Chapter Five
1006 Words
Monday morning came under the sky, and Manhattan looked like it was covered in a layer of fog. From the windows that went from floor to ceiling at Lawson Global Holdings, Andrew Lawson watched the city start to come to life. He had always liked mornings. They made him think of chances to build, to give, and to love.
For the first time in a long time, something was on his mind.
Kate.
In the few weeks, she had been getting more and more distant. She still smiled at him, accepted his kisses before work, and still sat next to him at dinner, but her laugh didn't sound as natural as it used to.
Andrew didn't think anything was wrong with their marriage. He trusted Kate completely.
Maybe she was just tired.
He decided that instead of worrying, he would do something he always did when life got hard—surprise her.
He picked up his phone. Called his assistant.
"Cancel my afternoon meetings."
"All of them, sir?"
"Yes."
"Book a table at La Belle Étoile for tonight."
"The place on the roof?"
Andrew smiled.
"My wife deserves an evening."
"Got it."
---
Not away, Kate walked into Sterling & Pierce with another pile of papers about Donald's case.
She had just made it to her office when Donald tapped on the door.
"I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all."
He came in carrying two cups of coffee.
"I remembered how you like it."
Kate looked surprised.
"You didn't have to do that."
"I know."
She took the cup with a smile.
"Thank you."
For the few hours they looked at money papers, talked to accountants over video, and got ready for the next court date.
By midday, both were worn out.
Donald leaned back in his chair.
"I've never been more grateful for lawyers."
Kate laughed.
"We usually aren't this interesting."
"I disagree."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"I've learned more about courage by watching you than from any class I've ever taken."
Kate looked down a little shy.
"You're giving me much credit."
"No."
"I'm giving you what you deserve."
His words stayed in the room long after they moved on.
---
Meanwhile, Victoria Hayes was watching the rehearsal for her company's fashion show around the world.
Emily Carter came with a tablet.
"The Paris buyers said yes."
Victoria smiled.
"Good."
"Milan wants a special preview."
"Let's set that up."
Emily paused.
"You seem happier today."
Victoria laughed softly.
"Donald sounded hopeful this morning."
"I'm starting to think this difficult time might be ending."
Emily smiled.
"You two have been through worse."
Victoria nodded.
"We have."
She really believed that.
She had no idea that the strongest relationships don't always break from hate.
Sometimes they slowly fall apart from secrets.
---
That afternoon Kate got a message from Andrew.
"Don't plan dinner. I have a surprise for you. Wear something."
A warm smile came to her face.
Andrew never stopped making her feel special.
She typed back fast.
"I'll be there."
Donald saw her smile.
"Good news?"
"My husband is taking me out tonight."
Donald smiled politely.
"He's lucky."
Kate looked at him for a second.
"No."
"I'm the one."
The words were honest.
As she said them, she wondered why they felt less true than they should have.
---
That night Andrew arrived at the law firm with another bunch of lilies.
People smiled as they saw him walk in.
"Mr. Lawson is back again."
"He's really romantic."
Kate came out of her office. Stopped in surprise.
"You really know how to make an entrance."
Andrew gave her the flowers.
"I thought my wife deserved them."
She kissed him softly.
Some coworkers watched the moment.
Donald stood at the end of the hallway.
He had never met Andrew before.
Now he understood why Kate talked about him with much respect.
Andrew's love wasn't for show.
It was real.
As Andrew and Kate walked to the elevator holding hands, Donald had a thought.
She's happy.
He pushed it away, away.
She was married.
So was he.
Whatever friendship they had could never be more.
He promised himself he would never go beyond that line.
---
Dinner on the roof was what Andrew had planned.
The city lights looked like stars below them.
Soft music played in the air.
Kate looked around in surprise.
"This is beautiful."
Andrew smiled.
"So are you."
She laughed.
"You always know what to say."
"No."
"I just say what's true."
As dinner went on, they talked about their dreams.
Andrew told her about his plan to expand his charity to build schools in areas.
Kate listened with admiration.
"That's one of the reasons I fell in love with you," she said.
"You never let success change your heart."
Andrew reached across the table. Held her hand.
"You remind me every day what justice looks like."
For a moment Kate wished time would stop.
She wished life could stay the same.
Inside she knew her growing feelings, for Donald had already started to make cracks she couldn't ignore.
She hated herself for that.
---
Not far away, Victor Steele sat in his black car looking at the pictures he had gathered.
One showed Victoria going into her office.
Another had Donald leaving the court.
The newest ones showed Donald and Kate walking together after lunch.
Victor placed them on the seat.
His mind worked fast.
"If Victoria sees these..."
He smiled.
"...she'll start asking questions."
He didn't want to find an affair.
There wasn't one.
Not yet.
He only wanted doubt to grow.
Because doubt breaks trust.
Broken people are easier to control.
Victor put the pictures in an envelope.
His plan was starting to come
Away from the lives of Andrew, Kate, Donald and Victoria kept going as if nothing had changed.
None of them knew that someone was quietly putting together the pieces of a dangerous game—one built on doubt, lies and revenge.
When the truth finally came out, it would already be too late.
- Writer
