Unfaithful: Web Of Betrayal

One dance led to another. One drink led to another. She called it a night after less than two hours she was there. He was getting too familiar, and she enjoyed his company more than she should.

“I can’t.”

The two words that ended the night and Roman thought he was losing his Cinderella just before midnight. He would smack his own head if he wasn’t in public. They were chain drinking; he might have stood too close to her than she would’ve liked. His hands must’ve wandered to places that made her uncomfortable.

“Stupid.”

They murmured to themselves when they went their separate ways.

Olivia went back to her room in a hurry. She didn’t even explain to him why the night had to be cut short abruptly. She walked away as fast as she could and left him stupefied on the dance floor without a chance to redeem himself.

She sighed a breath of relief when she got to her room. She locked the door and closed her eyes for a moment to wash away the hysteria still in her.

He wasn’t touching her inappropriately. He wasn’t coming on to her. But he wanted to, and she could feel it. And that alone was a sign she should be the one to make the call, so she did.

Her phone beeps.

Declan: Hey, sweetheart … How’s your vacation going? I hope you’re enjoying your time better than I do.

‘What a timing,’ she thought.

Olivia: Hi, I just got back to my room, opening a bottle of champagne.

She was about to do that, she’s not lying.

Declan: Sounds delightful … Do you like the room? I specifically asked for the balcony; they only have two of those rooms onboard. It’s not that easy to get.

She threw her purse on the sofa and proceeded to the corner bar to get her champagne.

Olivia: I love it, it’s lovely … thank you … are you keeping yourself busy?

Declan: Oh yeah … been busy with the new campaign, exciting work stuff (eyes rolling emoji) … binge-watching the new season of The Case Files on Netflix … really, really exciting stuff.

She smiled; she knew he was joking.

Olivia: We should go together next time; the suite is gorgeous, and the view in the morning … so stunning.

Declan: Hmm … not as stunning as you, I bet… I miss you.

She stared at the glowing screen for a moment before she typed.

Olivia: I miss you too. I’m going to take a warm bath now.

Declan: Urrgh … you’re teasing me … can I join?

She was already taking off her shoes and undressing.

Olivia: Do you want to do a video call?

It was something they usually do when they’re away, calling via video so they can see each other through the small screen. Most of the time, when Olivia is bathing or showering. Declan loves to watch her do that. But it has been a while since they’ve done that.

He waited to reply. He wasn’t typing either.

Declan: You should enjoy your alone time … I won’t bother you … but I will take a raincheck on that when you’re back.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Olivia: Sure … thanks for doing this … the room is perfect, the bath is exquisite, I love everything about it.

Declan: You deserve it; I hope you’ll enjoy all the other stuff too, top-notch only; I made sure of that personally.

Olivia: They’re all excellent; I’ll send you pictures later.

Declan: I’ll be waiting … have a nice bath, babe … I’ll talk to you later. I love you.

Olivia: Love you too.

If anyone knew how much she appreciates her alone time, it would be Declan. That was one of his strongest suits compared to any other man she had ever had. Declan knew how and when to respect her privacy.

She poured a glass of champagne while taking the rest of her clothes off. The warm water ran in the bath; she took her silk lavender robe into the bathroom and closed the door. She poured bath salt and bath oil into the water; all the fancy toiletries were compliments from the cruise.

She slipped into the tub with champagne in her hand and felt the warm water hugging her whole body when submerged in it. She left the water running so it would fill all the way up to her chest. She leaned her head back and admired the crystal chandelier hanging above her head. All that euphoria from earlier had dissipated; her husband’s short texts might have had something to do with it.

Everything was OK. Nothing happened. She didn’t have to tell her husband about it because there was nothing to disclose.

As she gently rubbed her skin with body foam, her mind would only allow her to replay that playful smile when he said, “You know … one of the miracles in life is to find the perfect person when you’re not even looking.”