Falling For His Nemesis

LYNETTE'S POV

"Gabrielle, it's almost 5 pm," I said, trying not to sound annoyed. "Why aren't you here yet?"

"Sorry Lyn," She said in a playful tone. "I'm almost at your studio."

"You said that twenty minutes ago,"

I knew she was lying. She muttered something, and I could picture her biting her lower lip.

"Seriously Gabrielle, I told you I need to get home before Nicholas does."

I sighed, "Maybe I'll just go with my plans."

"No, Lyn," she said quickly. "Ten minutes. I promise I'll be there in ten minutes."

I thought for a second, "Fine. Ten minutes, then I'm leaving."

"Yes ma'am," she said.

I rolled my eyes and ended the call.

My name is Lynette Evans, a successful fashion designer. I can't say the same for marriage. I have been married to Nicholas for three years, and it hasn't been what I imagined it to be. Our marriage was barely six months when my husband started cheating. It was like he wasn't the same man I dated.

I keep trying my best to fix that, but it's not working, and walking out isn't an option.

It's our anniversary today. Nicholas doesn't care about it, but someone has to. So I'm planning something special for the evening, and Gabrielle said she had an idea to make it even better.

"I'm here," Gabrielle said, walking into my office with her heels clicking loudly on the floor.

"Finally," I said, glaring at her.

"Happy anniversary," she smiled sheepishly and dropped a small shopping bag on my table.

I gave her a small smile and then opened the bag to see what was inside.

My smile faltered as I brought out the small fabric. "A lingerie?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, "Really? This was your better idea?"

"Yes Lyn. Your plans wouldn't be complete without it." She relaxed on the chair and crossed her legs. "I'm pretty sure you're always wearing pyjamas to bed every night."

"You need to make Nicholas want to get into your pants," she said, admiring her manicure.

I scrunched my face at her last words. Though she's right, Nicholas and I haven't had sex since like forever, and God knows I really want a baby.

"This will be like dessert after dinner." She said and winked.

I gave her a look, then sighed. I don't usually wear this, I'll probably be uncomfortable in them, but I'm willing to do anything as long as it makes my marriage alive again. Especially the intimacy part.

"Are you sure this is going to work, Gab?"

She leaned forward and whispered "Trust me, Lyn. It will."

********************

Traffic was slow as I drove home, My grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel. I was getting a little anxious, which is unlike me. I really need things to go well tonight.

I glanced at the shopping bag beside me and whispered to myself, "This better work, Gabrielle."

I relaxed a little when I pulled into the driveway and didn't see Nicholas's car parked there.

I stepped out of my car and walked towards the entrance, getting a little excited as I was already starting with the plans in my head, cooking dinner, lighting candles, and all.

The house was quiet as usual, making my heels click louder on the floor. As I took off my shoes, I noticed something unusual on the couch, a lady's handbag and blazer on the armrest, clearly not mine.

I froze for a second, my mind racing with confusion.

I walked towards the bag to take a look, and then I heard a faint sound. I paused mid-step.

"I didn't see Nicholas's car. Who could be here?" I whispered.

I swallowed hard and walked slowly, following the sound down the hallway. I was breathing heavily, praying silently that it's not what I'm thinking.

The sound was louder when I got to our bedroom door. I paused there. It was a woman moaning.

I stood there for a moment, my hand hesitating over the doorknob. I thought of walking away and pretending I never heard this, I didn't want to believe things had gotten so bad between us that Nicholas would now bring other women into our home.

I breathed in and opened the door slowly.

The ground seemed to shift underneath me when I saw my husband on top of another woman, on our bed, the same bed he wouldn't even hold me on.

I put my hand over my mouth and walked in, each step heavier than the last.

He was breathing unevenly as he moved faster in and out of her. The woman was moaning and dipping her nails into his back.

That must hurt, but Nicholas didn't seem to care.

My chest tightened painfully that I wished I hadn't walked in that door, more painful from being jealous of this woman.

