Forbidden Desires: The Neighbour Next Door

The Perfect Couple

Ethan Matthews stood in front of the bathroom mirror, adjusting the knot on his silk tie with a practised hand. The faint scent of aftershave lingered in the air, a crisp, woodsy aroma that Sarah had chosen for him. It was one of the many small details in their life that she controlled, and Ethan had never minded. He revelled in the attention she gave him, in how meticulously she crafted their life together. To the outside world, they were the epitome of perfection—blissfully in love, forever tied by their shared laughter and stolen glances.

Ethan was a striking man, the kind that turned heads when he walked into a room. He stood tall at six feet, with broad shoulders and a physique that hinted at years of disciplined gym sessions. His dark hair, always perfectly styled, framed his face in sharp angles, accentuating his strong jawline. But it was his eyes that drew people in—bright, electric blue, with a depth that made anyone feel seen and understood. They were eyes that could persuade, charm, and comfort, and Ethan knew how to use them. His smile, wide and disarming, only added to his charismatic allure.

As he finished with his tie, Ethan glanced at the reflection of his wife, Sarah, still lying in bed. Even after nearly five years of marriage, the sight of her still stirred something in him. Sarah Matthews was a vision of beauty, with long, chestnut-brown hair that spilt over her shoulders in gentle waves. Her green eyes, framed by dark lashes, sparkled with warmth and kindness, while her lips held a perpetual soft smile as if she knew some secret joy the world wasn't privy to. This morning, she wore nothing but one of Ethan's shirts, its crisp white fabric falling loosely against her pale skin.

"Do you really have to go into the office today?" she asked, her voice soft and slightly teasing as she stretched, the shirt rising just enough to show a hint of her toned legs.

Ethan chuckled, crossing the room to her side. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Duty calls, babe. Someone has to keep the company running," he said lightly, his fingers brushing through her hair. There was a tenderness in his voice, the same warmth he always showed her, whether in private or in front of others.

Sarah pouted, though a smile played on her lips. "I miss you when you're gone. You work too hard, you know that?"

Ethan grinned, that dazzling, almost boyish grin that could make anyone melt. "Well, somebody has to make sure we can afford all those weekend getaways you love so much." He kissed her again, this time on her lips, soft and lingering.

She smiled against his mouth, her hands sliding up to rest on his chest. "Fair point," she whispered, then pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a playful glint in her eyes. "How about you make it up to me tonight? Maybe dinner at La Bella's? We haven't had a proper date night in ages."

He raised an eyebrow. "I was just about to suggest that. Great minds think alike."

Her eyes lit up. "I'll make the reservation. Eight o'clock sound good?"

"Perfect," he said, his smile widening. "I'll pick up a bottle of your favourite wine on the way home."

"You really are the perfect husband, aren't you?" Sarah teased, running a hand through his hair.

"Well, I try," Ethan replied with a wink, pulling away to grab his briefcase. "You make it easy."

As he left the bedroom, he glanced back one more time, watching Sarah sink back into the pillows, her hair fanning out around her like a halo. To the outside world, they were the perfect couple. And in many ways, they were. Ethan was devoted, attentive, and always there when Sarah needed him. They had built a life together that others envied—a beautiful home in an upscale suburban neighbourhood, successful careers, and a relationship that seemed untouched by the strain so many others experienced.

In public, they were the golden couple. Ethan often wrapped his arm around Sarah's waist during parties, pulling her close as they laughed together like newlyweds. Their friends marvelled at how effortlessly in sync they were, how they still kissed without hesitation no matter who was watching. People would often say, "You two give me hope," or, "If only we could be like you guys."

Yet, as Ethan drove to work with the windows down, letting the cool morning breeze whip through the car, a part of him couldn't help but feel the weight of it all. The perfect husband. The perfect life. Wasn't that what he'd always wanted?

He loved Sarah, truly. She was his first love, his anchor in a chaotic world, and the one person who had always been there through it all. Yet there were moments—quiet, fleeting moments—when Ethan felt the restlessness creeping in. It wasn't dissatisfaction, not exactly. It was something deeper, a nagging thought he couldn't quite shake.

The truth was, their life was predictable. Beautiful, but predictable. And while Ethan thrived on the consistency, part of him longed for something else, something... different. He pushed the thought aside as quickly as it surfaced, reminding himself that he had everything a man could want. The job, the house, the wife. This was the dream.

As he pulled into the office parking lot, Ethan shook off the rest of the thoughts lingering in his mind. He stepped out of the car, smoothing down his jacket and flashing his signature smile as he entered the building.

"Morning, Mr. Matthews," the receptionist greeted, her voice perky.

"Morning, Emily," Ethan replied, his charm effortlessly on display. He walked past his colleagues, exchanging pleasantries as they admired his polished appearance, his easy charm. Everyone admired Ethan Matthews. Everyone wanted to be Ethan Matthews.

And for now, that was enough to keep the doubts at bay.

Because after all, Ethan had mastered the art of being perfect—at least on the outside.

"Coffee, Ethan?" his assistant, Rachel, asked, already holding out his usual.

"You know me too well," he replied with a grin, taking the cup from her.

She laughed lightly. "Well, someone's got to keep you going. Busy day?"

"Just the usual," he said, but his thoughts drifted back to the morning with Sarah, her warm smile, their easy banter. To everyone else, they were the perfect couple.

And they were... weren't they?