Chapter 3 Things fall apart

Anderson peters POV

I grabbed my phone and dialed Amanda's number....."bitch I begged you!,I begged you not to tell Vanessa anything,what did you tell her? Why is Amanda spending the night in our guest room?" I flooded her with rhetorical questions.

All I could hear was a fading laughter of Amanda "oh come on boy,I didn't tell her yet",she laughed out loud again and hunged up.

I stood there, frozen in shock, as the line went dead. Amanda's laughter still echoed in my ears, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me.

What did she mean, "she doesn't know yet"?

Did Amanda plan on telling Vanessa everything? I thought we had an understanding, that she would keep our secret safe. I tried calling Amanda back, but she didn't answer. I was left standing there, feeling anxious and unsure of what to do next.

I looked around the room, feeling like I was trapped. Vanessa was sleeping in the guest room, and I had no idea what she knew or what she was thinking.

I tried to calm myself down, telling myself that everything would be okay.

But deep down, I knew I was in trouble. I had messed up, and now I had to face the consequences.

I slowly made my way to the guest room, hoping to talk to Vanessa and figure out what was going onbut as I approached the door, I heard the sound of her soft breathing, and I knew she was asleep.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should wake her up. But something held me back. Maybe it was fear, or maybe it was just uncertainty. Whatever it was, I decided to leave her alone, and instead, I went back to our bedroom, feeling lost and unsure of what the future held.

* * *

Amanda's pov

The following morning I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. I reached over to grab it, seeing Peter's name flashing on the screen.

I smiled to myself, knowing that he was probably freaking out about what I had told Vanessa.

I answered the phone, hearing Peter's panicked voice on the other end.

"Amanda, what did you tell her?"

I laughed, enjoying the sound of Peter's desperation. "Everything but nothing " I teased, knowing that I had the upper hand.

I could hear Peter's frustration, his questions and demands for answers. But I just laughed again, enjoying the power dynamic.

"You should have thought of that before you shut me out" I said, hanging up the phone.

I lay back in bed, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I had Peter right where I wanted him, and now it was time to take care of Vanessa.

I picked up my phone again, sending a text to Vanessa. "Be a power girl do not let this men use you",by the peter just called asking me to talk to you,do not listen to him......

I smiled to myself, thinking about the drama that was about to unfold. This was going to be fun. I waited for few minutes then my phone buzzed with a response from Vanessa.

"I know not to give myself away to deceit".

Another buzz came in,I opened the message

"let see at yours", Peter...I smiled in anticipation.

I spent the rest of the morning getting ready for my meeting with peter. I took my time, choosing an outfit that would make me look confident and poised.

I did my hair and makeup, making sure I looked flawless. As I was finishing up, I received a text from vanessa.

"Amanda, would you be free today" I rolled my eyes, laughing at her reverie. She has no idea what Is going.

Peter knocked on my door,When he walked in, I could see the anger and hurt in his eyes.

He made his way over to the chair where I sat, his shoulders squared and her head held high.

"Amanda," he said, his voice cold, "why are you doing this to me?"

I smiled, gesturing him to sit down. ", I think we need to talk about what's going on."

"I want you,Peter ever since the last time I couldn't get you off my head. I want you to be mine. if you don't give in I would have to destroy what you share with Vanessa."

"Stop it! Stop all this rubbish I am married to Vanessa I cannot be with you!"

"Then I would be sending the DNA results to vanessa."

"Have you no shame? Vanessa is your friend why are you trying so hard to break her"

Maybe, I said trying to force my lips on his.

"Amanda, stop!" he exclaimed, trying to reason with me"

"Have you lost all sense of decency?

Vanessa is my wife, and she trusts you. How can you betray her like this?"

My expression turned cold and calculating. "Vanessa is blind to what's really going on," i sneered. "But I see the way you look at me, Peter. I know you want me. And I'm not going to let you have it both ways. You either choose me, or you lose Vanessa. It's that simple."

Peter felt a surge of anger and disgust at my words.

"You're insane, Amanda," he spat. "I'll never choose you over my wife. And I'll never let you ruin our marriage."

My face twisted with rage, and i took a step closer to peter. "We'll see about that," i hissed, my eyes blazing with fury.

"Now leave, Peter. And don't come back until you're ready to make a choice."

* * *

I stood in the doorway, my eyes locked on amanda's determined face. I could feel my heart racing with anxiety as I realise the extent of amanda's obsession.

"Amanda, stop this," i pleaded, trying to reason with her.

"You're not thinking clearly. You're going to hurt a lot of people if you continue down this path."

But amanda just laughed, a cold, calculating sound.

"I know you're just trying to protect your precious Vanessa," she sneered. "But I'm not going to let you have her. You're going to choose between us, Peter. And if you don't choose me, I'll make sure that Vanessa knows all about our little affair."

I felt a surge of anger at her words, but i knew i had to keep my cool. I couldn't afford to manipulate her into doing something i would regret.

"I'm not going to play your games, Amanda," i said firmly, standing my ground.

"I'm married to Vanessa, and I'm not going to betray her for you or anyone else."

Her face twisted with rage, and for a moment, I thought she was going to attack me But then,she regained control over herself, and a sly smile spread across her face.

"We'll see about that," sge said, voice dripping with malice. "You just wait and see."

With that, she pushed me out of the door and slammed it shut behind me.