Nicholas was so lost in pleasure that he didn't even notice me coming in. He probably won't know if the world is crumbling right now.

"Nicholas?" I breathed his name before I even realised it.

He froze. His head turned to the door in an instant.

The woman underneath him gasped and quickly pushed him.

He looked surprised at first, then it turned into anger as he slowly got off her.

"Why are you home so early?" He asked, looking irritated, like I was the unpleasant sight here.

The words hit me like a hard slap. I wasn't sure which hurt more, the sight I walked in on or the question he just asked.

I stared at him in disbelief. I thought I must have misheard.

I let out a low, humorless laugh. I had no words.

The woman was pulling the sheets to cover her chest as she kept her head down. It was obvious she didn't want to meet my eyes, so I kept my gaze on her and walked closer to the bed.

She slowly lifted her face and looked back down immediately when she saw me walking towards her.

I paused. I recognised that face instantly, I've seen it many times.

Maya, Nicholas's assistant.

I scoffed, "You?"

I turned to look at my husband, "Your assistant? Really?"

He didn't say a word. He just stared at me coldly. There was no guilt in his eyes, only anger.

He reached for his clothes and started putting on his pants.

Tears were welling up in my eyes, but I blinked them back. I can't let her see me miserable.

I steadied my voice and turned back to Maya, "Leave. Now." I said, pointing toward the door.

She quickly got off the bed and wrapped the sheets around her naked body.

She picked up her clothes with trembling hands and rushed out the door without saying a word.

When the door closed behind her, I closed my eyes and breathed in, trying to keep myself composed.

Nicholas sat at the edge of the bed, buttoning his shirt with steady hands like he didn't just trample over my heart.

I walked to stand in front of Nicholas.

"In our home..." I said softly. "In our bed."

He kept quiet. He didn't look at me either.

"And today..." My voice cracked "Today of all days."

He paused and finally looked at me. His expression was blank.

"It's our anniversary, Nicholas," I said when he refused to say anything. "Did you forget that?"

He sighed as if I'm frustrating him. "Maybe I did. And even if I did remember, what difference would it make?"

I stared at him, stunned. "Is that all you have to say to me?"

"Nicholas, I walked in on you sleeping with your assistant," I said, my voice tightening on each word "on the day of our anniversary. And that's all you could say?"

"Honestly, I wish you hadn't walked in when you did." he said flatly.

I clenched my fists at my side, struggling to keep my cool. "Why do you keep doing this? Why do you keep betraying me again and again?"

It was like my words had no effect on him.

He stood up slowly, put his hands in his pockets, and looked straight at me. His expression was firm, and that scared me.

"Then let's open the marriage," he said without hesitation. "That way, it won't be a betrayal each time this happens."

The words hit me like ice was suddenly poured all over my body.

"What..." What did you just say?" I asked like I didn't really hear him.

"I said we should open the marriage, Lynette," He repeated the words calmly.

He moved closer, speaking softly now, "We both don't want a divorce. Everything else works perfectly with us."

"And you're already living with it, so I want to make it fair. Give you freedom, too." He said, rubbing my hair back gently as if soothing a child.

"An open marriage?" I whispered.

"Yes, Lynette." He said simply. "I think it's the best thing we can do now."

I stepped away from him and held my forehead. The room was spinning slightly.

I didn't respond. I had no more words.

He put his hands back in his pockets and walked out without sparing me another glance.

LYNETTE'S POV

I stood still, staring at the door Nicholas had just walked out through, tears streaming down my face.

I cried for a few minutes.

Then I suddenly wiped my face and walked out of the bedroom.

'He doesn't get to decide that.'

"Nicholas?" I called out as I walked down the hallway.

I searched everywhere inside the house, but he was nowhere to be found.

I went to look outside, maybe he stepped out for some air, he wasn't there either.

Then it hit me.

"He left," I let out a cold laugh, "he fucking left."

I put my hand on my forehead, still laughing humorlessly.

"I came home early to have a special evening with my husband, and what did I get?" I said to no one.

