章節 1: One night
Dean's P.O.V
"No!" I cried out, as I made my way down the stairs with my wife Julia, trailing right behind me.
I was surprised she even had the guts to consider such a thing, after speaking to her boss, about the conditions of her promotion. I could feel the anger and frustration seeping through my veins when I finally reached the living room and sat down on the long couch.
Julia was quick to join me on the couch, trying desperately to convince me to do what she was asking of me. I understood how much the promotion meant to her, but I was not ready to do what she was asking of me.
"Dean, I understand your concerns about this matter. But, this is a one-time opportunity for us to have a brighter future for ourselves. I am doing this for us. Why won't you hear me out? She pleaded and gently held my hands in hers.
I sat up straight and turned to her. The disbelief I had on my face could not match the inner turmoil I was feeling inside. All my life, I had told myself, no, it had been a solemn vow I had made to myself that, if ever got married, I would never cheat on my wife. Julia was well aware of this so it surprised me to know that she was considering this.
"Do you know the implications of what you are asking of me, Julia? You are asking me to sleep with your boss, a woman I simply know nothing about, in the name of a promotion? Do you even understand what you are asking of me?" I asked her. It hurt me to realize that she was downplaying my feelings and making it look like what she was asking of me was not a big deal.
"I know what I am asking of you, Dean. This is not something I would ask of you if our future did not depend on it. I know that you made a vow to stay faithful to the woman you will eventually marry and that woman happens to be me. And I am the one asking you to do this because I know how important it is for us if you do. Our lives will change for the better, Dean. And, you might even end up working for that famous fashion house you have been wanting to work with for some time now. Please, Dean. Do this for us. For our family. Please Dean," she replied.
"I know how much this promotion means to you. I understand that having this promotion will change our lives for the better. But, I still don't think me having to sleep with your boss is the best thing for us to do. I can't do what you are asking of me, Julia," I expressed, my voice filled with a mixture of confusion and disappointment.
"Come on, Dean. Don't you love me? Don't you want us to have a fulfilled life? Do you want to remain unemployed for the rest of your life? Is that what you truly want?" she asked me, her voice tinged with exasperation.
"Julia, you know I love you with all my heart. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't do for you. However, what you are asking of me is very hard for me to do. It would even be an act of betrayal on my part, and I simply cannot bring myself to commit such a deed. I just cannot," I responded and averted my gaze.
With gentle hands, Julia turned my face to meet hers. "This cannot be termed as an act of betrayal if I am the one permitting you. Dean, I beg of you, do this for me. Please, my love," she pleaded.
I felt cornered. Deep down, I knew what Julia was asking me to do was wrong. In my eyes, it felt like I would be cheating on her if I did this. Yet, here she was, asking me to do the very thing I had promised myself I would not do. But, I loved her and wanted to see her happy. And if the only way she could get the promotion is through this means, then I will do it for her.
I released a weary sigh, unable to fathom the words that escaped my lips next.
"Very well. If that is what it takes for you to attain the promotion, I will do it."
Julia's face illuminated with joy, and she embraced me with elation, while I mustered a faint smile.
"Thank you. Thank you," she repeated, holding me tightly.
She planted a tender kiss on my cheek and hastened to our bedroom to retrieve her phone.
"I must call her and inform her of your agreement."
"Wait, are you intending to call her this very instant?" I asked, a wave of nervousness washing over me.
I had not expected her to go and call her boss immediately and tell her what we had agreed on. I was thinking I was going to get some time to prepare myself mentally for this.
"Yes, we have to let her know right away. Wait here," she uttered, her words dripping with a tinge of mystery before she gracefully exited the room.
In an instant, my heart plummeted into the depths of my chest, as I watched her happily climb up the stairs in happiness. A heavy weight of disappointment settled down upon my soul. A foreboding wave of nausea crashed over me, threatening to consume my very being. I released a weary sigh and rose from my seat, only for Julia to suddenly appear out of nowhere, back to my side with the news I did not expect.
"My boss desires to meet you tonight," she declared, her eyes gleaming with unbridled excitement.
"What! Tonight? Julia… Can't she postpone till maybe tomorrow?" I pleaded, desperately hoping she would reconsider.
"No, my love. It must be tonight. Because if you can do it tonight, the bureaucratic wheels will turn by tomorrow, settling the gears of the promotion in motion, Come on my love, do this for me. Do this for our shared destiny. Please," she implored, her voice laced with a mixture of longing and desperation.
