Selena stared at the glowing screen long after Clara's reply came through.
"Tonight. 8 p.m. The café on 12th Street."
Her pulse hammered. She locked the phone quickly, hiding it under a pillow just as Nolan's voice drifted from the hallway.
"Selena?"
She jumped, guilt flashing across her face before she could compose herself. He stepped into the room, loosening his tie, his sharp edges softened by exhaustion. He looked at her the way he always did—like she was the only thing anchoring him.
But her heart squeezed painfully. If he looked closer, would he see the secret already blooming between them?
"You look like you're plotting something," Nolan teased, collapsing beside her on the couch. His arm stretched across the back, pulling her into his side.
Selena forced a smile. "Just… thinking."
He kissed her temple, lingering. "Stop overthinking. You do it too much."
Her laugh was hollow, but he didn't notice. His lips trailed lower, brushing her cheek, her jawline, until they reached the corner of her mouth. She turned into him instinctively, their lips meeting in a soft, unhurried kiss.
It deepened quickly, his hand sliding to her waist, pulling her onto his lap. The kiss grew hungry, the kind that made her toes curl, the kind that reminded her of how dangerous it was to ever doubt him.
"Nolan…" she breathed when his lips trailed down her neck.
His voice was low, husky, vibrating against her skin. "You taste like you belong to me."
Her body melted against him, every nerve alight. She wanted to stay in this moment forever—his hands, his warmth, his need for her written in every kiss. But Clara's message burned at the back of her mind, a secret stain she couldn't wash away.
When Nolan carried her to the bedroom, she didn't resist. Their lovemaking was passionate yet consuming, his movements claiming her, grounding her. Every thrust, every moan was a tether pulling her away from the doubt gnawing at her chest.
Yet even in the aftermath, lying sweaty and breathless in his arms, her eyes drifted to the phone on the nightstand.
---
The next evening, Nolan had another late meeting. He kissed her goodbye at the door, lingering long enough to make her breath catch.
"Don't wait up," he murmured, his thumb brushing her lower lip. "But if you do… wear nothing when I get back."
Her laugh was nervous, and he smirked, leaving her with a final kiss.
The second the door clicked shut, Selena's heart pounded. She grabbed her phone, staring at the message thread with Clara.
This was madness. Meeting her was a mistake. It could unravel everything.
And yet, she found herself slipping into a simple black dress, brushing her hair with trembling fingers, and stepping out into the cool evening air.
---
The café on 12th Street was quiet, tucked between a bookstore and a florist. When Selena walked in, Clara was already there, seated near the window with a cup of untouched coffee.
She looked effortlessly poised, her smile sharp as a knife when their eyes met.
"Selena," Clara said smoothly, gesturing to the seat across from her. "I wasn't sure you'd come."
Selena sat down, her fingers curling tightly around her bag strap. "This has to be quick."
Clara leaned forward, her eyes glittering. "Then I won't waste time. Nolan isn't who you think he is."
Selena's stomach twisted. "You already said that."
"Yes, but I didn't show you proof." Clara slid a small envelope across the table. Inside were photos—grainy but clear enough: Nolan with another woman, arm around her waist, lips dangerously close.
Selena's breath hitched. The date stamped in the corner was from months before they'd met.
Clara watched her closely. "He'll tell you it was nothing. That she didn't matter. That's his favorite lie. But the truth? Nolan doesn't know how to love just one woman."
Selena's chest burned. She shoved the envelope back, her voice trembling. "You're trying to manipulate me."
Clara's smile widened. "Believe what you want. But when you catch him in another lie, remember this moment. Remember I tried to warn you."
Selena stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. She couldn't breathe in here. Couldn't think.
She left the café without another word, her pulse racing as the photos haunted her mind.
---
Back at Nolan's place, she shoved the envelope deep into her purse, hiding it like a sin. When he came home later, smelling faintly of whiskey and leather, she pasted on a smile.
He pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply, passionately, as if he hadn't seen her in weeks. His hands roamed her body with practiced ease, and she melted under his touch, even as guilt gnawed at her insides.
When they tumbled into bed, his mouth devouring hers, Selena clung tighter than ever. Each moan, each shudder was tainted by the secret she carried.
Nolan kissed her until she couldn't breathe, whispering against her lips, "You're mine, Selena. No one else. Always mine."
And for that moment—for that night—she let herself believe him.
🔥 This chapter deepened the secrecy—Selena's first step into deception. Intimacy with Nolan was passionate, but guilt colored every kiss. The contrast keeps tension high.
NisotWrites
Selena can't hide forever. Clara's photos will resurface at the worst possible time—and Nolan will demand answers.