chair. “The plan is to keep you safe.” I frowned. “That’s not a plan. That’s a vague promise.” He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Emma, I know you’re frustrated—” “Frustrated
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 44
Emma’s POVThe man’s calm demeanor unsettled me more than his words. His warning echoed in my mind: *“Ethan isn’t who you think he is.”* “What are you talking about?” I demanded, keeping the flashlight pointed at him. The faint beam flickered across his face, highlighting sharp features and calculating eyes. He didn’t flinch. “You think Ethan is your protector, but he’s only protecting his own interests.” I tightened my grip on the flashlight, my unease growing. “Who sent you?” “Does it matter?” he countered, his tone even. “I’m here because you need to know the truth.” “And what truth is that?” I pressed. The man hesitated, glancing over his shoulder as if to ensure we were alone. Then he turned back to me, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. “Ethan has been lying to you about Damian. This isn’t just about business or revenge. There’s something else at play—something much darker.” Before I could respond, the crunch of snow behind me made me spin around. Ethan stood th
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 43
Emma’s POVThe snow outside the cabin had thickened overnight, turning the world into a white abyss. I sat by the window, staring out at the blanket of frost that stretched for miles. My thoughts swirled, an endless loop of questions and doubts. Damian’s threat hung over us like a storm cloud, and the tension between Ethan and me seemed ready to snap at any moment. I needed clarity, but with Ethan’s constant secrecy and Serene’s cryptic warnings, it felt like I was trapped in a puzzle with no solution. The sound of a car engine broke through the silence. I turned to see headlights cutting through the falling snow, approaching the cabin. My stomach churned. “Ethan!” I called, my voice sharp. He emerged from the study, his expression immediately alert. “What is it?” “There’s someone here,” I said, pointing to the window. Ethan moved to my side, his eyes narrowing as the car came to a stop. “Stay here,” he said firmly, already heading for the door. I followed him despite hi
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 42
Emma’s POVThe cabin was eerily silent when I woke up, the morning light filtering through the curtains. I stretched and glanced at the empty side of the bed where Ethan had slept. He had been distant and cold since the confrontation with Damian last night, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was brewing—something bigger than both of us.I pulled on a warm sweater and padded to the kitchen. The smell of coffee hit me, but Ethan was nowhere to be found. On the counter was a note in his sharp handwriting: *“Gone to handle something. Stay in the cabin.”*I crumpled the note in my fist. Who did he think he was, giving me orders like I was some wayward child? I wasn’t a prisoner, and I certainly wasn’t going to sit around waiting for him to decide what I needed to know.I poured myself a cup of coffee, the bitter liquid doing little to ease my irritation. My thoughts spiraled back to the events of last night. Damian’s sudden appearance, Ethan’s cryptic behavior, and the growing
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 41
Emma’s POVThe suffocating silence of the penthouse pressed on me like a heavy weight. Ethan’s abrupt departure from last night’s confrontation at the dinner Party had left me in a whirlpool of confusion and anger. His words echoed in my mind: *“You don’t get to walk away from this, Emma.”*But I wasn’t the same naive girl he had manipulated months ago. The baby growing inside me served as a constant reminder of why I couldn’t allow myself to falter.Cassie’s warning replayed in my thoughts like a broken record: *“You need to decide if you’re fighting for yourself or this toxic relationship, Emma.”* It wasn’t just a question of survival anymore; it was about reclaiming my autonomy.Ethan’s footsteps announced his arrival. He entered the living room, his expression a mask of cold determination.“Pack your bags,” he said without preamble.I blinked. “Excuse me?”“We’re leaving for Aspen tonight,” he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “It’s time to get away from the chaos he
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 40
Emma's POV The top floor of the high-rise felt like an arena, and Damian stood in the center, commanding the room with his smug presence. Ethan’s jaw tightened, his every movement deliberate and calculating. Chloe and I stood a few steps behind him, while Martin flanked the group, his sharp eyes scanning for threats. “Let me guess,” Damian began, his tone mocking. “You’re here to make some grand speech about justice, truth, and taking back control.” Ethan didn’t take the bait. “You’ve had plenty of chances to back down, Damian. This is your last one.” “Back down?” Damian scoffed, gesturing dramatically to the panoramic view of the city behind him. “Why would I back down when I’m on the verge of winning? Look around, Ethan. This city, this game—it’s mine now.” “It’s over,” Ethan said firmly. “We’ve got evidence tying you to everything—the bribes, the extortion, the sabotage. Walk away now, and maybe you’ll have a sliver of dignity left.” Damian’s smirk faltered, but only for
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 39
Emma's POV Ethan slammed the door to the study, the sound reverberating through the large estate. I stood by the window, arms crossed, waiting for him to speak. His frustration was palpable, but I wasn’t about to back down. “What were you thinking, Emma?” he snapped, his voice low but intense. I turned to face him, meeting his glare with equal fire. “I was thinking that sitting around and waiting wasn’t going to solve anything. I’m tired of being a bystander in my own life.” “You put yourself in danger!” Ethan shot back, pacing the room. “Do you have any idea what could’ve happened if Chloe hadn’t shown up when she did?” “I know exactly what could’ve happened,” I replied, my voice steady. “But if I hadn’t gone, we wouldn’t know half of what Damian is planning.” Ethan stopped pacing, his jaw tight as he stared at me. “You’re too reckless.” “And you’re too controlling,” I countered, taking a step toward him. “This isn’t just your fight, Ethan. It’s mine too. Whether you lik
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 38
Emma's POV Damian stood across from me, his gaze sharp and calculating, as if he could read every thought running through my mind. His men flanked him, their expressions impassive, but I could feel the weight of their presence. This wasn’t just a confrontation anymore. It was a battle—a battle for control, for power, for my future.“You’ve been quiet, Emma,” Damian said, his voice smooth, almost too calm. “What’s on your mind?”I crossed my arms over my chest, refusing to let him see the unease creeping under my skin. “I’m thinking about how this ends, Damian. And it’s not going to end the way you want it to.”He chuckled, the sound echoing off the cold concrete walls. “You’ve always been a fighter. But it’s cute how you think you have any control here. I hold all the cards, Emma. And you know it.”I met his gaze without flinching. “You might have the cards, but I’m not the one playing this game anymore. Ethan is.”Damian’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but it was enough
The unfaithful encounter Chapter 37
Emma's POV Damian watched me with the kind of twisted satisfaction that made my stomach churn. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, and his hands rested casually in his pockets as if this was all just a game to him. “You’ve got Ethan’s stubbornness,” he said, his tone amused. “But I wonder—does it run deep enough to save you?” “I don’t need saving,” I replied sharply, narrowing my eyes at him. Damian chuckled, the sound echoing in the hollow space. “Oh, Emma. You’re standing in a trap, and you don’t even know it.” “What do you want from me, Damian?” I asked, my voice as firm as I could manage. He stepped closer, the smile fading from his lips. “I told you. I want to send Ethan a message. And you’re going to deliver it for me.” “I’m not your pawn,” I snapped, my fists clenched at my sides. “Everyone is a pawn in someone else’s game,” he said simply. “The question is whether you’re smart enough to realize it.” ---Before I could respond, one of Damian’s men reached out, gri