Another heavy sigh escaped my lips, as I surrendered myself to the inevitable. "Very well, I shall prepare myself."
"Should I accompany you and lend my assistance?" She inquired, her eyes filled with genuine concern. But, I shook my head. I craved some solitude to contemplate the enigmatic path I was about to tread.
With heavy steps, I made my way to our bedroom, leaving Julia in the living room. I sank onto the bed when I reached the bedroom, my mind consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts. Why would Julia even consent to such a deal in the first place? Why?
After a while, I rose to my feet and changed into different clothing. Inspecting myself in the mirror, I exhaled sharply while I took one more look at myself before leaving the room. By the time I went back into the living room, Julia was still seated on the couch scrolling through her phone. She raised her head as soon as she felt my presence and smiled brightly at me. She rose from the couch and met me, wrapping her hands around me.
"Just know that I am proud and happy that you have decided to do this for us. I promise you, my love, that you won't regret this," she said with a happy smile on her face.
"I hope so. Anyway, can you send me the directions to her house on my phone?" I asked, feeling my heart going heavy with each word that came out of my mouth.
"Don't worry, my dear. I will send it to you before you even get there. Enjoy your night, sweetheart. And, I will see you tomorrow. Alright?" she said.
"Sure," I replied.
She hugged me and then said, "I love you."
"I love you too," I responded before breaking the hug.
Standing on her toes, she gave me a quick peck on my cheek and walked with me towards the door. Waving her goodbye, I walked out of the house and made my way down the streets to get a taxi.
I hailed a taxi and embarked on a journey through the bustling city, guided by the address Julia had sent to me on my phone. It was 8 pm by the time I arrived at my destination. I found myself standing in front of imposing gates, which were firmly shut. My eyes darted around the premises in search of a familiar face when suddenly, a towering figure in a security uniform sprinted towards me.
"Oh, hello. Um, does Miss Katherine Miller live here?" I inquired, my voice laced with apprehension.
"Yes, she does. And who might you be?" the man retorted curiosly.
"I am… Dean Grey. She is expecting me," I stammered, my nerves betraying me.
"Ah indeed. Please, do enter," he replied and unlocked the gates.
A smile crept upon my lips as I expressed my gratitude, all the while marveling at the grandeur of the mansion before me. The security guard led me through the sprawling estate, passing by a glistening pool until we arrived at a majestic front door. His knuckles rapped against it once, and it swung open, revealing an elderly woman. My heart dropped when I saw her, thinking she was the one I was coming to see. I watched as the two exchanged hushed words before she warmly ushered me inside.
The security guard retreated to his post, leaving me in the care of the gracious lady whom I later deduced only worked there. She guided me towards the dining room, putting me in a state of confusion. Perplexed by this unexpected detour, I mustered the courage to speak up.
"Um, Ma'am? I believe there may be a case of mistaken identity. I have come to see Miss Miller," I clarified, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
" Yes, I know that, sir. She will soon join you shortly. So please, make yourself comfortable," she assured me before leaving.
A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I sank into one of the plush chairs. The room exuded an air of grandeur, adorned with enigmatic portraits of unfamiliar faces that failed to stir any recognition within me. The walls gleamed with an immaculate white hue, while ornate golden embellishments graced the corners, whispering tales of opulence and splendor. Above, a resplendent chandelier hung, casting a radiant glow upon the meticulously arranged tables and chairs below.
The very essence of opulence saturated the air, enveloping the entire space in an undeniable aura of affluence.
At that moment, a wave of unease washed over me as I glanced down at my lackluster attire- a dreary blue shirt with sleeves rolled up to my elbow and a pair of black trousers. The past six months of unemployment had not been kind, presenting me with a plethora of challenges. Possessions were scarce, but I had always managed to make the most of what I had.
Yet, here I stood, confronted by the reality of my poverty in this grand setting.
An overwhelming urge to flee and escape this uncomfortable situation threatened to consume me when suddenly a voice broke through the tumult of my thoughts. Don't you think it is bad manners to leave someone's house without saying goodbye?" The woman's voice gently inquired.
Slowly, I turned my gaze, and before me stood a vision of elegance draped in the most exquisite black dress my eyes ever beheld. She emanated an undeniable air of grace and beauty, standing tall with her held high.
每周推薦票狀態
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榜單 
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