I stood there, feeling stunned and shaken, wondering what I had just gotten myself into. I turned to leave, my heart racing with anger and frustration.

I couldn't believe the audacity of Amanda, trying to blackmail me into choosing her over my wife.

I knew I had to protect Vanessa and our marriage from Amanda's manipulative games.

I walked back to my car, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

I knew that Amanda was not going to give up easily. She was going to keep pushing and manipulating until she got what she wanted.

I got into my car and started the engine, my mind racing with thoughts of how to protect Vanessa and our marriage from Amanda's wrath.

I knew I had to be careful, that one wrong move could spell disaster.

As I drove away from Amanda's house, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I was going to do whatever it took to protect my marriage and my wife.

I was going to fight for what was rightfully mine, no matter what Amanda threw my way. I took a deep breath and focused on the road ahead, my heart filled with a newfound sense of resolve.

I was ready for whatever Amanda had in store for me. Bring it on. I walked into my house, still reeling from the confrontation with Amanda.

I was determined to protect my marriage and my wife from her manipulative games.

* * *

The following evening I entered the living room, I noticed a white envelope on the coffee table. It was addressed to me, but there was no return address.

I picked up the envelope and opened it, pulling out the contents.

My heart sank as I saw that it was a copy of a DNA test result. I felt a wave of panic wash over me as I read the words: "Paternal match: 99.9%".

I knew that this was from amanda. But I was determined to keep it from Vanessa.

I knew that if she saw this, it would destroy our marriage. I quickly grabbed the paper and shoved it back into the envelope, trying to think of a way to dispose of it.

I couldn't let Vanessa see it or had she seen it?she was the one who had received the package but the seal wasn't broken. Just then, I heard the sound of the front door opening. Vanessa was home.

My heart racing, I quickly hid the envelope in my pocket, trying to compose myself.

I couldn't let Vanessa suspect anything.

"Hey, how was your day?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "Fine." she replied almost not audible.

"How about you?"

I forced a smile, trying to keep the guilt and anxiety from showing on my face. "It was fine. Just a long day at work."

Vanessa nodded and started to walk towards the kitchen. "I'm going to make dinner. Want some?by the way a package came in this morning addressed to you,I left it on the coffee table.

"Oh I saw that,office stuffs,thanks."I nodded, trying to keep up the charade.

But inside, I was dying. I knew that I had to find a way to keep this secret from Vanessa, or risk losing her forever.

I let out a silent sigh of relief as I watched Vanessa busy herself in the kitchen. It seemed that Amanda's plan to send the DNA results to my house had been foiled, at least for now. But I knew that I couldn't let my guard down.

Amanda was unpredictable and ruthless, and I had to be prepared for anything. I made a mental note to myself to find a way to shut Amanda up for good.

I couldn't let her continue to threaten my marriage and my relationship with Vanessa.

I felt a little ease as Vanessa seemed to be cool with me today, which likely means she doesn't know anything yet.

I have to do everything to protect my marriage and shut Amanda up.

As I watched Vanessa, I felt a surge of determination and love for her. I was going to do everything in my power to protect her and our marriage, no matter what it took. I walked over to Vanessa and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close.

"Hey," I said, trying to sound casual.

Do you want to talk about last night? I asked.

Vanessa's voice was laced with a mix of emotions hurt, anger, and vulnerability. "Peter, I need to ask you something," she said, her eyes searching my face for any sign of deception.

My heart sank, knowing where this conversation was headed.

"What is it, Vanessa?" I asked, trying to sound calm.

Vanessa took a deep breath before asking me the question that had been weighing on her mind. "Are you cheating on me, Peter?"

My eyes widened, and i took a step back, trying to appear shocked by the question.

"What? No, Vanessa, of course not," i said, trying to sound convincing.

But Vanessa's eyes narrowed, and she took a step closer to him. "Don't lie to me, Peter," she said, her voice firm but shaking with emotion. "I've seen the way you've been acting lately, the way you've been distant and preoccupied."

My heart sank,but i wouldn't give in Vanessa "I am not!."

"I don't know what you heard but I know just you,there is no one else I said confidently."

I took a deep breath and launched into a convincing speech, trying to persuade Vanessa that her suspicions were unfounded. "Vanessa, I swear to you,I am not seeing anyone."

I could see the doubt in Vanessa's eyes, but i pressed on, trying to reassure her. "I know I've been distant lately, but it's just been a tough time at work. I've been under a lot of stress, and I haven't been able to spend as much time with you as I'd like. But that doesn't mean I'm interested in anyone else."

Vanessa looked at me searchingly, and I could see the uncertainty in her eyes. But I kept talking, trying to convince her that i was telling the truth.

"Vanessa, I love you. You're my wife, and I'm committed to our marriage. I would never do anything to hurt you or betray your trust."

Slowly but surely,I could see the doubt in Vanessa's eyes begin to fade. She looked at me and i could see the love and trust there, still.

"I believe you, Peter," she said finally, her voice soft. "I'm sorry I doubted you."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me i had convinced Vanessa that i wasn't cheating on her. But i knew that this was only a temporary reprieve.

I still had to deal with Amanda and the secret she knew.

"I miss us."I said kissing her on the forehead Vanessa smiled and leaned into me. "Yeah, me too. I held her close, feeling a sense of relief and gratitude.

For now, at least, everything seemed okay. But I knew that I couldn't let my guard down, not even for a moment. Amanda was still out there, waiting for her chance to strike

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