Unfaithful: Web Of Betrayal

Knowing he was still in Ludus somehow gave her the strength to hold on for the past four days. Now that she couldn’t imagine him anywhere in her life, her world crumbled beneath her feet.

She went back to the only companion she knew would never disappoint her. She opened a bottle of wine as soon as she got home, hoping it could drown her sadness. But the only thing she could see in her head was Roman and how much she will miss him.

She was half drunk when Declan came home and found her in tears. He rubbed his face and sighed. He was not up for another battle, but he could feel it from the landing on their second floor that she was ready for another fight.

“He’s gone,” she said without turning to look at him.

He raised his brow and knew immediately who she was referring to. “Good,” he said. He loosened his tie and sat on the armchair by the window to take off his shoes.

“The Manager said he packed his bags and left without leaving a message.”

He scoffed. He was thrilled but knew better not to comment.

She turned her back and shot him a look, “Is this your doing?”

He looked up at her and stayed silent.

“You did this, didn’t you? Just like what you did with her?”

He paused for a moment, “Did you think he was immune to my money?” he asked calmly.

She turned away in disgust. “We have pending projects that still need to be finalized … I can’t believe you did this without telling me.”

“That’s convenient for you, isn’t it? Strutting your way back to work and spending hours and hours with your boy toy … did you really think I was going to let that happen?” he raised his voice.

“I have his catalog in my proposals … all my clients will be referring their inquiries with his pieces … I can’t just tell them it’s not part of the deal anymore … that’s suicide for my business! You, of all people, should know this! God, Declan, sometimes I think you just don’t want me to succeed in anything in my life!” she put her head between her hands.

“Are you seriously going to debate me on this? I paid for that business so you can have what you’ve always wanted! And then you used it as a place to fuck that guy behind my back!” he walked over to face her. “I did what’s necessary to save our marriage! I think that’s more important than losing a few clients, don’t you think?”

She shook her head. It was hard to accept that Roman was gone. Knowing he had left because Declan had paid him off was even harder. “How much did you pay him?” she swallowed hard, bracing herself to find out how much she was worth for either man.

There was a smirk on his face as he walked away to get himself a drink. He took his time pouring a full glass of wine and took a big gulp as she waited for his response in agony.

“I offered to pay his debt to his dad for the gallery so he can leave in a clean slate and start over … he agreed …” Declan took another gulp of his wine. “Ludus is going to be yours.”

She dropped her head and cried into her hands.

“He’s gone, Livy … and he’s never coming back,” Declan said as he watched his wife break apart in front of him. There are things to sacrifice to gain something bigger. He was willing to break her, mend her back together, and live the life meant for them.

Minor setbacks. He was used to them. He always comes back stronger. He kneeled in front of her and took her hand. “We’ll get through this, baby. We’ll start over … I will do anything for you to come back to me.”

She was unable to form a single word. She was sobbing.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

He kissed the top of her head. He understood she needed time to process everything. He left her to herself. Sometimes it was the best thing he could do for her. He went to his study, sat back on his chair, and thought. His business brain was spinning at high speed. The fact that Roman was gone had just opened up an opportunity that he swiftly took at the first chance he got.

He picked up his phone and pressed the speed dial. It never crossed his mind to invest in an art gallery, but this investment will not only keep the vulture away, it will bring her wife back to him.

The call was connecting, and then a voice answered. “Brian!” Declan greeted with a cheerful voice.