His Father’s Wife

The sounds from his bedroom

One last signature. That was all that stood between Gina Raphael and the life she had spent a decade building. She clutched the "Aurelia Couture" partnership papers to her ribs, feeling the papers shake against her racing heart. This was it! It was beginning to happen just as she planned. Thanks to her one and only, Sean Holand, her fashion line would finally get recognition. A notification pulsed on her screen, and her eyes hovered to it. The director at Aurelia had been clear:

“Return the signed documents by Friday, or the offer goes to the next candidate.”

Gina didn’t hesitate. She pulled up Sean’s contact, her thumb trembling with joy. As the line connected, their "song"; the one they’d danced to on their first anniversary, filled her ear. It reminded her of the first time she danced salsa in her life. The first call went to voicemail. On the second attempt, he finally answered.

"Hey, beautiful," Sean’s voice was thick, followed by a low, moan sound that made Gina freeze. Then, a sharp intake of breath.

"Not so loud," she heard him murmur, his voice muffled as if he were turning away from the phone.

The air left Gina’s lungs. Sean was the man who had preached patience for years, insisting they save themselves for their wedding night. She’d always respected his discipline, even when he admitted to "taking care of things" on his own when the frustration became too much. When he couldn’t handle the idea of not having a woman do those things with him yet.

"Sorry, babe," he gasped into the receiver.

"Just... working out some tension with a pillow. The TV is a bit loud. You know how it gets when you’re not around."

The explanation felt like a physical blow. Before she could find her voice, a second sound pierced the silence; a woman’s hushed, impatient hiss.

"Is she still on the line? Just cut her off already!"

The voice was strikingly family. It belonged to Zoey Anna, her closest friend since their days in the design studio. Gina’s heart sunk. Zoey?! The one who had shared her patterns, her secrets, and apparently, her boyfriend.

Gina’s vision blurred with anger, but she didn't let a single tear fall.

"I called to say I’m running behind," she lied, her voice trying hard to be steady. "I won't be there for another few hours."

"Take your time," Sean replied quickly.

She disconnected before he could say another word. The engine roared to life as she shifted into gear. The drive to his apartment was the quickest she’s ever driven. In fact, she knew she turned to flash. What would she even do when she sees them together? She had no idea. All she knew was that the man holding her chance to succeed her was currently destroying her bit by bit.

She reached his building, ignored the elevator, and took the stairs two at a time. Without a knock or a moment's hesitation, she threw the door open.

Then there it wash

Blood flushed her face as her lips were unable to move an inch