Claudia, beneath the scars

Chapter Nine

"I can't believe you forgot the milk again," Elena groaned, tossing a cereal box onto the kitchen counter. She leaned against the fridge, her arms folded across her chest.

Ferdinand looked up from his morning paper, feigning surprise. "What's wrong, love?"

"It's the third time this week!" Her eyes flashed with annoyance.

"I know, I know," he sighed, setting the paper aside. "But you're more important than any old milk. Besides, it's just around the corner. I'll grab some on my way to work."

Elena rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth twitched into a smile. She knew he was trying. It wasn't the milk that was really bothering her. It was the way he looked at her, the way his eyes searched hers when he thought she wasn't looking. He was hiding something, and she had an inkling what it was.

As Ferdinand retreated to their bedroom to get ready for work, Elena's thoughts drifted to the previous night. His kisses had been more urgent, his touch more possessive. It had been a while since he'd held her like that, as if she was a treasure he was afraid to lose. She felt a strange mix of comfort and unease.

When Ferdinand emerged, dressed in his usual suit and tie, Elena decided to confront him. "You're working too hard," she said, her voice softer than she intended.

He paused, buttoning his shirt. "It's just work, Elena. Nothing to worry about."

Her eyes narrowed. "You're always just working," she accused. "What's really going on?"

He sighed, walking over to her. "You know how it is. Investors, deadlines, the usual."

Elena's heart skipped a beat at the mention of investors. That was new. "Who are these investors?"

Ferdinand's gaze was unwavering. "Just some people from the office. They want to talk about the new project."

The lie was thick in the air, but Elena said nothing. Instead, she stepped closer, her hand sliding up to his necktie. "Well, you can't go to work stressed," she murmured, her voice low and seductive.

Ferdinand's eyes darkened. He took the hint, stepping closer and pulling her into his arms. As they kissed, Elena felt a sudden thrill of power. He was hers, and she would make sure of it.

The phone rang, shattering the moment. Ferdinand reluctantly pulled away, glancing at the screen. "It's the office," he muttered, his voice thick with annoyance.

Elena's heart sank. The call was from the same number that had been lighting up his phone all week. She stepped back, her smile forced. "You better take it," she said, her voice cool.

He nodded, swiping to answer. "This is Ferdinand," he said, his tone brisk and professional.

The voice on the other end was unmistakable. "The investors are waiting, Mr. Ferdinand."

Elena felt the blood drain from her face. She knew that voice. It was the intern, the one she'd been seeing on the side. The one who made her feel alive again.

Ferdinand's eyes met hers, and she saw the fear in them. He knew she knew. But she said nothing, her mind racing with possibilities.

The call ended abruptly, and Ferdinand cleared his throat. "I have to go," he said, avoiding her gaze.

Elena nodded, her heart pounding. As Ferdinand left for work, she felt a strange mix of anger and excitement. This was going to be interesting.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. It was a message from the intern, the young man who had made her feel desired again. They'd been seeing each other for a few weeks now, a secret she had kept from Ferdinand. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't help herself. The thrill of the affair had been intoxicating, a stark contrast to the stale routine of her marriage.

Her thoughts racing, Elena decided to call him. She needed to feel alive, to regain control. The phone rang a few times before he answered, his voice a mix of surprise and excitement. "Elena?"

"Meet me at the usual place," she said, her voice firm. "Now."

The café was a short walk from their apartment, a quaint little spot where they often met for lunch. Elena arrived first, ordering a cup of black coffee. She sat at their usual table by the window, watching the rain fall gently onto the cobblestone street. The bell above the door jingled as the intern, Alex, walked in, his eyes searching for her.

He was soaking wet, his hair plastered to his forehead. "I'm sorry," he said, breathless from the run. "Your message was... unexpected."

Elena took a sip of her coffee, her eyes never leaving his. "So is my husband's work schedule," she said, her tone icy. "How do you know he's lying to me?"

Alex looked surprised for a moment before recovering. "I didn't say he was," he said carefully.

"But you know something," she pressed. "What's going on at the office?"

He hesitated before speaking. "There are some... issues with the new project. Investors are getting nervous. That's all I know."

Elena felt a knot form in her stomach. If the project failed, it would ruin Ferdinand's career. And their marriage might not be far behind. "I need to know more," she said, her voice low.

Alex leaned in, his eyes searching hers. "Elena, I don't think this is the right time to discuss work."

"Fine," she said, her voice clipped. "Then let's talk about us."

The tension in the air was palpable as they sat there, the rain pattering against the window. Elena knew she had to make a decision. But for now, she needed to feel something other than anger and fear. She reached out, taking his hand. "Let's go to my place," she whispered. "I'll be done with you when I'm done with my coffee."

