Chapter 23: A Deceptive Return
Lila arrived home a short while later, feeling a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety. She slipped into the bedroom, finding Alexander already awake and getting ready for work.
As she approached him, she noticed a subtle shift in his gaze, a flicker of something… suspicion?
"Good morning, sleepyhead," he greeted her, his voice warm. "You look… refreshed."
Lila forced a smile, her heart pounding. "Good morning," she replied, her voice a little breathless. "I slept well."
Suddenly, she noticed a subtle shift in his gaze, a flicker of something… suspicion?
"You smell… different," he observed, his brow furrowed. "Is that… a new perfume?"
Lila's heart skipped a beat. She had forgotten about the cologne. "Oh, that," she stammered, "It's from a colleague. I think I might have hugged her a little too tightly last night."
Alexander studied her face, his eyes searching hers. "Really?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of doubt.
Lila forced a confident smile. "Yes, really. It was a very… eventful dinner."
Alexander hesitated, his gaze lingering on her. He opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it again.
"I'll be late for work today," he said, his voice a little strained. "I have an early meeting."
Lila nodded, her heart pounding. "Have a good day," she replied, her voice a little too bright.
He kissed her forehead, his touch lingering a moment longer than usual. "I love you," he whispered, his voice laced with a hint of concern.
"I love you too," she replied, her voice trembling slightly.
As he left, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. He believed her.
Later that morning, Lila decided to call her office manager. "Did everything go well at the dinner last night?" she asked, her voice casual.
"Everything went off without a hitch," the manager replied. "Ensure no one mentions your absence."
Lila nodded curtly. "Understood."
She hung up the phone, a sense of unease creeping back in.