THE PRICE OF INFIDELITY

CHAPTER1 I stood by the window, watching as rain hit the glass window like tiny fingers and turning the neon sign on the street below into a blurring wet reflection. Adrian was the sweetest thing that has ever happened in my life. The man I married is not just a husband to me, he is my safest place, my answered prayer and all I have ever prayed for. Every morning when he wakes up he will always remind me that fairy tales could exist outside the pages of a book. He is the kindest and sweetest man I have ever known. He never forgets to kiss me on the forehead before leaving for work or tells me how gorgeous and sexy I look even on the days I feel exhausted. He always buys me gifts while coming home, he assists at home and makes life easier for me. To the world he is a billionaire with wealth, power, influence and dignity, but to me, he is simply Adrian, my husband. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the mansion as sunlight poured through the floor to ceiling window. I stood by the kitchen placing pancakes on two white plates when strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind. “Good morning my beautiful wife,” he whispered in my ear. A smile spread across my face, shoulders relaxed and lowered as the tension melted away. I smiled before I could stop myself. “Baby, you’re supposed to be getting ready for work.” “And miss the chance to hug my beautiful wife?” he teased me. “Come on baby, I can't go to work without hugging you.” “You will be late because of me,” I said, laughing softly. “It's worth it, baby,” he answered gently,” but remember, I am the CEO,” he turned me around softly and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead before taking a piece of pancake from my plate into his mouth. “Adrian,” I grasped, shoving his shoulder His eyes on me as he put on an innocent face to deceive me. “What baby?” “You could’ve asked first,” I scolded playfully. “But i did baby” “No,you didn't “ I rolled my eyes, trying not to laugh. “You are impossible,” he muttered. “ You know I love you, right? I really do, baby” he smiled. My knees weakened and the butterflies in my belly erupted like a volcano. We settled into our seats and devoured our meal. “So…,” he dragged on, taking a sip of his coffee, "what are your schedules today?” “Oh that reminds me. I have a meeting with a client this morning.” I answered, chewing slowly on my pancake. eating my pancakes.” If it goes well, I might finally hit that project I have been complaining about.” He shakes his head, “The one that has been stealing you from giving me attention, right?” “Are you jealous?” I smirked at him. A little, he reached over and stole a piece of the fruit from plate Adrian, I laugh.”get your own” “It tastes better when it's yours, baby, “ he smirked. I looked at him, a smile on my face. “You’re impossible” “And yet you married me” “Yes i did” I looked at him unable to hide my grin, I made the best decision. “You know what?” he said pointing his fork at me, “one day am going to convince you to quit your job. So that you can stay at home and spend all your time with your incredible husband.” I laugh softly. “And who said you are handsome”? “Baby, you know I'm handsome.” Widening his eyes as he clutched his chest dramatically. His eyes softened as he reached across the table to squeeze my hand. We stared at each other for a while before I broke contact because I couldn’t bear to stare at his eyes. It felt like he was trying to overturn my soul, he smirked. Of course he knew that, after years of marriage, I still couldn’t look him in the eye for a long time and I still got butterflies in my belly. We continued eating and laughing over little things that wouldn't have made sense to anyone else. It was one of those ordinary mornings that somehow felt extraordinary simply because we were together. “You know what? He said with a cocky smile, “I love seeing you smile and knowing I’m the reason behind it.” My heart melted. “I love you,” I said as his fingers squeezed mine gently. “I love you too. We walked upstairs. I stood before the mirror, wearing my earrings, while Adrian adjusted his tie, he caught my reflection and smiled. “Come here,” I walked over. Without a word, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You look beautiful.” I felt warmth rush to my cheeks. “You said that everyday baby.” “Because it’s true.” He leaned down, kissing my forehead, “promise me you will have lunch today at the office.” “You sound like you are my dad” “I’m your husband, it's my duty to be worried.” I smiled, straightening his tie “and it is my job to make sure my billionaire husband doesn't forget how handsome he looks.” He chuckled, “Now who’s flirting?” “I can’t help it, you're a bad influence.” “Okay let's go,” we walked down the stairs hand in hand, my heart content. He opened the front, dropping a kiss on my forehead one last time. “Drive safely,” I said. “You too baby” As I watched him leave, I couldn't help myself but smile. I'm the luckiest woman alive. I went to my car and closed the door. The gateman opened the gate for me. My drive to the office was smooth with soft music filling the car. As usual, I took my car while my husband headed to his company with his car. By the time I arrived, my assistant greeted me with a smile on her face and handed me the day's itinerary alongside a list of packed schedules. “Good morning ma'am Your 11 o'clock client is here.” “Thank you, I will be there in a minute.” I straightened my blazer, picked up the presentation file, and walked into the conference room. A middle-aged couple stood as I walked into the room. “Good morning. I’m Vivian Cater,” I said, offering a handshake. “Thank you for choosing us. I said taking a seat. “It was our pleasure. The next 2 hours we discussed the designed budgets and timelines. They wanted a modern office space with a warm, welcoming feel. I listened carefully to every detail and took down some points of what they wanted. At the end of the meeting, both clients were smiling. “This is exactly what we were looking for. The man said we will love to work with you” I smile back relieved. “This is great. I will have the first draft ready by this week.” As they left, I leaned back in my chair with a satisfied smile. It's been a great day and I can't wait to tell my husband about getting another important client over dinner. Maybe I should surprise him with his favorite dinner tonight. I picked up my phone to give him a call. I dialed his line, the phone rang thrice with no response, I dialed a fourth time. My husband never missed my call except when he was in a very tight situation, even if he was in a meeting, he always picked up my call. But this time…