Unfaithful: Web Of Betrayal

Her blood curled when she heard it. She was unable to process the situation. The conversation around her sounded like a murmur.

Roman stretched his arm to shake her husband’s hand.

“What a fine young man, I would never have guessed … you surely got your mother’s gene,” Declan said to tease Brian.

“Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hunt,” he replied.

“Likewise, please, call me Declan … and this is my wife, Olivia.”

Her pulse increased rapidly; her mind was foggy as she reached to shake his hand. She noticed he had an earring on his left earlobe, which wasn’t there when they first met. He looked different but the same. It was surreal. But one thing for sure, he didn’t look surprised to see her.

“Delighted to meet you, Mrs. Hunt … happy birthday, by the way, and congratulations on your wedding anniversary,” he said without taking his eyes off her.

“Thank you,” she pulled her hand back. Did he know this was going to happen? Did he know who she was before that night?

“Roman has come back from a long journey … he’s a photographer and has a passion for the arts; he came home last year and told me he was going to open his first gallery,” Brian said. “He would like to invite us all to the opening on Monday … it’s on Pioneer Crest,” he added.

She felt a knot in her stomach.

“Pioneer Crest? That’s where Olivia’s studio is,” Declan responded before she could even say a thing. “What is it called? I don’t remember seeing a gallery in that area.”

“Ludus … ” his eyes lurked at her, “It’s not opened yet. We’ve been renovating and decorating for the past few months, the sign is still covered … I believe it’s right across from …”

“Urban Aesthetic?” Declan laughed, “What a fantastic coincidence … honey, it’s right across from your studio.”

Olivia forced a smile even though she felt like she was going to be sick; suddenly, she remembered seeing a newly renovated building across her studio with the sign still covered, “That’s wonderful.”

“We will definitely be there. Olivia loves artwork … maybe we might even find something that could compliment our home,” Declan pulled his wife’s hand and kissed it. “Olivia is running her own interior design studio; she could even put you on the list for her clients … they love the artwork, right sweetheart?”

“That’s a brilliant idea,” Brian joined in, “I think we should develop it further.”

Olivia smiled and nodded, even though she was messed up inside. “I don’t see why not; it’s always good to have wider selections.” Her head felt light. She turned to Declan and leaned close to his ear, “I think I need to go to the restroom.”

Declan saw her face was a shade lighter, “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine … I just need to use the bathroom,” she wanted to run and hide; the restroom was the only place she could think of.

Declan nodded, “Sure, go ahead.”

She glanced at her guests briefly, “Excuse me,” she couldn’t look Roman in the eyes.

She walked away straight to the bathroom at the back of the restaurant. She locked herself in one of the rooms and let out a breath of relief. Her heart throbbed underneath her dress; she had to put one hand on her chest to steady its beating.

What just happened? What is going on? She was having a hard time processing everything. Was it a coincidence? Right across her studio? Why is he doing this? It’s been two years … she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. No one can know about this. She stared at the wall for a few seconds; she had to get it together if she was going to sit there and pretend they don’t know each other.

Her hands were shaking. Her breathing was gradually slowing down. She can do this, at least for tonight. She unlocked the door and walked over to the washstand. Her reflection in the mirror didn’t show the commotion inside her. She took another deep breath. Steady her hands to loosen the nerves, then walked out of the bathroom.

Roman was walking towards her.

‘Shit,’ she thought. Why is he not at the table with all the others?

His eyes seemed to be able to find her wherever she was. He was walking toward the exit door, but he had to pass her by on the way. There was no way she could escape this. She was numbed, not ready to say anything to him in private. As he was getting closer, he tilted his head with a smile and stopped in front of her.

“It’s really good to see you … Olivia,” his raspy voice was soothing as she remembered it.

There was a heavy feeling in her stomach, something she never saw coming; there was a lump in her throat and a crash in her chest. She forced a smile, “It’s good to see you too.”

“Please come to the opening on Monday; I would love to have you there … with your husband, of course,” he said with a gentle smile.

She couldn’t look him in the face; the pressure from behind her eyes was too strong; if this went on for longer, she might need to go back to the bathroom, “Of course … we’ll be there.”

“Fantastic … I’ll see you then … take care,” he said, walking away.

She walked back to her table to continue the night. It was a relief that she didn’t have to do it with Roman sitting across from her while her husband was on her side on their wedding anniversary. She rubbed the ring Declan gave her, looking at the astonishing detail. Declan was discussing business with everyone. She would smile and nod occasionally, agreeing with what they were saying, but her mind was elsewhere. Her mind was back to Ludus.