Chapter 4 Games

Its Monday morning. I sit on the edge of the couch, watching Christopher play with Edward on the floor. I can't tear my eyes away as I watch him lift our son into the air, spinning him around until Edward is giggling uncontrollably.

It's these rare moments that mess with my mind and make me second-guess everything.

This gentle, loving version of him is the man I fell in love with, the father I want Edward to have.

When Christopher glances up at me, a softness in his blue eyes, he gives me a kind smile-the kind that used to melt me.

For a split second, I feel a flicker of hope, a glimpse of the man he used to be.

"Get ready, Elizabeth," he says, his voice breaking the moment.

"You're coming with me to the office today."

I blink, completely thrown.

"What? Why?" My voice comes out sharper than I intended, laced with suspicion.

I don't trust this. I don't trust him.

He chuckles, shaking his head like I'm overreacting.

"I thought maybe you should go back to work. Get your old job back. You were a marketing genius, remember?"

I stare at him, trying to process this.

It's been years since I left the office, since he convinced me that being at home would help us have a family.

Two miscarriages later, he asked me to stop working entirely.

Now, suddenly, he's suggesting I return to the company? He's never wanted me to have independence, so why now?

"What are you playing at, Christopher?" I ask, crossing my arms.

"Just get dressed, Lizzy. We'll talk in the car."

I bite back a retort, deciding not to push him. Instead,

I get up and head to the bedroom.

My pulse quickens, and I feel a strange excitement stirring in my chest.

It's been so long since I had anything outside these walls, anything that felt like my own purpose.

If I can get back into the office, back to what I'm good at, maybe I'll find a way to break free from him once and for all.

I slip into a blouse and pencil skirt, brushing on a bit of makeup.

My hands are shaking with a mixture of nerves and excitement.

This feels like a step out of my prison, even if I know Christopher's intentions can't be genuine.

He's always playing some angle. But for now, I'll play along. I'll make this work for me.

When I walk out, Christopher is waiting by the door, his eyes scanning over me approvingly.

"You look beautiful," he says, holding the door open.

His tone is warm, almost affectionate. I try not to let my confusion show.

As we drive, I keep sneaking glances at him, trying to figure out what's going on in his head.

He's unusually calm, focused.

The tension I've come to expect from him is absent, replaced with... what? I can't put my finger on it, and the uncertainty makes my skin crawl.

"Why are you doing this?" I finally ask, unable to hold the question back any longer.

He glances over, giving me a slight smile. "Consider it the start of an apology," he says smoothly.

"I just want us to get back to who we were."

I scoff, not even trying to hide my disbelief.

"Are you kidding me, Christopher?"

"Lizzy," he sighs, as if he's the one tired of me.

"A lot was going on before, but now... things are different. I've got a new partner investing in the company, and I feel like things are finally stable. We can work things out."

I know him too well to believe him.

We've been through this before-the fake apologies, the empty promises. But if he thinks he can win me over with a few sweet words, he's in for a surprise.

I nod, playing along, hiding the real plans forming in my mind. I'll bide my time, keep Edward close, and when the opportunity arises, I'll be gone.

As he's driving, I feel his hand drift over to my thigh, a touch that used to feel so intimate but now feels suffocating.

I grit my teeth, trying to suppress the disgust curling in my stomach.

He hasn't touched me like this in months, and I hate that I have to pretend.

I turn my head, forcing a smile as I look at him.

"I've missed you," he murmurs, his face twisting into a smirk, one that doesn't reach his eyes.

The wicked grin makes me shiver, but I force myself to laugh softly, trying to mirror his smile.

When we arrive at the office, I feel a strange mix of anticipation and dread.

Everything feels different, as if I'm stepping back into an old life I barely recognise.

The receptionist greets me with an eager smile, and I notice a few employees glancing our way, clearly intrigued. Christopher walks beside me, his hand on my back, steering me forward as if we're some perfect, unified couple.

I do my part, keeping a big smile on my face, playing into his little game.

We walk down the hall to the conference room, and I pause as he opens the door. The room feels bigger than I remember.

Christopher holds my hand, guiding me in with an air of pride. Everyone's already seated, their eyes fixed on us, expectant.

"Are we all ready?" Christopher asks, his voice loud and confident.

Everyone nods and begins gathering around the table, shifting in their seats.

I sit down beside him, looking around for the first time-and I freeze.

Across the table, seated at the far end, is a man I didn't expect to see.

My heart skips a beat as I recognise him.

Sebastian.

He's even more striking in the daylight, with his dark eyes, sharp jawline, and that aura of mystery.

every inch of him exuding power and control.

But it's his gaze that unnerves me the most-steady, intense, as if he sees right through me.

I quickly look away, my face flushing.

What the hell is he doing here?

Christopher clears his throat; Sebastian's presence does not bother him.

"Everyone," he begins, gesturing to me, "you all remember my wife, Elizabeth. She'll be taking back control of the marketing department."

I manage a small nod, forcing an anxious smile across the room, but my mind is spinning.

I glance back at Sebastian, who's watching me with a calm, unreadable expression.

I wonder if he's thinking about that night, about the situation Christopher put me in. But his face gives nothing away.

"And now," Christopher continues, his tone carrying a touch of pride, "I'd like to introduce our new partner and board member, Mr. Sebastian Valdez."

The words hit me like a slap.

Partner? Board member? I can barely hide my shock as I look between them.

Sebastian stands, extending a polite nod toward the room, his gaze landing on me just briefly before sweeping over the rest of the group.

"I'm looking forward to working with all of you," he says in a low, even tone.

"I believe we'll accomplish great things together."

His words are calm and professional, but there's an underlying edge I can't quite place.

As the meeting progresses, I struggle to keep up, my mind consumed by questions and doubts. Christopher's voice fades into the background, and all I can focus on is Sebastian.

Every glance from him stirs a strange and conflicting feeling inside me.

My mind flashes back to that night and the way he treated me with a dignity I hadn't felt in so long.

The meeting finally wraps up, and everyone begins to rise, gathering their papers, chatting among themselves. I feel Christopher's hand on my arm, gently steering me toward Sebastian.

"Sebastian," he says, his tone barely friendly. "You remember my wife, don't you?"

Sebastian's gaze settles on me, dark and piercing, his face unreadable.

"Of course," he replies, his voice polite but with a faint hint of something else-something that sends a shiver down my spine. He reaches out, shaking my hand with a firm grip, his touch lingering just a second too long.

I force a smile, my heart pounding. I don't understand what is happening. There is tension between them.

Sebastian gives me a small nod, his eyes never leaving mine.

Christopher doesn't seem to notice the tension between us, or maybe he doesn't care.

"I think we're all going to make an incredible team."

Sebastian's eyes flicker, and for the briefest moment, I see something dark pass over his face-a shadow.