Chapter 2: Not alive with you
Chapter 2
But as dawn approached, reality began to creep back in. Lila's heart raced as she realized the gravity of their situation. The sun would soon rise, and with it, the risk of being discovered loomed larger than ever. She pulled away from Ethan, her breath coming in quick gasps as she looked into his eyes, a mix of exhilaration and fear swirling within her.
"We need to be careful," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "If Alexander finds out..."
Ethan's expression shifted, a flicker of concern crossing his handsome features. "I know, but we can't keep pretending this isn't happening. I can't stop thinking about you, Lila."
Lila bit her lip, torn between the thrill of their affair and the loyalty she felt towards her husband. "I love him," she said, though the words felt hollow in her mouth. The truth was, she was falling for Ethan in a way she had never anticipated. The connection they shared was electric, and every moment spent with him felt like a forbidden dream.
"But do you feel alive with him like you do with me?" Ethan challenged, his voice low and intense. "You deserve to feel passion, to feel wanted. Alexander may provide for you, but can he give you this?"
Lila's heart raced at his words. She knew he was right; the spark that ignited between her and Ethan was something she had longed for, something she had thought was lost in the monotony of her marriage. But the guilt gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the life she had built with Alexander.
As the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, Lila knew they had to part ways. "I have to go," she said reluctantly, her heart heavy with the weight of their secret. "If Alexander wakes up and finds you here..."
Ethan nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. He leaned in for one last kiss, a promise of what was to come, and Lila melted into him, savoring the taste of his lips. It was a kiss filled with longing, a silent vow that their affair was far from over.
With a final glance, Lila slipped out of bed and hurriedly dressed, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. She couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were about to change forever, that the delicate balance they had created was on the verge of collapse.
As she made her way down the hallway, her heart pounded in her chest. She paused outside the door to the study, where Alexander often worked late into the night. She could hear the faint sound of his voice on the phone, discussing business matters with a client. The familiarity of it all made her stomach churn with guilt.
Lila took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead. She had to act normal, to play the part of the devoted wife while her heart was entangled in a web of deceit. As she entered the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a comforting reminder of the life she had built with Alexander.
"Good morning, darling," Alexander greeted her with a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with affection. He was the picture of success, dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders. Lila felt a pang of guilt as she returned his smile, knowing that her heart belonged to another.
"Good morning," she replied, forcing cheerfulness into her voice. "Did you sleep well?"
"Not really," he admitted, pouring himself a cup of coffee. "I was up late with work. You know how it is."
Lila nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of Ethan. She couldn't help but wonder if he was still in bed, dreaming of her, or if he was already plotting their next encounter. The thrill of their secret affair sent shivers down her spine, but the weight of her betrayal loomed over her like a dark cloud.
As they sat down for breakfast, Lila tried to focus on the conversation, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Ethan. She could still feel the heat of his body against hers, the way he made her feel alive in a way she had never experienced before. It w
as intoxicating, and the more she thought about it, the more she craved him.