Chapter 25: I’m not escaping this…

Lila

“Hi, Mrs. Sterling,” a voice sounded from behind and I quickly turned, thinking it was one of Daniel’s friends or clients.

To my surprise, it was Ryan standing there with a big smile on his face.

“Ryan?… you’re here? How did you…”

“Relax,” he cut in.

“I’m not stalking you if that’s what you’re thinking. When I asked you to be my date to an event I was going? It’s this one and I honestly have no idea you’d be coming.” He explained while I looked in his eyes, finding it hard to believe him.

“You don’t believe me, right?” He quizzed while I shook my head.

“No, I don’t. You’ve been showing some moves lately so no, I don’t believe that this is just a coincidence.” I countered while he smiled.

“Hmmmm… I don’t hear any harshness in your tone so I’m guessing you are impressed with those moves. Tell me then, do you like the flowers?” He asked and before I could answer, I felt a grip on my hand.

I turned and it was Daniel looking so angry. He and Ryan stared hard at each other for a long second and maybe it would go beyond just looks if they weren’t in public. They looked so ready to throw blows.

“And if I may ask, what was your reason for sending my wife flowers?” Daniel finally broke the silence but he didn’t even let Ryan answer before he continued.

“Stay away from her. This is a public space, don’t let me embarrass you.” He chimed in while Ryan winked at me and then turned to leave.

Daniel gently pulled me closer and leaned over as if he wanted to kiss me.

“What did I tell you about being discreet about your affairs? Do not embarrass me or ruin things for me just because you’re so horny and can’t control your damn self. Fuck all you want but keep your business from the public eye and my presence. There are a lot of cameras here, what do you think will happen if any of them catches you in a compromising position?” He let out.

“It’s not what you think. I didn’t even know he was going to be here.” I tried to explain but he wasn’t convinced.

“I hope I don’t have to repeat myself agsin because I won’t be this nice. Get a grip on your body… maybe pay more attention to your legs.” He said firmly while I nodded gently.

The break was over then and we continued with the event but I wasn’t myself at all. Daniel’s words really got to me and the more I tried to push it off, the more hurtful I got. Tears were starting to well up in my eyes and couldn’t risk breaking down there so I excused myself and left the hall.

I wanted some cool air and the garden was the perfect place for that. There was no one there but it was well lit so I had nothing to be scared off.

I found a cool spot in a corner and I made myself comfortable on the bench. I just sat there and stared blankly into the air. I thought about that night again when I walked into the room where Daniel was waiting.

My life hasn’t been the same ever since then but I convince myself every morning when I wake up that it’s all worth it because of Mia.

I was still deep in thoughts when I heard footsteps behind me. I looked and it was Ryan again. That was it for me, I stood up immediately and faced him.

“Okay, this isn’t funny anymore. You can’t keep springing up on me anytime you like. Please leave.” I let out but he didn’t. He even moved closer instead.

“And why would I do that when I can see that you need someone to talk to. You don’t look okay, want to talk about it? Trust me, you’re going to feel better.” He let out while I scoffed.

“You don’t seem to get it, do you? Whatever you have in mind is not going to work. I am married and this thing you’re doing is causing so much trouble in our marriage. Please leave me alone. I don’t want to do business with you or even be friends.” I insisted but he still wouldn’t bulge.

“I’m being serious here, Lila. I’m not going to leave you here alone knowing you’re not okay. I saw you leave and I saw the tears in your eyes as well. You need to let the steam out so have a seat and talk to me.” He said gently and honestly, I wanted to stil insisted that he leaves but I couldn’t.

I didn’t have anymore resistance in me so I just sat down and went blank for a few minutes.

“You’re right, I’m not okay. A lot of things are happening and it hurts me so much that I can’t do anything about it. I really need this… I can’t tell you. I can’t even talk about it and that makes even more hurtful.” I explained and I didn’t even know when tears started coming.

“Oh my…” Ryan said and then crouched in front of me.

He held my hands for a while before sitting beside me. He pulled me into his arms and I didn’t resist. I just cried my pains out.

But then, I felt something suddebly shift between us and I quickly pulled from his embrace but the moment I looked up and we locked eyes, it was over.

We both couldn’t resist the urge and before we knew what was happening, we were already in each other’s mouth, kissing passionately like our lives depended on it.

I was so lost in it but it felt so good and every second brought back calmness to my body. His hands trailed down my neck to my boobs and that was what jerked me back to my senses.

“I’m… I… I’m so sorry but we can’t be doing this.” I said as I quickly jumped to my feet and stepped away from him.

He stood up too but didn’t try to come close.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize. I really wanted that but I’m sorry it had to happen like this. I hope it wouldn’t ruin things between us.” He retorted.

“Of course not, it’s not going to ruin anything because there’s nothing between us and there’s no ‘us’! I’m married and I love my…”

I hadn’t finished when I heard a loud roar behind me.

“Lila!” I immediately recognized the voice. It was Daniel and I just knew I had gotten myself into trouble that I wouldn’t be able to get out of this time…