Forbidden Desires: The Neighbour Next Door

The Perfect Set-Up

Two days before the cruise, Chloe slipped out of the house and made her way to a quiet café where her contact was waiting. She sat down, her heart racing, as the man slid a small packet across the table towards her.

"Don't worry," he said in a low voice, his eyes glinting with amusement as he noticed Chloe's nervousness. "I can assure you it's really safe. This will help knock someone out—sleeping like a log, won't wake for hours. The other will heighten the senses of touch and... let's say, sensuality, but it'll fog the brain. Just a little will do the job."

Chloe nodded, her fingers trembling slightly as she took the packet and tucked it into her bag. "That's exactly what I need," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

She left quickly, the weight of what she was planning sinking in. But this was her chance—her moment to secure Ethan for good. And with the cruise just days away, everything was falling into place.

The day finally arrived, and excitement buzzed through the air as they boarded the cruise ship. The weather was perfect, the sea calm and sparkling under the sun. Isabelle was positively glowing, her belly round with the growing baby, while Ethan was all smiles, his arm wrapped protectively around her. Chloe watched them from a distance, hiding her jealousy behind a mask of politeness.

The cruise itself was a dream. Laughter filled the air as families enjoyed the activities onboard. Chloe watched Ethan and Isabelle laugh and hold hands, enjoying the bright sunshine on deck, playing games, and lounging by the pool. It was a picturesque family holiday, and for anyone looking in, they seemed like the perfect couple, ready to welcome their baby into the world.

After dinner, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the sea, Ethan turned to Chloe with a grin. "I'm leaving your mummy in your care tonight. I've got a business meeting with some very persistent clients," he said, his tone light, but there was a hint of reluctance. He leaned down and kissed Isabelle softly. "Sleep early, love. I'll try to come back sooner, but don't wait up. These people are not easy to get rid of."

Isabelle smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "Don't work too hard, Ethan. We'll be fine."

Ethan then turned to Chloe. "Thank you, Chloe, for letting me use your room for the night. Enjoy your evening with Isabelle."

Chloe's heart raced, but she kept her composure, giving Ethan a small smile. "Of course, Ethan. I'll take good care of her."

As Ethan walked away, Chloe's mind buzzed with anticipation. Everything was in place.

Later that evening, after watching a lighthearted theatre show together, Chloe and Isabelle returned to their shared cabin, both feeling relaxed from the day's activities. They chatted about the show as they cleaned up and got ready for bed, their laughter soft and genuine.

Chloe threw her arms around Isabelle in an unexpected hug. "I love you, Mum," she said, her voice soft and sincere. "It's been so long since we've had a night like this, just the two of us."

Isabelle smiled, touched by Chloe's affection. "I love you too, Chloe. It's been nice, hasn't it? We should do this more often."

Chloe pulled away, hiding the glint in her eyes. "Here, I made us some milk before bed. It'll help you sleep." She handed Isabelle the drink, her heart pounding as she watched her unsuspecting stepmother take the glass with a grateful smile.

"Thanks, darling," Isabelle said as she took a sip. "You're so thoughtful."

Within minutes of finishing the drink, Isabelle began to feel drowsy, her eyelids growing heavy. "I'm so tired all of a sudden," she murmured, her words slurring slightly. "That milk really did the trick."

Chloe nodded, coaxing her towards the bed. "Come on, let's get you tucked in. You need your rest."

Isabelle didn't protest. She climbed into bed, her movements sluggish, her eyes already half-closed. Chloe pulled the covers over her, tucking her in with a gentle smile. She watched Isabelle's head sink into the pillow, her breathing already deepening as she slipped into unconsciousness.

To make sure, Chloe performed the hand-drop test she'd read about. She lifted Isabelle's arm slightly and let it drop. It fell limply, hitting the bed with no resistance.

"Goodnight, Mum," Chloe whispered, a twisted smile creeping onto her lips. Isabelle was out cold—just as planned.

Now all Chloe had to do was wait for Ethan.

She paced the room for a while, her heart racing with anticipation. Soon, she thought. Soon, Ethan would return, and they would have the night she had been dreaming of for so long. She had taken all the necessary steps—Isabelle wouldn't wake up until morning, and Ethan... well, Ethan would finally see her in the way she wanted him to.

The minutes ticked by slowly, the excitement building inside her. She imagined how the night would unfold, how she would rekindle the connection she felt between them that fateful night in the guest room. This time, it wouldn't be a mistake. This time, it would be deliberate.

As the clock neared midnight, Ethan stumbled into the corridor, his feet dragging heavily across the carpeted floor as he tried to keep his balance. His vision blurred, the world around him swaying as if the ship itself had tilted beneath him. His head pounded with the remnants of too many drinks, and each step felt like a monumental effort. His shirt was half-untucked, his tie hanging loose around his neck, and his hair, usually neatly styled, was dishevelled from repeatedly running his hands through it in frustration.

His gait was unsteady, his body swaying from side to side as he attempted to walk straight. He reached out to steady himself against the wall, his fingers brushing along it for support as he blinked heavily, trying to focus. The soft glow of the ship's lights seemed overly bright, making his head throb even more. His breathing was shallow, his chest heaving as he muttered incoherently under his breath, fragments of conversations from earlier in the evening mixing with half-formed thoughts.

Occasionally, he paused, as if trying to remember where he was headed, his brow furrowing in confusion. Then, with a grunt, he pushed himself forward again, the alcohol clouding his mind and dulling his usually sharp instincts.

Chloe heard the faint sound of footsteps in the corridor. Her heart leapt. Ethan was coming.

She quickly slipped into something more revealing, adjusting her hair and checking herself in the mirror. She needed to look perfect.