Chapter 5
#Chapter 5
We lost track of how long the madness lasted.
When I woke again, it was already afternoon.
My body felt completely wrecked.
Every part of me ached.
Wendy slept soundly beside me, seemingly unaffected.
It was as if this was entirely normal for her.
"So, babe? Good time last night?" she murmured sleepily. "Did we make up for all those years Ethan neglected you?"
My heart jumped.
I instinctively glanced around the room.
Thankfully, everyone else had already left.
"Don't say things like that in public," I whispered. "What if someone heard?"
Wendy giggled.
"Aw, you're shy now? After how wild you got? Don't think I didn't notice."
I shot her an embarrassed look.
Memories of last night's madness with her and Tyler flooded back.
At first, I couldn't handle it. I made Wendy go first.
But hearing her lose control drove me crazy with desire.
After she finished, I asked to try it myself.
The sensation pulled me under. I completely let go.
I got so wild, I think I even shocked Wendy.
To avoid this awkward topic, I got up and dressed quickly.
I needed an excuse to leave.
"I have to go. Ethan gets off in half an hour."
I'd turned my phone off last night so Ethan couldn't reach me.
When I powered it on, my heart sank.
No missed calls. No messages.
After ten years of marriage, maybe our love had truly faded.
Maybe that was for the best. It saved me from explaining.
Ethan was already home when I arrived.
He greeted me with a rare smile, took my bag, and guided me to the sofa.
"Honey, great news. That project I've been working on for six months is finally closing. Payment comes in a month. But I'll be traveling non-stop until then. I'm sorry you'll be alone."
He pulled a gift box from behind him.
"I've been buried in work. I neglected you and your feelings. I'm sorry. This is that bag you wanted. I had a friend bring it back from Paris. Please don't be mad. Once this deal is done, I'll take time off just for you."
He pulled me into a tight embrace.
"I love you, Chloe."
His familiar scent surrounded me.
Guilt washed over me as I remembered our life together.
Ethan wasn't romantic, but he didn't drink or smoke. He was always generous.
"I love you too, Ethan."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.
He held my waist firmly.
"Remember my proposal? I vowed to give you a good life. I've done that. After this quarter, we'll have the full payment for the new house. We'll pick one in a good school district. After the New Year, I'll focus on my health. We can try for that baby. Make your dream of a full family come true."
"...Okay."
I buried my face in his chest, my conscience heavy.
He built everything from nothing. His success came with unseen struggles.
All his hard work was for me.
And I betrayed him.
I was filled with regret.
I pushed him back onto the sofa.
I leaned down and compensated him in another way.
It was all I could do.
Wendy called me the next day.
"Babe, Tyler wants your number. I gave it to him. Also, up for round two this weekend? Maybe try a new guy?"
"I..."
I hesitated.
Then I saw the Chanel handbag Ethan gave me on the dresser.
I pushed the thought away.
"Not this time. I started a small business. I'm swamped."
"Alright. I'll ask again later."
After hanging up, the room felt empty.
The other side of the king-sized bed was cold.
I clung to the memory of Ethan's gentleness.
I comforted myself.
Things will get better.
I ignored Tyler's friend request. We needed to cut ties.
But Ethan was away on business for the next month.
Alone in our big bed, I'd toss and turn.
Images of Tyler's sculpted body filled my mind.
Lately, just lying down brought back that night of wild abandon.
Desire was like a drug. Easy to start, impossible to quit.
A few days later, I couldn't take it anymore.
I called Wendy.
She didn't answer.
I realized she hadn't texted me in ages. Her social media was dead.
I had no choice.
I found Tyler's expired friend request and sent a new one.
He accepted instantly.
"Been waiting forever,sister. Why now?"
"My settings filtered it. Just saw it."
"So... did you miss me?"