DIFFERENT DESIRE

CHAPTER SIXTEEN:HIDDEN JOYS

Ethan sat alone in his study, the faint light of the afternoon casting soft shadows across the room. His eyes were fixed on a single photograph resting on his desk, a picture of the mystery woman he had been seeing. He didn’t know why she had captivated him so much, but something about her smile, the way she carried herself, lingered in his mind like a gentle echo he couldn’t shake.

The door creaked slightly, and Ethan’s longtime friend, Marcus, walked in. “How far?” Marcus asked casually, leaning against the doorway, watching Ethan’s intense focus.

Ethan exhaled deeply, his hands clasping the edges of the desk. “I… I think I’m falling for her,” he admitted, his voice low. “I really like her, Marcus. But I can’t… I don’t want to cheat on Emily. I don’t even want to think about it, but I can’t help how I feel.”

Marcus nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. “Yeah, I get it. But man, it seems like your life’s been a mess. Your mom’s on you about having a child, and you’ve been longing for one too. It’s frustrating, I know.”

Ethan ran a hand over his face, leaning back in his chair. “Exactly. And the thing is, I love Emily. I love her completely. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I betrayed her… I’d feel like I was robbing her of something she deserves.” His voice broke slightly with the weight of his emotions.

Marcus crossed his arms and smirked. “Then maybe it’s high time you get a side chick at least, man. Just… to test things, since the baby thing isn’t happening yet. You need to feel wanted, needed.”

Ethan’s stomach twisted. “I can’t. That would be betrayal. Even thinking about it… it feels wrong. Emily would be devastated, and this… this would be different. I’d be taking something from her that isn’t mine to take. I… I can’t do it.”

Marcus walked over and tapped him firmly on the shoulder. “Listen, Ethan. You’re about to inherit the company. There’s no time for half-measures. If something happens to your dad, your uncle, whoever… nothing will go to waste. You need to choose wisely and think ahead. Don’t let your heart run blind.”

Ethan nodded slowly, his mind racing. He watched Marcus leave, his footsteps fading down the hallway. He remained seated, lost in thought, his fingers brushing the photograph again. The tension of desire, guilt, and responsibility pressed down on him heavily.

Just then, his phone buzzed on the desk. A message from the mystery woman lit up the screen. Ethan felt his chest tighten, a warmth spreading through him as he read her words. He typed back, his fingers almost trembling, sending a playful, teasing reply. A blush rose to his cheeks as he read her immediate response, his heart racing.

Meanwhile, across town, Emily was sitting in the cozy suite of a restaurant, laughing softly with Brian. The sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting the warm tones of the room. Brian was charming, attentive, and genuinely interested in her thoughts. He listened intently as she spoke, teasing her gently when she got flustered, making her laugh until her eyes sparkled.

Yet, despite the pleasant conversation, Emily’s mind occasionally drifted. She wondered why Ethan hadn’t called or texted her that morning. Her lips pressed together in a small, almost imperceptible frown. Brian noticed it almost immediately.

“You okay?” he asked softly, reaching across the table to touch her hand.

Emily shook her head lightly, forcing a smile. “It’s nothing. I just… I guess I’m not feeling 100 percent. Just a little off, I guess.”

Brian tilted his head, concern evident in his eyes. “If it’s anything, you can tell me.”

She laughed lightly, brushing his hand away playfully. “Really, it’s fine. I don’t want to bother you with it.”

Brian’s smile softened. “You’re not bothering me. I like being around you, Emily. You should know that.” His gaze lingered on her in a way that made her heart flutter.

For the rest of the afternoon, they talked, laughed, and enjoyed their meal, yet Emily’s thoughts occasionally wandered. Still, she couldn’t deny how good it felt to be in Brian’s presence, the way he made her feel appreciated and noticed.

By evening, the restaurant began to empty. Brian and Emily lingered a little longer, sharing dessert and small bites of laughter and conversation. They walked out together, the cool breeze of the evening brushing against their faces. Brian opened the car door for her, a small gesture that made her smile warmly.

As they drove back, Brian gently held her hand, a silent connection passing between them. “I had a really good time today,” he said softly. “I hope we can do this again.”

Emily looked at him and smiled, a warmth spreading through her. “I had a wonderful time too, Brian.”

When they finally returned to their separate homes, they parted with a quiet promise in their smiles. Both knew that something special was growing, even if it had to be kept secret for now. Emily returned to Ethan’s arms later that evening, and the two shared the comfort of cuddling together, holding one another in silence. Each of them kept their small secrets close, feeling the warmth and intimacy of the other, knowing that today had been a day of subtle joys and hidden emotions.

The day ended with quiet laughter, soft touches, and the unspoken understanding that hearts could be complicated, yet still find solace in the presence of someone who mattered.