The walk back was tense, the rain a cold reminder of the storm brewing in her life. As they entered the apartment, Elena felt a strange sense of déjà vu. This was the same path she had walked with Ferdinand countless times, sharing secrets and laughs. But now, it was filled with a secret that could shatter their world.

Once inside, Elena led Alex to the bedroom, her heart racing. As she closed the door behind them, she knew she was crossing a line she might not be able to come back from. But she also knew she couldn't ignore the fire burning inside her, the one that Ferdinand hadn't been able to keep lit for months.

Their kiss was urgent, desperate, as if they were trying to erase the world outside. Elena pushed him onto the bed, her hands roaming over his body, seeking reassurance in his touch. But with every caress, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was playing with fire, and that it was only a matter of time before she got burned.

Alex's eyes searched hers, a question in them she couldn't answer. "Are you sure about this?" he murmured against her neck.

"Yes," she said, her voice stronger than she felt. "I need this."

He nodded, his hands moving with more confidence. As they lost themselves in the passion, Elena couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. But it was quickly overshadowed by the rush of pleasure coursing through her. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she felt alive.

Afterwards, they lay tangled in the sheets, the rain a mournful melody outside their window. Alex's breathing was ragged, his eyes closed. Elena stared at the ceiling, her thoughts racing. What had she done? How could she have been so reckless?

But she couldn't deny the thrill that still sang in her veins. The thrill of the affair, the danger of discovery, it was all a potent cocktail she hadn't realized she'd been craving. She rolled over to face him, tracing his jaw with her finger. "Tell me more about these investors," she said, her voice a soft purr.

Alex opened his eyes, a flicker of concern crossing his face. "Elena, I don't think..."

"Please," she whispered, her hand sliding down his chest. "I need to know."

He sighed, propping himself up on his elbow. "They're worried about the financials," he said. "They think Ferdinand is hiding something."

The knot in Elena's stomach tightened. "What could he be hiding?"

Alex leaned in, his breath warm on her skin. "I don't know," he whispered. "But I'll find out."

The promise in his words sent a shiver down her spine. She knew he would do anything for her, and that was both thrilling and terrifying.

As they lay there, Elena's mind raced with scenarios, each more dramatic than the last. Could Ferdinand really be hiding something from her? And what would happen when the truth came out?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening and closing, the thud of footsteps approaching the bedroom. Elena's heart stopped. No, it couldn't be. Not now.

Ferdinand's voice called out from the hallway. "Elena?"

Alex froze, his eyes wide with panic. Elena's stomach dropped as she realized the game they were playing had just become all too real. She had to act fast.

"In here," she called, her voice shaking.

The bedroom door swung open, and Ferdinand's shocked face appeared in the doorway. His eyes took in the scene before him, his expression morphing from surprise to anger and finally to a deep, soul-wrenching sadness.

"I can explain," she began, but the words died on her lips. There was no explaining this. The moment was frozen, the air thick with the weight of their unspoken secrets and betrayals.

Ferdinand stepped into the room, his gaze never leaving hers. "I thought you said you had nothing to worry about," he said, his voice low and deadly.

Elena's heart pounded as she sat up, the sheet clutched to her chest. "It's not what it looks like," she stammered.

He raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it?"

The silence that followed was deafening. Elena knew she had crossed a line that could never be uncrossed. The question was, what would happen next?

Alex, still lying beside her, had gone completely still. The color drained from his face, and Elena felt a pang of regret for involving him in her mess. But it was too late for apologies. The die was cast.

Ferdinand's eyes narrowed, and Elena braced herself for the onslaught of anger she knew was coming. Instead, he simply said, "Get out, Alex." His voice was cold, a stark contrast to the passionate man she had known the night before.

Alex scrambled off the bed, grabbing his clothes as he went. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ferdinand," he murmured, avoiding Ferdinand's gaze as he rushed out of the room.

The door clicked shut, leaving Elena alone with her husband's fury. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "Ferdinand, let me explain."

He turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "What is there to explain?" he asked, his voice tight with emotion. "You've been cheating on me."

The words hung in the air, heavy and accusatory. Elena felt a tear slip down her cheek. "It's not just about the cheating," she began. "It's about us. We've grown apart."

Ferdinand's eyes searched hers, looking for something she wasn't sure she had anymore. "Is this because of my work?" he asked, his voice cracking. "Is that what you've been looking for in him?"

The question stung. She had used his dedication to his career as an excuse, but deep down, she knew it was more than that. "It's about feeling desired," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've been so busy with work, I felt like I didn't matter anymore."

Ferdinand's anger didn't waver, but she saw a flicker of pain in his eyes. "So you thought the solution was to betray me?"

Elena felt a lump form in her throat. "No, I didn't mean for it to happen. It just did."

He sat down heavily on the edge of the bed, his shoulders slumping. "I don't know what to say, Elena."

We're getting a divorce.