"An open marriage, and now... I'm left all alone."

I breathed out shakily, clenching my fists at my sides, then I walked back into the house.

My eyes landed on the small shopping bag I had come home with.

"Looks like I won't be needing this afterall, Gab." I whispered.

The house felt so empty, and it reeked of Nicholas and Maya.

My chest tightened painfully. I closed my eyes, trying to control all the emotions.

I couldn't stand being in this house for another second.

I grabbed my purse and stormed out of the house.

*******************

I was just driving with no particular destination in mind. I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I replayed everything that happened in my head.

After driving for a while, I sighted The Laurent from a distance, "Perfect. Just what I needed," I said, pulling up in front of the building.

I handed the keys to the valet and walked in like I own the place.

I went straight to the bar and took a seat.

"A shot of whiskey," I said immediately, "Neat. And keep it coming."

"Rough day?" The bartender asked as he poured me a glass.

"You can say that."

I took the drink and gulped it down at once.

It burnt down my throat, but it felt good.

I couldn't get the image of Nicholas on top of Maya, out of my head.

'Two years of staying faithful to a man who isn't, putting up with heartbreaks and betrayal, through lonely nights... all for an open marriage in the end.'

I didn't know how long I'd been sitting there, downing shots of whiskey with my thoughts.

My phone vibrated. Gabrielle.

I knew she'd call.

"Well?" She asked immediately I picked up, "Tell me it worked. Or... you haven't gotten to that part yet?" she teased.

I stared at the glass of drink in front of me. "I wouldn't know. He was busy banging someone else."

The bartender gave me a look, I just rolled my eyes.

"What are you talking about Lyn?"

"I didn't get the chance to," I said chuckling, "Nothing happened. I mean, there has to be dinner in order to have dessert, right?"

"Lynette, are you drunk right now?" She asked, her voice laced with confusion.

"Hmm, not really." I said quietly, "Maybe just a little."

"You're not at home, are you?" She asked, her voice dropping low. "Where are you? I'm coming to meet you."

I hesitated for a moment. "The Laurent." I said.

Gabrielle arrived twenty minutes later. She looked worried, and out of breath like she ran down here.

"What the hell happened, Lyn?" She asked immediately, taking her seat on the stool next to me.

Gabrielle listened carefully as I narrated everything, frowning at every word.

"What a jerk," she said without hesitation.

I smiled weakly, "That's who I married."

I sighed, "I've tried, Gab. I've tried everything humanly possible to make things good with Nicholas. But it keeps getting worse."

Gabrielle took my hand, "I know, Lyn." She said, softly. "I can't even imagine how you must be feeling right now."

There was a soft laughter from two tables away.

I looked over.

A couple sat facing each other, holding hands over the table. The man was looking at the woman as if she's the only thing that matters in the world.

My throat tightened.

"I've never had that," I whispered.

Gabrielle followed my gaze, and gave me a pity look.

I continued, "I've never gotten that look of admiration, not that kind of affection from Nicholas. It's all I've ever wanted."

Tears welled up in my eyes.

She squeezed my hand, "I'm sorry you're hurting on a day like this."

I wiped the tears before they fell, and took another sip from my glass.

"Yeah. But now I'm done," I said, feeling decisive, "I'm done crying over a man who treats me like I'm less of a woman."

I gulped down the rest of my drink.

"You know what?" I said, lifting my chin, "I don't care what he does anymore."

"He wants an open marriage," I continued, "Fine. So be it."

Gabrielle looked at me, her face full of worry, "Lynette, you need to slow..."

"No, Gab," I cut in, staring at her, "I want to start thinking for myself. I'm going to give myself the happiness I deserve."

She just nodded, I'm sure she's surprised by my words. Even I am.

Maybe it's the alcohol, but somehow I feel so light saying it.

"And tonight, I just want to forget everything about Nicholas," I said firmly.

"But I don't even know how to go about that," I said, sounding frustrated," Am I supposed to just walk up to a man and ask him to sleep with me?"

