Chapter 4 Aaron's Suspicious

The conversation between Abel and Reynald was still tense. Abel, who was standing with his back against the corridor wall, was trying to control his irregular breathing. Meanwhile, Reynald stood in front of him, with a serious gaze that seemed unwilling to let him go.

However, the tension was broken when the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching. The two turned their heads together, and at the end of the corridor, Aaron appeared. The man was wearing his elegant black suit, the tie still perfectly tied around his neck. He looked like a confident, established man, but there was something in his eyes-a sharp glint that only Abel could recognize.

"Aaron," Abel's voice sounded hoarse as he called his husband's name.

Aaron approached, his lips curving into a small smile. However, Abel knew that smile was not a sign of friendliness; it was a mask, just like the one he always wore when facing the outside world.

"Honey," Aaron called out to Abel in a soft tone, but his steady pace and the way he looked at Reynald revealed something else. That gaze, though friendly on the surface, had a hidden sharpness.

"Reynald," Aaron greeted his cousin in a tone that sounded familiar. He extended his hand, and Reynald, though hesitant, welcomed the handshake.

"Hey, Aaron," Reynald replied while keeping his face calm.

Aaron looked at Reynald for a moment before turning to Abel, who looked like a deer caught in headlights. "I didn't expect to find you guys here," he said in a light tone, though his eyes swept Abel from head to toe.

Abel felt his heart beat faster. He knew Aaron was watching his every move, trying to find clues that could corroborate his suspicions.

"I was just... getting some fresh air," Abel said quietly, his voice almost inaudible.

Aaron smiled again, wider this time. "Fresh air, huh?" he asked, his voice sounding like he was holding back a laugh. "And you happen to meet Reynald here?"

"Yes, coincidence," Abel replied quickly, too quickly.

Reynald, who was standing near them, tried to hold back an agitated expression. He knew very well that Aaron was no fool. No matter what Abel said now, Aaron would definitely twist and suspect the worst.

Aaron stepped closer to Abel, and without warning, he wrapped his arms around his wife's waist. The touch looked like an intimate gesture to anyone's eyes, but Abel felt it as shackles. Aaron's grip on his waist was too tight, like a silent warning.

"You look nervous, baby," Aaron said in a deceptively soft tone. He rubbed Abel's waist with his thumb, a gesture that looked casual but meaningful. "Is something wrong?"

Abel shook his head quickly. "No, nothing's wrong."

Aaron nodded slowly, then looked back at Reynald. "I'm curious, Reynald. What makes you stand here alone? I mean, I know the show inside is pretty boring, but I didn't think you'd choose the corridor as an escape."

Reynald smiled slightly, trying to look casual. "Just passing by. I was looking for an extra drink earlier, and I met Abel."

Aaron raised his eyebrows, as if surprised. "Oh? I see." He observed Reynald for a few seconds before adding, "You two seem quite... immersed in conversation."

"Yeah, just casual conversation," Reynald replied quickly.

Aaron looked at Reynald, his smile growing wider, but his eyes remained sharp. "That's good then. I'm always glad to see that families can support each other, especially in situations like this. Abel often feels lonely at big events like this. Right, honey?"

Abel flinched at Aaron's warm yet piercing tone. He knew it wasn't just a statement, but an insinuation filled with hidden threats. "Yeah... right," he murmured.

Aaron tilted his head, his eyes still fixed on Reynald. "I hope you don't make my wife feel too comfortable, Reynald. You know how I protect the things that belong to me, right?"

Reynald stiffened at that remark, but he kept his calm expression. "Of course, Aaron. I just want to make sure she's okay."

"She's always fine," Aaron said as he gave Reynald a sharp look, as if he wanted to make sure his message got through. Then, he turned to Abel, his smile softening again. "Honey, we have to go back inside. Everyone must be looking for you."

Aaron pulled Abel closer, almost dragging him back towards the ballroom. Reynald could only stand there, watching their backs move away. But before Aaron actually left, he paused for a moment and looked back.

"Oh, Reynald," he said in a light tone. "I hope we can talk more later. Families should look out for each other, don't you think?"

Reynald just nodded, saying nothing.

As Aaron and Abel disappeared behind the ballroom doors, Reynald clenched his fists tightly. He knew Aaron suspected him. But more than that, he felt guilty for not being able to do anything to protect Abel from the man who was supposed to love her.

