Deceptions of the Heart

A forbidden secret

That night was difficult for Roxanne. She would constantly zone out at work causing her to earn insults from her boss. Max's last night's visit at her apartment was stuck in her mind as well as his words. What could he mean by that? What could Richard possibly be hiding? How did his fight with Lizzy concern her? What did Richard have to tell her? What was this 'truth?' However, what surprised her mostly was the fact that Richard hadn't visited the bar like he always does. She glanced at the wall clock. This was the usual time he arrived. What could have happened?

To add more to her surprise, Lizzy didn't appear on stage either like she usually does. She noticed how the singer's assistants panicked in front of the backstage door. This was indeed a weird day. Let alone this fact only assisted in raising her suspicions even more. Richard didn't visit the bar. Lizzy didn't appear on stage. What was happening? Was Max really worth her trust?

Roxanne's suspicions were even higher once she heard suspicious sounds from the secluded corridor of the bar. She was about to walk into the storage room when she heard those sounds. Surprisingly they were coming from the storage room. It couldn't be. Her suspicions were extremely high. She was conflicted whether she should burst inside or not. After a lot of thought she turned the handle and stepped in the room.

"Richard!?" She yelled. Her eyes wide in surprise at the sight in front of her.

Lizzy was pinned against the wall by Richard. One of her legs was on his shoulders while her hands were trying to unbutton his shirt. Both their heads were turned to face her.

"Roxanne? What are you doing here?" The male asked as he tried to fix his clothes and position.

"How could you!?" Roxanne yelled again. "At the same place we did it..."

Lizzy had an expression of disapproval on her face as she spoke.

"Look sweetie, we were having fun and you interrupted us-" she was caught off by Richard.

"Roxanne, its not what it looks like".

"I don't want any of your excuses!" Roxanne snapped before she left furiously.

The young woman was running through the crowd. She didn't give a damn if her boss would yell at her for this. She just needed fresh air. Once she got out she heard footsteps. Someone was approaching her. She turned around to see who it was. She wasn't surprised.

"Roxanne" Richard began while panting. "Let me explain-"

"Explain what!?" He was cut off. "I knew it! Max was right!"

"Max?" Richard looked at Roxanne in disbelief. "Did you talk to Max?"

"So what!? He was right! He warned me about you! He was right! You're not trustworthy!" Yelled Roxanne.

Richard gripped her arm.

"I told you to stay away from him!"

Roxanne fought for her freedom. Once she broke free from his grip she spoke.

"The one I should stay away from is you..." And then she ran away.

Richard followed her behind. The girl was about to run towards an empty alleyway before the male grabbed her shoulder.

"Roxanne listen for once! She manipulated me! I never intended on hurting you!"

"You never intended on hurting me my ass!" Roxanne snapped back.

"She said that if I spent a night of passion with her Max would leave me at peace! What was I supposed to do!?" Richard was starting to lose his hope.

"What a cheap excuse! Max couldn't have put his wife to fuck with you! He told me that they fought in our last meeting and now I know why!"

"So you have been meeting with Max!?" Richard was losing his patience as well.

"Twice! So this was the 'truth' he was talking about..." Roxanne was gazing at her ex lover with hatred.

"What truth!? What are you saying!?" Snapped Richard.

"If you'll excuse me... I need to go. Piss off Richard. Don't follow me" and with that Roxanne left.

Back in the Rider mansion, Max and Lizzy were preparing for their divorce.

"I must say I expected that from you Lizzy" spoke Max nonchalantly.

The lady didn't say anything. She had an upset look on her face. Not because she and her husband were divorcing but because she'd lose everything concerning her luxurious life. Her worst fear was present once again. Max seemed quite satisfied with that. They both knew that their marriage was a waste. They didn't love each other. The night was indeed difficult. Full of forbidden secrets.