The bartender paused and gave me a look again.

"Dude, mind your business!" I snapped.

Gabrielle placed her hand on mine, a gesture to calm me down.

"There are easy ways to go about that," she said carefully, "Some services that are very private, you don't even have to use your name."

"They're professionals, no strings attached," she continued, "That's just what they do. And you never see them again."

I blinked at her.

"A call boy?" I said, though the words sounded strange in my mouth.

She nodded.

"If you've made up your mind..." she said, searching my face for some doubt, "I can help you make the appointment, right now."

'No emotions involved, so there'll be no mess.' It sounded perfect.

I hesitated for a split second before sliding my phone towards her.

"Do it," I said.

Gabrielle's fingers were moving quickly as she typed. She made a call, speaking softly. She quietly asked me for the name I'd like to give.

I mouthed it to her.

She gave the phone back when she was done.

"He'll come to you," she said, "I gave him all he needs to recognize you. And he will be wearing a black shirt and black pants."

My heart was beating fast now.

This is crazy. But I really don't care.

Gabrielle squeezed my hand again, "You don't have to go through with it, Lyn."

"Yes," I said softly, "I do."

Gabrielle studied me for a moment, then stood up, "I have to go," she said softly.

I nodded.

She pulled me into a hug, "Call me if you need me," she whispered against my shoulder.

After she left, my heart started racing again.

I sipped my drink, trying to calm myself.

'I shouldn't be nervous. I'm not doing anything wrong.'

I stayed for a few minutes, then I thought it'd be better to wait in a room. I asked for the check and left the bar after.

I walked to the lobby slowly, trying not to look like I've been drinking.

When I got to the receptionist, I forced a smile and said, "I need a room please."

"Just a minute please," she replied softly.

I pretended to look around while I was waiting.

A few moments later, she handed me a key card. "Here you go ma'am. Room 117, third floor," she said with a polite smile.

I smiled again and took it from her, "Thank you."

As soon as I got into the elevator, I took out my phone and sent the room number to my appointment.

The elevator ride felt long. I finally got off and walked down the hallway looking for my room. My eyelids were getting heavy.

"Ah, here it is," I said when I found it.

I tried using the key card, but it seemed not to be working. I pressed down the doorhandle out of annoyance, then it opened.

"Oh, it worked," I said, smiling drunkenly.

The room was warm and softly lit, but it started to spin slightly so I kicked off my shoes and climbed on the bed.

I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling, my mind was replaying the scene again.

I closed my eyes to shut it out then I heard someone open the door.

"You're late," I said without even bothering to look.

There was no response, so I raised my head from the pillow and saw him standing at the entrance, his hand still on the door handle.

He turned to look back as if he was looking for something.

"I am?" he asked, more to himself than to me.

Then he walked in slowly, closing the door behind him.

He was still looking around the room, he seemed almost confused.

I blinked, then looked at him from his head down to his pants.

'Yeah, it's him.'

He finally turned to look at me, "I think you're-"

"Early?" I finished it for him.

"You're supposed to be a professional," I added, sounding irritated.

He stared at me as if he was studying me.

I didn't have time for whatever stunt he's pulling. I might start overthinking and I couldn't afford that at this point.

I got off the bed and stood in front of him in an instant. I grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him closer to him.

"What are you-?"

I crashed my lips against his before he could finish.

He stiffened, clearly not expecting that.

After a moment, he slowly relaxed and started to kiss me back.

LYNETTE'S POV

I kissed him like I'd been hungry for it.

And honestly, I have.

He froze for a moment, probably shocked I moved so fast. Then he started to kiss me back slowly, as if he had all the time in the world.

I wasn't expecting his lips to be that soft. He pulled me closer with one hand and held my face with the other. His hand felt so warm.

I've almost forgotten what it feels like to be kissed like that.

I tightened my grip on his shirt and deepened the kiss. He let out a breath against my mouth, granting me access.

