Whispers Of Betrayal (Anastasia and Alastor)

Chapter 2

Not too long ago, during a business meeting. Alastor had consumed an excessive amount of alcohol. It was Felicia who had taken on the responsibility of getting him home. Moreover, she took the initiative to add Anastasia on WhatsApp. She introduced herself as a recently hired secretary for Alastor, expressing eagerness to interact with Anastasia in the days ahead.

“What an ironic twist. Alastor openly hired his ex–girlfriend to join his company,” Anastasia thought to herself with a hint of Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Sarcasm.

Subsequently, Anastasia discovered the reason behind Alastor’s excessive drinking that day. It had been prompted by the presence of his collaborator’s female secretary who had joined them for drinks during the meeting, and this secretary was none other than Felicia.

Felicia, who had been abroad for four years, had returned.

However, Alastor was already married.

Alastor was a domineering man. Thus, he stubbornly poached Felicia from her former company and offered her a position as a secretary in his own company.

His reason was that the collaborator’s boss was disreputable and widely known to be morally reprehensible, with at reputation as a pervert within their industry.

On the other hand, Alastor himself played the role of the knight in shining armor.

Alastor didn’t return home until nine o’clock the following morning. Upon stepping into the house, he was met with the sight of Anastasia sitting in the dining room, her complexion pale.

“Have you had something to eat?” Alastor’s tone held a touch of weariness, his voice maintaining its characteristic low register. He continued, “I’ll go take a shower.”

He put on an act of casualness, believing his facade to be flawless, hence he didn’t feel the need to offer any explanations.

Unbeknownst to him, Felicia had already divulged the entire situation on his behalf.

Anastasia took a deep breath and rose from her seat, proceeding in her usual manner to pick up the suit that Alastor had discarded.

However, Anastasia’s fingers momentarily stiffened. She found the situation oddly amusing.

Felicia didn’t let any opportunity slip by to provoke Anastasia. In the latter’s opinion, the lipstick smudge on the collar of Alastor’s shirt seemed rather juvenile.

“I’ve placed your clothes outside, Alastor. Anastasia’s voice was gentle, devoid of any revealing emotions, much like his own demeanor.

Alastor embraced Anastasia and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I wasn’t there for you on Christmas Eve, but I’ll make it up to you today. What would you like as a gift?”

Anastasia’s smile appeared strained when she heard his words, and Alastor’s touch now brought a sense of repulsion.

She thought, “He only has his first crush in his heart. Why did he entangle himself with me? This isn’t fair to me…”

“Let’s go to the beach for a walk this afternoon,” Anastasia suggested.

Anastasia was a foolish woman. She had refrained from utilizing much of Alastor’s wealth throughout their four–year marriage. Moreover, she harbored an aversion to what society deemed luxurious possessions.

In essence, she resembled an ornament meticulously chosen by Alastor to fulfill the role of his wife.

However, Felicia stood in stark contrast. She exuded an air of someone inherently meant to be pampered by men.

“Are you saving money for me?” Alastor arched his eyebrows, leaning his chin on Anastasia’s shoulder. He resembled a weary bird returning to its nest, finally finding solace.

Anastasia speculated that Alastor had grown accustomed to her presence, seeing her as an integral aspect of his “home.” Nonetheless, she recognized that she occupied the role of a wife rather than a lover.

Approaching noon. Anastasia came across another instance of Felicia flaunting her lifestyle on Instagram.

Felicia had shared a picture of a handbag boasting the latest design. Despite being just a bag, its price tag was in the tens of

thousands of dollars.

The caption read: [He always told me that true love is demonstrated when men are willing to spend on women. What can I say? I adore it.]

Anastasia discreetly captured a screenshot of the post. Subsequently, she set her phone aside with an air of detachment, anticipating Alastor’s company for their trip to the beach.