The Affair

Chapter 3

Dinner was a familiar affair—Rebecca had gone all out, cooking a homemade meal to welcome Kendra back. The table was set with chicken parmesan, and fresh vegetables, the comforting aroma filling the dining room. Ethan, as always, piled his plate high, while Kendra picked at her food, her mind still reeling from the night’s events.

“So, Kenny,” Rebecca said, her voice bright with excitement. “You’re all set for tomorrow. I’ll drive you over in the morning to introduce you to Mark.”

Kendra sighed, setting down her fork. “Mom, do you really think this is a good idea?” she asked, rubbing her temple. “I mean… you literally just met this guy, and now you’re going to marry him? Do you even know anything about him?”

Rebecca let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Kendra, I know you’re worried, but Mark is a wonderful man. He’s kind, responsible, and we have a real connection.”

Kendra raised a skeptical brow. “A connection? How long have you even been dating?”

Rebecca hesitated for half a second before answering. “Almost four months.”

Kendra’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Four months, Mom. That’s barely any time at all. What if he turns out to be—”

“Not every man is your father, Kendra.” Rebecca’s voice was gentle, but there was a firm edge to it, as if she had been expecting this resistance.

Kendra inhaled sharply at the comment, her stomach twisting. “That’s not what this is about,” she muttered, though part of her knew that maybe, in some way, it was.

Rebecca reached for her hand. “Sweetheart, I know this is a lot for you. But Mark makes me happy, and I really want you to give him a chance.”

Kendra exhaled, leaning back in her chair. “Fine,” she said begrudgingly. “I’ll meet him.”

Rebecca beamed, giving her hand a squeeze.

Ethan, who had been quietly chewing through the conversation, finally chimed in with a mouthful of food. “Can’t wait to see how fast you chase this one away.”

Kendra shot him a glare. “Shut up, gremlin.”

Ethan smirked, but Rebecca only chuckled, shaking her head. “I have a good feeling about this one,” she said.

Kendra wasn’t so sure.

The next morning, Kendra stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom, smoothing out the crisp fabric of her white button-up blouse. The material hugged her curves perfectly, tucking neatly into the high-waisted black pencil skirt that stopped mid-thigh. She applied a light layer of makeup, just enough to highlight her high cheekbones and almond-shaped eyes, before swiping on a deep burgundy lipstick. It was bold, confident—exactly how she needed to feel today.

Sliding her feet into black high heels, she gave herself one final glance, then grabbed her purse and headed downstairs.

Rebecca was already at the door, car keys in hand, beaming as Kendra approached. “You look stunning, Kenny. Perfect for your first day.”

Kendra sighed, adjusting her blouse. “I still don’t know about this, Mom.”

Rebecca looped her arm through Kendra’s and guided her outside. “Just give it a chance, okay? Mark is wonderful, and I think you’ll really like working for him.”

The drive into the city was smooth, the morning sun gleaming off the towering skyscrapers as they entered the business district. Kendra gazed out the window, taking in the hustle and bustle—businessmen in expensive suits, women in designer heels, people rushing with coffee cups in hand. It felt different from the quiet suburban neighborhood she had grown up in, but it also felt… thrilling.

Then, they pulled up in front of an enormous glass and steel building, its modern architecture sleek and intimidating. The bold silver letters above the entrance read Bennett Global Enterprises. Kendra’s brows lifted. “Bennett Global?” she echoed. “That sounds… big.”

Rebecca grinned proudly. “Mark is the CEO. He’s built this company from the ground up. Investments, real estate, international trade—he does it all.”

Kendra let out a low whistle as they stepped through the rotating doors into the stunning marble-floored lobby. Employees bustled about in polished business attire, the air buzzing with ambition and importance.

They made their way to the elevators, riding all the way to the top floor. The doors opened to an elegant reception area where an older woman with silver hair sat behind a grand mahogany desk. Her sharp eyes lifted as they approached before widening in recognition.

“Rebecca! My goodness, it’s so lovely to see you.”

Rebecca smiled warmly. “It’s great to see you too, Linda.” She gestured toward Kendra. “This is my daughter, Kendra. Mark’s new assistant.”