Inside the ballroom, Abel walked beside Aaron, his body stiff. He could feel Aaron's gaze occasionally glancing at him, as if waiting for the right moment to interrogate him. Amidst the glittering lights of the party, Abel knew a bigger storm awaited him once they returned home.

*** The business networking event was finally over. Guests began to leave the ballroom with fake smiles and polite goodbyes. Abel stood near the exit, waiting for Aaron who seemed to still be busy talking to some colleagues. His face showed exhaustion, both physical and emotional.

When Aaron finally finished, he approached Abel with a casual stride. However, the look in his eyes was cold, no warmth at all.

"You can go home by yourself," Aaron said matter-of-factly.

Abel was surprised, looking at Aaron with an expression of disbelief. "What do you mean?"

Aaron snorted, as if he was too lazy to explain. "I have other things to do. You can take a taxi or whatever. I don't have time to drive you."

Abel clutched the small clutch in his hand tightly. "Aaron, I can't go home alone like this. Look at my dress," she said in an urgent tone, pointing at the elegant black dress she wore, complete with a high slit and open back. "It's too flashy. What if someone recognizes me? What if something happens?"

Aaron rolled his eyes, his facial expression turning cynical. "That's your problem, not mine," he said coldly. "Don't create drama, Abel. You're an adult. Going home alone is no big deal."

"Aaron, please," Abel pleaded. His voice began to tremble, showing his fear. "At least tell me, where are you going?"

Aaron paused for a moment, looking at Abel with a sharp gaze that made him shudder. "That's none of your business."

"Of course it's my business. I'm your wife," Abel retorted, trying to be brave even though his voice sounded weak.

Aaron came closer, his face only inches from Abel's. "You think because you're my wife, you have the right to know everything? Don't be stupid, Abel. You're just an appendage in my life. Don't think you have the power to demand anything from me."

Those words stabbed Abel like a knife. His tears were about to fall, but he held himself back. He didn't want to show his weakness in front of Aaron.

"Aaron, this isn't fair," he said softly, almost as a whisper.

Aaron chuckled, a laugh full of contempt. "Life isn't fair, Abel. So stop whining like a child."

Without waiting for Abel's response, Aaron turned around and walked towards his car. Abel stood transfixed, watching Aaron open the car door, get in, and drive off without so much as a glance in his direction.

Abel felt the whole world collapsing around him. He stood on the sidewalk in front of the hotel, trembling hands holding a clutch. The ballroom music that now sounded faintly behind him was like a mockery of his solitude and humiliation.

Just then, a familiar voice greeted him. "Abel."

Abel turned his head and saw Reynald standing not far from him. The man seemed hesitant to approach, but finally took a cautious step.

"You're not home yet?" he asked, his voice sounding worried.

Abel shook his head, unable to say anything.

"Where's Aaron?" Reynald asked again, though he could already guess the answer.

"He left," Abel replied in an almost inaudible voice. "He told me to go home alone."

Reynald let out a long breath, clearly annoyed. "She really..." Reynald didn't finish his sentence, but Abel knew what he was thinking.

"I'll be fine," Abel said in a flat tone, though clearly unsure of his own words. "I'll order a taxi."

"You can't take a taxi in a dress like that, Abel. It's too dangerous," Reynald said firmly.

Abel shook his head. "I don't need your help."

Reynald looked at him, his face showing a mixture of frustration and concern. "Abel, I can't let you go home alone. I'll drive you."

"No," Abel refused. "Aaron will be angry if he finds out."

Reynald approached, looking at Abel seriously. "Aaron doesn't need to know. And I know where he's going, Abel."

Reynald's words left Abel speechless. He looked at the man with a look that was both confused and suspicious. "What do you mean?"

Reynald sighed, then looked down for a moment before looking back at Abel. "Aaron went to see someone. I won't elaborate, but you deserve to know. Please, let me drive you. You don't have to face this alone."

Abel hesitated. He didn't know if he could trust Reynald, but on the other hand, his offer sounded like the only way out of this situation.

After a moment, Abel nodded slowly. "Alright," he said finally.

Reynald smiled a little, then opened his car door for Abel. "Get in. I'll make sure you get home safely."

Abel stepped into the car with his heart still filled with doubt. However, as Reynald started the engine and drove off, he felt for the first time that night that someone really cared about him. Even so, images of Aaron and his anger continued to haunt Abel's mind, making him wonder if his decision to accept Reynald's help was the right choice or just the beginning of bigger problems.