Unfinished Affairs: The Dark Secrets

Chapter 5: Morning After and Guilt

Sophia woke in a tangle of sheets, the dim light of early morning filtering through the windows of Christian's penthouse. For a moment, she didn't know where she was, a haze of sleep and emotions clouding her mind. But as she slowly came to her senses, the events of the previous night rushed back, flooding her with a mix of emotions so intense that it almost took her breath away.

She turned her head and saw Christian lying beside her, his eyes closed, his expression peaceful. The sight of him stirred something deep within her—a yearning she couldn't deny, but it was accompanied by a sharp pang of guilt that twisted her insides. Her thoughts immediately went to Noah. The realization of what she had done, what it would mean for her relationship with him, settled heavily in her chest.

Careful not to wake Christian, Sophia slipped out of bed, the cool air brushing against her skin as she quickly dressed. She could feel her pulse quicken, a mixture of panic and shame washing over her as she glanced at the man she had shared so much with only hours ago. The night had felt inevitable, as if they had been moving toward it from the moment their eyes met again at the dinner, but in the harsh light of morning, all Sophia could see were the consequences.

She needed to get out, to clear her head and figure out how she was going to face the day. As she reached the door, she heard a soft rustle behind her.

"Sophia?" Christian's voice was drowsy, a hint of concern threading through it as he sat up, rubbing his eyes. "You're leaving?"

She turned, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I just... I need some time," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'll call you later."

Christian watched her, his gaze searching her face for some indication of what she was thinking. "Are you okay?" he asked, his tone soft, almost hesitant.

Sophia nodded quickly. "I just... I need to think," she repeated, not knowing what else to say. She turned and left before she could change her mind, the door clicking shut behind her with a finality that seemed to echo through the quiet apartment.

The walk back to her own place felt like a blur. The streets were already bustling with early-morning activity, but Sophia felt detached from it all, as though she were moving through a dream. Her thoughts were consumed by what she had done, the weight of her actions pressing down on her with every step.

When she reached her apartment, she hesitated at the door, a surge of dread washing over her. This was where she had built a life with Noah, where everything had seemed perfect not so long ago. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, the familiar smell and sight of the place only deepening her sense of guilt. She stood in the entryway for a long moment, her fingers gripping the strap of her purse as if it could somehow anchor her to reality.

She didn't know how long she had been standing there when her phone buzzed in her bag, jolting her from her thoughts. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Noah's name flashing on the screen. He had texted her to say good morning and that he hoped to catch her later before his meetings started. His cheerful message felt like a punch to the gut, a reminder of the man she had betrayed, the life she had jeopardized.

Sophia sank onto the couch, her hands trembling as she typed a quick reply, trying to sound as normal as possible. "Good morning! I'm just heading out for some errands. Have a great day, and we'll talk soon." She stared at the screen for a moment before pressing send, the lie leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

Over the next few days, Sophia found it increasingly difficult to act normal around Noah. His excitement about the Las Vegas deal and his plans for their future seemed to grow with every phone call, while Sophia struggled to keep up the facade. She found herself spacing out during conversations, her mind drifting back to Christian and the intensity of their time together. The feelings were complicated—part longing, part guilt, and part a deep-seated fear that she was heading down a path she couldn't turn back from.