Untamed Desire

One day, Jane discovered that her husband was having an affair. It was Clifford’s birthday. She had woken up before dawn, tying on her apron in the quiet kitchen, preparing every dish he liked. The table was filled by morning — steaming food, polished cutlery, and a cake she had ordered weeks in advance. Happy Birthday, My Love. Jane smiled faintly as she wiped her hands. Then— Ding! The sound came from the sofa. Clifford’s phone lay there, vibrating. He had forgotten it in his rush to leave for work. Jane hesitated. Clifford was always protective of his phone. But the screen lit up again. Another message. Her fingers trembled as she picked it up. I hurt myself carrying the cake. It hurts so much. Below the message was a photo. Jane’s breath caught. It wasn’t the woman’s face — only her legs. Long, slender legs wrapped in black loafers, a green-and-white shirt pushed high enough to reveal pale skin and reddened knees. The image was youthful, intimate, and unmistakably seductive. The kind of woman men like Clifford favored. Jane’s grip tightened until her knuckles turned white. Ding! Another message appeared. Mr. Sean, see you at the Omatic Hotel tonight. I want to celebrate your birthday. Tonight.