The Deception

Chapter5 confrontation

Ethan’s POV

“I’m in Paris for a business deal with my husband,” she purred. “But I couldn’t stop thinking about you. Can we meet up?” I hesitated, knowing it was a risk and wondering how she knew I was in Paris. Yet, I couldn’t resist Victoria’s charms. “Where are you?” I asked, glancing around nervously.

The tension buzzed like electricity in the air as I approached the discreet hotel, just a stone’s throw from where I was with Cathrina. My heart pounded in my chest, torn between guilt and an undeniable thrill. Pushing the door open, I stepped into the hotel room, and there she was—Victoria, her gaze piercing through me with an intensity that sent a jolt of excitement down my spine. The air was thick with unspoken tension, and I could feel the pulse of adrenaline rushing through my veinsI sat on the bed, my gaze fixed on her face. “How did you know I was in Paris?” I asked. She smiled seductively, responding, “I don't know; I guess my instincts are always right.” Her voice only heightened my desire for her. I leaned in for a kiss, and it was so intense that I couldn't resist holding her waist and pressing against her. Our passion escalated as we engaged in intimate relations.

“You like that?” I asked while on top of her.

“Yes, daddy, don’t stop,” she replied, feeling a mix of pleasure and pain.

For a moment, our connection was so strong that I forgot about my fake marriage and the complications that came with it. As we slowly pulled apart, an unsettling feeling settled in my chest—it felt like I was playing with fire. “Ethan, I’m planning to file for a divorce from Dante soon. I can’t wait to be with you freely,” she said, her voice brimming with excitement. I met her gaze with a heavy heart. “Unfortunately, that’s not possible right now, Victoria. I’m still married.” Her face shifted, sadness washing over her, mixing with disbelief. I knew that revealing the truth about my marriage being just a contract would only hurt her more and might put Cathrina in a difficult position, so I chose to remain silent.

She scoffed gently, her frustration evident. “Baby, you can’t seriously mean that,” she said with a hint of a smirk, but it didn’t lift the tension between us. I looked at her, my heart aching, and didn’t respond. In a moment of anger, she raised her hand as if to strike me, but I quickly held her wrists, softening my voice. “Please, don’t raise your hands at me.” I released her, but the weight of the moment lingered.

Then her phone rang, and it was Dante. I could see the tears pooling in her eyes, and I felt a wave of empathy. “You need to behave yourself and answer the call,” I encouraged gently. As she gathered her things to leave, she brushed past me, her shoulder hitting mine with more force than I expected. “f**k you, Ethan,” she muttered, but oddly, it made me long for her even more.

I fought against those feelings, knowing I needed to be strong. There was just something about the way Victoria spoke that ignited a fire in me time and again. Just as I opened my mouth to call her name, my phone rang—it was Cathrina. How on earth was I going to handle this? I wondered. A few minutes later, I stepped outside into the crisp evening air and ordered a stunning Juliet rose for Cathrina. The delicate petals of the flower reminded me of her beauty, and I hoped it would ease her worries and help mend the tension that had settled between us.

As I walked into the dimly lit room, I found Cathrina seated with her legs elegantly crossed, an expression of seriousness etched on her face. “Where were you?” she asked, her voice firm yet laced with curiosity. Before she could launch into a full lecture, I felt compelled to divert her attention by emphasizing the gesture that had consumed my thoughts. “Before we dive into that, you should first appreciate these beautiful flowers I got for you. It wasn’t easy to track down the last and most expensive bloom.”

I held her gaze, trying to bridge the chasm of uncertainty that lay between us. She maintained a calm, composed expression, her lips curling into a soft smile. “Aww, that’s so thoughtful and a bit extravagant,” she replied, her tone lightening, if only slightly.

“Nothing is too extravagant for you, my charm,” I reassured her, leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on her cheek. The warmth of her skin sent a rush of emotion through me as I made my way toward the bathroom. I silently thanked the universe that she hadn’t noticed any traces of my recent indiscretion. One part of me wrestled with guilt, while another seemed indifferent, reminding me that this was just a contract after all. Yet, as I gazed back at her, I couldn't deny the growing feelings I was developing for Cathrina, feelings that I found increasingly difficult to suppress.

As the clock struck midnight, my phone erupted into a jarring ring that shattered the silence. Who could possibly be calling at this hour? I groaned and sank onto the bed, eyeing the screen. It was the same strange number from earlier. My heart raced. “Victoria?” I wondered, confused as to why she would reach out at 3 AM. I finally answered, “Hello, baby.” Her voice trembled, sending a jolt of urgency through me.

I glanced over at Cathrina, fast asleep, and realized I couldn’t let her wake up and suspect anything. Quietly, I stepped out onto the terrace, the cool night air hitting me like a slap. “Victoria?” I pressed, my mind racing.

“Ethan, it’s me. We need to meet. I miss you.” Desperation laced her words, and I sensed there was a storm brewing behind them. Something was wrong. Would she really call me this late unless things had gone terribly south with Dante?

“Victoria, it’s late! Can’t you see the time? Where are you?”

“I’m in my hotel room, Ethan. I’m drunk and ready to fly off this balcony if I don’t get out of here!” Her voice cracked, and I could feel the weight of her tears through the phone.

“Where’s Dante?” I asked, now fully alert and alarmed.

“He's a pathetic loser! He cheated on me with one of his mistresses here in Paris!” The frustration and heartbreak in her voice broke loose like a dam, and I felt it resonate deep within me. “Hey, don’t do anything rash. I’m on my way!”

“Okay...”

I hung up, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I turned to get dressed. But just then, I nearly jumped out of my skin. There stood Cathrina, an icy shadow behind me, having eavesdropped on my entire call. Her face was a storm brewing with outrage.