It was a lazy Sunday in Lancaster, traffic was easy. She arrived within 20 minutes at her brownstone house in the elite urban area of the busy city. It was the house they bought a few years after they were married and thought they were going to start a family there.It was close to the commercial area where Declan goes to work every day. It was family friendly because there were schools, and grocery stores a few blocks away, and a hospital within 5 minutes' driving distance.She climbed up the ladder to the front door, it was opened from the inside."Alma ... you're here?"She was surprised her cleaning lady was working on a Sunday."Welcome home, Mr. Hunt asked me to come in and prepared for your return.""Oh, of course, I'm sorry to disturb your Sunday ... I'm alright, really, I can manage."Travis was unloading the trunk on the pavement."It's no trouble, let me help you with your luggage, where do you want them?""My bedroom, please, just put them there I'll unpack them myself ...
The first time he saw his future wife was the time she set foot on the beauty pageant his company had sponsored. Olivia Harmon was 22 years old, she was a model, freshly graduated from University where she studied Interior Design.Her confidence radiates through her wide smile, she was smart and witty from the way she answered the questions that were directed at her. Even from a very young age, she has a distinct elegance about her, the way she carried herself was very graceful and it caught his attention.He was one of the most eligible bachelors in Lancaster at the time, his face was frequently posted in Lifestyle magazines as one of the most influential people under 30 in the business industry. His family owns one of the biggest diamond companies and he was appointed to lead one of their affiliate companies at the age of 28.It didn't take long for him to get smitten by the stunning beauty. She was funny, they were compatible intellectually, and she wasn't intimidated by his reputa
Surviving is probably the word she would use to describe her marriage.It wasn't a secret, people talk. The woman Declan was having an affair with was one of his employees. She was a high-rank manager in one of the companies he owns. A married woman too, it was convenient for them to have something on the side without the other person demanding more from that relationship. That's how it went on for 2 years.All the symptoms were there. Late night meetings, more frequent business trips, secret conversations on the phone, hidden text messages, he would be chatting for hours at dinner time and told her it was an urgent work matter he had to deal with. He wouldn't look her in the eyes when he told her about these things. Deep down she knew he wasn't truthful.But she had her own demon to deal with. Depression was lurking in the quietness of her mind, and not being able to get pregnant took its toll on her. She felt lost as if her marriage was aimless. Her life was purposeless. She lived d
She woke up to the warmth of his breath on her neck. He nibbled in her ear and his hand was rubbing her belly from behind."Wake up birthday girl ... it's your big day today," Declan whispered in her ear.She smiled with her eyes still closed, "Oh God ... it's today?"He laughed softly, she's been dreading her 40th birthday for months. The big 4-O was like an official number for women that puts them in a different category."How are you feeling? It's gonna be a big day, I was too excited to sleep last night," he had prepared something very special for his wife. Her birthday was their wedding anniversary so they will be celebrating their 15th year of marriage as well.She sighed deeply, "I feel old," she laughed."Honey ... whenever you feel that way, remember that I will always be 6 years ahead of you," he kissed her neck and slowly slid down her panty from under the blanket."Let's start the day with something nice," he turned her face to kiss him.His hand was under her nightgown ca
"Do I look alright? How's my tie?" Declan asked in the car before stepping out in front of the venue."You look fine, here ..." she fixed his tuxedo collar and they were set to go.They walked into the venue with her arms looped around his. Some of the guests were already there. Declan had booked The King's Table for the night to entertain close to 60 guests. It was an upscale restaurant in the commercial district of Lancaster.He had arranged for the place to be closed to the public almost two months in advance. The King's Table was not an easy place to get into, and only those who are well connected and with excellent credentials can make such a booking.Declan has impeccable taste in everything. It was a lifestyle he was accustomed to since he was born in it. His taste for luxury rubs on her when she started dating him. The dress she was wearing was one of the results.She was wearing a long sleeve mermaid tail dress with Sabrina neckline, off-white with dark blue intricate embroid
Her blood curled when she heard it. She was unable to process the situation. The conversation around her sounded like a murmur.Roman stretched his arm to shake her husband's hand."What a fine young man, I would never have guessed ... you surely got your mother's gene," Declan said to tease Brian."Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hunt," he replied."Likewise, please, call me Declan ... and this is my wife, Olivia."Her pulse increased rapidly, her mind was foggy as she reached to shake his hand. She noticed he had an earring on his left earlobe, something that wasn't there when they first met. He looked different, but the same. It was surreal. But one thing was for sure, he didn't look surprised to see her."Delighted to meet you, Mrs. Hunt ... happy birthday, by the way, and congratulations on your wedding anniversary," he said without taking his eyes off of her."Thank you," she pulled her hand back. Did he know this was going to happen? Did he know who she was prior to that night?"
"Brian is so excited about his son's gallery opening," Declan said at the breakfast table. "The prodigal son had returned," he chuckled.Olivia took a sip of her hot coffee, "How do you mean?""He left home before he was 18 to do his own thing ... well, obviously, art and photography is not the kind of thing Brian Murphy would encourage his sons to pursue ... he has too many companies for them to run, but then again ... not everyone wants to run companies like a workhorse."She bites on her croissant, "And now he's back to work for his dad?"Declan creased her brows, "No, he came back to prove his dad wrong, I guess, he's opening his own gallery, he's made a name for himself abroad ... he's been a working artist these past few years and Brian is actually very proud of him ... he put quite an investment on his gallery and artwork which his son insists on paying him back," he chuckled. "Which reminds me, I think it's a great idea to collaborate with him for your studio as well ... I mea
The gallery opens to a foyer blocked by a white wall. The first piece that welcomes the visitors was a glass case, inside it was a row of blue flames that was fueled by gas. It was burning softly and steadily, the bottom part was opened because that's where the gas pipe was hidden inside the white display table.A woman greeted them by the reception desk on the left, she handed everyone a pamphlet that contains the list of items that were exhibited that night. The interior was a typical art gallery with wide spaces, paintings hanging on the walls, and glass displays in the centers of each part of the rooms divided by thin walls.Many of the pieces there were artworks from various artists, The Blue Flame was Roman's and when they walk further inside they find other of his works. Some are paintings, others are pieces of objects that were explained by the Head of Sales to the potential buyers.She raised the scarf around her neck when a breeze of air conditioner blew past her shoulders.