Linda’s gaze softened as she looked Kendra over. “Oh my, she’s beautiful—just like her mother.”

Kendra offered a polite smile, though her nerves were now creeping in.

Linda gestured toward the large double doors down the hall. “Mark’s in his office, but he might be on the phone.”

Rebecca nodded. “We’ll be quiet.”

As they walked toward the office, Kendra’s pulse inexplicably quickened. Something about this moment—this entire day—felt strangely significant, though she couldn’t place why.

Rebecca slowly pushed the door open, and Kendra stepped inside, closing it quietly behind her.

Then, she heard it.

A deep, commanding voice, smooth yet authoritative. “Do whatever you have to do to get that client.” A pause. Then, the click of a phone being placed back on its receiver.

Kendra froze.

The voice…

It was familiar.

Her heart pounded as Mark slowly swiveled his chair around to face them.

The moment their eyes met, both their breaths caught in their throats.

Kendra felt the floor shift beneath her.

Sitting before her, staring at her with the same shocked expression, was the man from the bar.

Her mother’s fiancé.

Mark’s sharp blue eyes widened the second they locked onto Kendra’s. Time seemed to freeze, the air in the room growing thick with tension. Kendra’s breath hitched in her throat as a flood of memories from last night rushed in—the way his hands had traced her skin, the heat of his lips against hers, the way his voice had sent shivers down her spine.

No. No, no, no.

This couldn’t be happening.

Mark blinked rapidly, his posture stiffening as he straightened in his chair. His jaw tensed, but he quickly schooled his expression into one of neutrality. “Rebecca,” he finally said, his voice perfectly controlled. “I didn’t expect you this early.”

Rebecca smiled, oblivious to the silent war raging between them. “I wanted to introduce you to Kendra before she officially starts.” She nudged Kendra forward slightly. “Kenny, this is Mark Bennett, your new boss.”

Kendra forced a polite smile, though her stomach was twisting into knots. “Nice to meet you,” she said, praying her voice didn’t betray her.

Mark’s gaze lingered on her for a fraction too long before he cleared his throat and extended a hand. “Likewise,” he said evenly.

Rebecca nudged Kendra to shake his hand, Kendra hesitated before reaching her hand out. The moment her fingers touched his, an electric current shot through her, igniting every nerve in her body. She saw the flicker of something—recognition, desire, panic—flash in his eyes before he pulled his hand away just a little too quickly.

Rebecca, still blissfully unaware, beamed at them. “I just know you two will get along great. Kendra’s smart, hardworking—she just needs the right mentor.”

Mark let out a short, breathless laugh, running a hand over his jaw. “Right,” he murmured.

Kendra swallowed hard, her mind racing. She needed to get a grip, fast. She couldn’t let last night—whatever that was—ruin this. She just had to play it cool, act like nothing happened.

Mark leaned back in his chair, glancing between them before finally settling his gaze on Kendra. “Your desk is right outside my office,” he said, his voice all business now. “Linda will get you set up with everything you need.”

Rebecca clapped her hands together. “Perfect! I’ll let you two get to work.” She turned to Kendra and kissed her on the cheek. “Call me later, okay?”

Kendra nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

As soon as the door shut behind Rebecca, silence fell over the office. The tension, no longer masked by polite conversation, was suffocating.

Kendra folded her arms, leveling Mark with a look. “So,” she said, arching a brow. “Small world.”

Mark exhaled slowly, dragging a hand down his face. “You have no idea.”

She let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head. “Unbelievable.”

Mark stood abruptly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Look, Kendra, last night—” He hesitated, as if searching for the right words. “—was a mistake.”

Something sharp twisted in her chest, though she wasn’t sure why. “A mistake?” she echoed, feigning indifference.

“Yes.” His voice was firm now, more sure of himself. “It can’t happen again.”

She let out a breathy chuckle, taking a step toward his desk. “Don’t worry, boss. It won’t.”

His eyes darkened slightly at her tone, but he said nothing.

Kendra turned on her heel and strode toward the door. She could feel his gaze burning into her back, but she didn’t look back.

She had a job to do.