SEDUCING MY MOM'S HUSBAND

Episode 4

Lisa's Pov

I let my voice tremble, deliberately injecting disbelief and hurt, “So soon after Dad and my brothers? How could you?”

Her face softened, and she put on her best imitation of a concerned mother, “Oh, Lisa, I know this must be hard for you. But Henford has been a great source of strength for me during this difficult time.” She glanced at Henford with a fond smile, “I couldn’t have survived without him.”

Henford, standing tall with an unreadable expression, gave a slight nod. His piercing eyes studied me, and I couldn’t tell if he saw through my act or if he was simply appraising me like one might a piece of art, or prey.

I looked down, feigning despair, “I just… I can’t believe it. I thought Dad meant everything to you.” My voice cracked, and a single tear rolled down my cheek.

Henford stepped forward, his smooth, deep voice cutting through the tension, “Lisa, I understand your grief. Losing your father must have been devastating. But I assure you, I am here to help you and your mother move forward.”

His words were kind, but his tone felt off, too polished, too calculated. I looked up, meeting his gaze, and for a moment, the world around us faded. There was something unnerving about the way he looked at me. I knew exactly what that kind of look was.

“Oh, how noble of you.” I whispered sarcastically, unable to completely mask my disdain, “And what exactly are you helping her with, Henford?”

“Lisa!” My mother snapped, her voice sharp as glass, “That’s enough. Henford has done more for this family in the past few months than you could ever understand.”

I forced myself to look apologetic, though inside I was seething, “I’m sorry.” I murmured, lowering my gaze, “I just need time to adjust.”

Henford’s lips curved into a small smile, “Of course. Take all the time you need. I’ll be here if you need anything.”

My mother beamed at him, completely unaware of the tension that simmered beneath the surface. She placed a hand on his arm, leaning into him as though they were the perfect couple.

“Henford has been working tirelessly to keep the empire running.” She said proudly, “It’s been a challenge, but he’s more than capable.”

“Hmm.” I hummed noncommittally, my mind racing. This man had appeared out of nowhere, conveniently stepping into the power vacuum left by my father’s death. Was he her accomplice? Or was he something worse, someone playing his own game?

As they exchanged pleasantries and played the part of a devoted couple, I made a silent vow. I would uncover the truth about what happened that night, no matter the cost.

But first, I needed to understand Henford and maybe, just maybe I could use him as well.

Because if I was going to destroy my mother, I’d need to get close to her greatest ally, and turn him into her greatest weakness.

With a steadying breath, I looked up, forcing a weak smile, “Thank you, Henford. I’ll try to be more understanding.”

He inclined his head, his eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t place, “I look forward to earning your trust, Lisa.”

“Of course.” I beamed at him, pressing my hands against the edge of the bed.

A few days later, I was discharged back home and just like I thought, everything had changed.

“I'm going to my room.” I said quietly, not waiting for their reply before I headed upstairs. Thankfully, that part of the house had not changed at all. I plopped down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

The ceiling fan spun lazily above me, a quiet hum filling the room. My thoughts raced, circling the same conclusion over and over. I needed a plan, something precise, calculated. If my mother thought she could manipulate everyone around her and come out unscathed, she had another thing coming.

And Henford... Oh, Henford. His presence in this web of lies was too perfect to be coincidental. But was he her pawn, or was there more to him than met the eye?

I sat up, running a hand through my hair. First things first, I needed to test him, to see if he could be useful, or if I’d have to deal with him too. A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in.” I called out, already schooling my expression into one of guarded neutrality.

Henford stepped inside, his tall frame casting a shadow across the room. He looked composed, as always, but there was something in his eyes, an edge that made me both wary and curious.

“Your mother asked me to check on you.” He said, his tone polite but distant.

I nodded, motioning for him to close the door behind him. When he did, I decided to cut straight to the point, “You’re her new lapdog, aren’t you?” He came to me himself which meant he was ready to answer my questions right?

His eyebrows lifted slightly, but he didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest, “I see you’re not one for pretentiousness.”

“Neither is she.” I shot back, leaning forward, “So, tell me, Henford. What’s your angle? What do you get out of playing house with a woman like her?”

His jaw tightened, but then he surprised me, he laughed. It wasn’t a warm laugh, but a cold, sharp one that sent chills down my spine.

“You’re bold, I’ll give you that.” He said, stepping further into the room, “But you should be careful, Lisa. People who ask too many questions often find answers they’re not ready for.”

I stood, closing the distance between us until we were only a few feet apart, “I’m not afraid of the truth.” I said firmly, “Are you?”

For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His gaze held mine, searching, calculating. Then, he sighed, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair.

“Fine.” He said, his voice quieter now, “You want the truth? Your mother isn’t who you think she is. She’s ruthless, manipulative, and worse than you can imagine.”

I folded my arms, tilting my head, “Tell me something I don’t know.”

His lips twitched into a bitter smile, “She’s used me, too. Played me like a fool, promised me things that were never hers to give. But I stayed because I thought I could outmaneuver her.”

“And now?” I asked, my heartbeat quickening.

“Now?” He said, stepping closer, “I want revenge. Just like you do.”

I blinked, caught off guard by his honesty, “Revenge?”

“Yes.” His voice was steady, resolute, “But we can’t do it alone, she’s too powerful.”

A plan began to take shape in my mind, and I felt a cold smile tug at my lips, “Then let’s make a deal.” I said, my voice soft.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, “What kind of deal?”

“We ruin her together.” I said, “Destroy her empire, expose her for who she really is, and split whatever’s left.”

Henford considered my words for a long moment. Then he nodded, a wicked gleam in his eye, “Deal.”

I extended my hand, and he shook it firmly, just as he was about to let go, with a sudden burst of strength, I pushed myself to him with the momentum and his hands wrapped around my waist immediately, steadying me.

“What's this?” He asked. His face was so close to me, I could smell his cologne and for some reason, something began to grow inside me.

“My mother slept with my ex boyfriend, how about we pay her in kind. What do you think about it?”