Liam and I walk arm in arm through the softly lit streets of the city. We are searching for that not-so-expensive restaurant with a balcony overlooking the city. “Oh, there it is!” I exclaim, grinning at Liam. It’s my treat today, and thankfully, he allows that. We walk into the restaurant and see that it’s already full. It’s a Saturday night, so I expected it. I glance at Liam. He is calmly looking over the place. “Good evening, ma’am, sir. Table for two?” the waiter asks. “Yes, please,” I answer. And so, the waiter ushers us into the corner–that exact same spot on the balcony that I saw on a blog last night. Moreover, he lights the candles and pours us a bottle of wine. I am so thrilled that I said multiple thanks to the waiter. When the waiter leaves, I glance at Liam to catch him grinning. “What?!” I ask. He reaches for my hand and remarks, “You seem happy.” I grin back. “I am.” Liam leans forward. He is about to kiss me when I sense another person. I pull back from him an

After having my morning shower, I look at myself in the full-length mirror. Liam did not draw blood, but I was littered with bruises. I am exhausted, my muscles are aching, and I am too sore. I feel like I won’t be able to sit properly for a while. I head out of the bathroom to the kitchen counter, where Liam stands in his boxers, cooking us breakfast. “Gotta love the countertop, right?” he says with a sly smile. “At least we can eat while we’re standing up.” I roll my eyes at his blatant attempt at flirtation. “Not enough spanking, though,” I reply. “I can still sit properly.” “I haven’t seen you sit down all morning,” Liam points out, placing a plate with food and mug of coffee in front of me. “The house chef said that you like your coffee strong and creamy.” I take a sip. “He got it right.” Liam moves closer to me. “So, why did you want to be punished last night?” “Because I don’t deserve your generous gift,” I admit. “Nothing of the sort is written on our contract, so it...

The cafe where Tom and I decide to meet has a warm, inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee. The aroma of breakfast sandwiches and pastries wafts through the cafe, along with hints of baked goods and spices in the air. Tom waves at me from his seat and calls, “Cassie!” I smile at him and walk towards him. “Hi, Tom,” I greet. “I thought you wouldn’t come.” I sit in front of him and look into his eyes. His gaze quickly flits away as if ashamed. “I like you, Tom. I know you are aware of it already.” A blush creeps into his cheeks. “I like you too. Very much so.” He gulps before asking, “Which is why I’d like to ask why you didn’t meet me last night. I thought you changed your mind about us?” The smile fades from my face. “I couldn’t,” I answer. Tom reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just don’t understand.” I sigh. “I still have a husband, even if we are not really in love with each other.” He looks down, his hold on

“I feel the same way, Cassie,” Tom says as he squeezes my hand. “I don’t want you to stop loving me. I don’t want you to tire of me. So, whenever you do, I will kiss you to remind you.” I take a deep breath. “Does that mean that we will continue to meet in secret?” “I am not meeting you in secret. Everyone from my family knows about it.” “So, we are going to steal kisses? Behind closed doors?” I ask. “I know,” he starts. “I know this won’t last, but tell me, and I can leave them already. I am just waiting for your decision.” My decision. However, I don’t know what I want anymore. If I choose Tom, I will hurt his family, but I will be comfortable with him. I will be safe, but I hate to leave Liam and the contract. But if I choose Liam, I know that the succeeding barrage of emotions will be too much for me. And if the contract ends, I will be left alone. I don’t want that! “In the meantime, you will get used to our setup. How about coming to my daughter’s school recognition? It wil

I feel Liam’s grip on me tighten as we step out of the car. His grip on my arm shows no signs of loosening as we make our way to our house. The drive has been a silent, oppressive one, and I know Liam heard the entire conversation between Tom and me. I feel embarrassed, exposed, and ashamed all at once. He pushes the key into the lock, turns it, and pushes the door open. His grip on me does not lessen as we make our way inside, and I know I must face the consequences of what I have done. My heart is pounding in my chest, and my mind races with thoughts of what could possibly happen next. The house is eerily quiet as we step inside, and it feels like a ghostly reminder of the love he used to tell me. Liam’s hand is on my shoulder, pulling me gently but firmly with him, and I know I have to face what is coming. He pulls me to our bedroom, and my anxiety rises as I watch the dark, brooding expression on his face. He stops in the center of the room, his hands still gripping my arms. He