𝐔𝐆𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇

FIVE

ALEX

I sit up in my bed, rubbing my eyes. My vision quickly falls on Ana, who's peacefully sleeping, her stomach against the mattress. She was naked, her hair a tangled mess. I check the time.

6:27 AM

I cover her in the blanket and kiss her spine. I quietly get up and change into a new set of clothes. After getting ready, I leave the apartment, guilt following along.

It had become something I've encountered a lot. Guilt, I mean.

I never wanted to hurt Ana, but I wasn't sure how long I could keep this a secret. I drive for twenty minutes and arrive at my destination. It was a big mansion that my father passed down to me. As usual, I see my butler come down and open the car door for me. I thank him and walk inside.

This place can be big and glorious, but it'll always seem so cold and lonely to me. I've never been happy in this building.

I walk straight to my office. I needed to sort some things from work out and the quicker I do, the better chances I have of getting out of here. "Alex!" I hear her and sigh sadly, regretting not being able to walk faster. I turn around and am greeted by my wife.

She flips her blonde hair away from her shoulder, smiling from ear to ear. She stops right in front of me, and I have to look down at her. "You're home!" She says, amused. "I missed you so much, sweetie." She goes on her tiptoes and places her lips against mine, grabbing me in her hands.

I stand motionless, unsure of what to do. Instead, I slightly turn my head away, and she stops. I can see her facial features change. She was upset. "I have work to do," I say, turning my back on her and walking away. I felt relieved from the heavy pressure once I closed my office door.

I sit down at my desk and close my eyes. Sabrina Trent was my wife, and I had Ana in my life. Two women who knew nothing of each other. I knew it was wrong.

I never loved Sabrina. She was the daughter of the CEO of the New York Times, and my father had a deal with him. For the money and higher position, they gave their children away. We were forced into a marriage. I could never stand Sabrina, yet the moment she met me, she was devoted to me. She worshipped the very floor I walked on.

It was an obsessive love that I could never return. Not yesterday, not today, not tomorrow. My heart belongs to Ana and only her. My life was so dark and meaningless without her. Ana is the breath of air I didn't know I needed.

Sabrina, on the other hand, suffocated me. She was gorgeous, a tall, slim model who looked like a real-life doll. I loved seeing her in that floral dress she wears every Spring. The way she was always so cheerful, so hopeful. I did try loving her.

I tried all I could, but she was too controlling and demanding. One time, we got into an argument and she slapped me. I saw the instant regret, but I wasn't going to stand all that. I'm sure Sabrina's a great person, but we both wither away trying to love each other. In the end, I always believed she liked the idea of me, because she didn't truly know all of me. She just pretended to, and she pretended to be this happy marriage. I was sick.

About five hours pass by when I finish my work. I grab my phone and press Ana's contact.

Me: Going home :)

Ana: Can't wait!
I'm still at work
Drive safely Ily

I smiled warmly at my screen. I put my phone away and grabbed my things, ready to leave. I walk away from my office, towards the door. Sabrina calls out for me, and I stop in my tracks. I look back and see her walking down our spiral stairs.

"Where are you going?" She asks. I knew I had to tell Sabrina the truth about Ana. Just not yet.

"I have another business trip. I'll be gone for a few weeks."

She frowns but stays silent. Without another word, I leave the building and enter my black Lamborghini. I start the engine and drive away as quickly as I can.

If only I could run away this quickly from my secret.