OUR LITTLE SECRET

Part 68

Just as you walked into the kitchen, your phone buzzed on the counter, breaking the brief silence. There was a text message from an unknown number. You frowned, curiosity pulling you toward the screen.

"What is it?" Cillian called from the living room, noticing your hesitation.

"Someone I don't know... it says, 'Caught some great shots of your baby-daddy. Wanna see?'" You read aloud, your brow furrowing with concern.

Cillian shifted uncomfortably, the warmth in his eyes giving way to something colder, something that felt all too familiar.

"Who is it?" he demanded, the tension sharpening his voice.

You tapped the screen to reveal the sender. "I do know. I don't know the number," you explained again , your heart racing as Cillian's expression shifted, a storm brewing in his eyes.

"Let me see it," Cillian urged, stepping closer, his hand reaching for your phone.

You slid it across the counter, eyes darting to his face, searching for reassurance but, just as you handed him the phone, another message showed up, containing a photograph.

Cillian's eyes widened as he scrolled through the incoming messages, the tension in the air thickening. You leaned closer, trying to catch a glimpse of the photo, but his body blocked your view.

"Cillian..." you started slowly, anxiety knotting your stomach.

His fingers froze on the screen, breath hitching as he let the photo sink in.

"What the fuck, just give me my phone back!" you snapped, feeling heat rise in your chest.

Cillian's eyes darted from the screen to you, a mixture of guilt and defensiveness flashing across his face.

"What's in the picture ?" you pressed, your voice strained, each word coming out sharper than before.

He hesitated, face pale as he swallowed hard. "I... it's just a photo," Cillian mumbled before his eyes flickered back to the screen, dread creeping into the depths of his expression.

"Just a photo? Then why are you looking like you've seen a ghost?" You narrowed your eyes, demanding answers as you leaned in closer and snatched the phone from his hands.

The image blinked back at you, vivid and unforgiving, featuring Cillian and Annabella in a rather uncompromising embrace, their bodies close, naked.

Your breath caught in your throat, disbelief washing over you like ice water.

"Y/N," Cillian started, but you cut him off, your voice trembling with anger.

"You are such an asshole!" The words hung between you like a grenade, ready to explode.

Cillian stepped back, his face a mask of regret. "I didn't mean for you to find out like this."

"Like this?" You hitched your breath, the anger flaring with every syllable. "You think there's a good way to find out you fucking lied to me again?"

Cillian opened his mouth, then closed it, searching for words that wouldn't come. He shifted on his feet, guilt pulling his expression into a pained grimace.

"Y/N, listen," Cillian began. His body sagged, his shoulders dropping as you interrupted him.

"I am done listening to your bullshit, Cillian! You said you never slept with anyone but me when you were married to Danielle, so what the fuck is this?" you asked as Cillian took a step closer to you, desperation flickering in his eyes.

"I didn't lie about that!" His voice rose slightly, raw and strained, as if he was trying to convince himself more than you. "It was more recent," his words barely hung in the air before you shook your head, disbelief warping your features.