I couldn't wait to get deeply lost in this feeling. I turned, pushed him to the bed and climbed on top of him within seconds.

I began to undo his button, then he quickly grabbed my hands to stop me.

"You sure about this?" He breathed.

I paused. 'Why is he asking me that? Did he notice anything?'

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't,"

I took off my blouse without hesitation and crashed my lips on his again.

All doubts and hesitation seemed to disappear after that.

He unhooked my bra from behind and took them off of me, tossing it on the floor.

He cupped my breasts in his hands and took turns to suck on the nipples. Shocks of pleasure ran through me, I dipped my fingers in his hair, moaning softly.

I was getting really hot, it's probably the alcohol.

I undid his buttons and removed his shirt hurriedly. I stared for a moment, even with the dim light I could still tell he was well-built, my fingers ran through it as if they had a mind of their own.

'I guess they make them work out.'

He suddenly flipped me over. He kept his gaze on me as he took off the rest of my clothing, then he started planting kisses all over my body.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured.

I haven't felt this way in a really long time.

I just closed my eyes and allow myself to be lost in another realm.

He suddenly stopped and stood up, I almost asked why. Then I heard him unbuckling his belt.

I sighed in relief, cause I was fucking aroused already.

When he was done, he came on top of me and kissed me again, squeezing my breast.

I could feel his member hardened between my legs.

Then he held my legs apart and plunged inside me.

I gripped his back and let out a moan.

He was going slowly for a few minutes, then he picked up pace and started stroking faster.

He was now breathing unevenly, my nails digging into his back as I muttered all sorts of words that had never come out of me.

'Damn, he's good at what he does,' I thought.

The pleasure took over me and everything else disappeared.

I moaned loudly, my legs shaking as I reached orgasm.

This should be like the best sex I've ever had. I wish this night would never end.

I didn't know when I fell asleep after he came, his uneven breaths against my shoulder was the last thing I heard.

*********************

I woke up holding my temple, my head was aching slightly, sunlight hitting my face from the curtains.

I didn't know where I was at first until I heard a soft breathing beside me. I turned to look and saw him sleeping peacefully, then everything that happened last night came rushing.

I couldn't see his face last night, not that I care since I won't be seeing him again. But I couldn't resist, he looked so captivating even with half his face buried in the pillow.

I rested on one elbow and studied his face.

He had a straight nose, really dark lashes, and sharp jawline. His dark hair was falling slightly over his forehead, I remember running my fingers through them.

He didn't look young, yet so breathtaking.

I wondered why he's into this kind of work.

Well, it's none of my business.

I slipped out of the bed quietly and picked up my clothes from the floor, replaying everything from last night.

I have no regret, just a strange emptiness.

I dressed up quickly and smoothed my hair with my fingers trembling slightly.

I took out my wallet from my purse and stepped towards the nightstand to leave the cash there.

That's when I saw the car key, with a wristwatch laying beside it.

I paused.

Even without knowing much about cars and wristwatches, I could tell they were really expensive, more than the ones Nicholas uses.

"They must pay them really well," I muttered softly.

I gently placed the cash beside the watch, and looked back at him again.

'Could he be into something else? Something...illegal?'

My mind began to race with different speculations.

Then he stirred. His brows drew together.

My heart jumped.

I grabbed my purse, then my heels with unsteady hands and quickly rushed out of the room.

I didn't even bother closing the door after me, I walked down the hall quickly, without looking back.

When the elevator started descending, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

*************************

I finally had the chance to check my phone when I got into my car.

I saw missed calls, most of them from Gabrielle, a few from a strange number.

I was expecting to see at least one from Nicholas, wondering where I spent the night.

But then he'd only notice if he slept in the house.

I sighed, "I guess it's really over," I murmured to myself.

It still hurts, even if I told myself that I don't care anymore.

I did put in a lot of work for a long time, so it'll take more than a night of pleasure to forget.

I sent a text to Gabrielle, I'm sure she's dying to hear everything.

Gabrielle: I've got a lot of work today, so let's meet up at NoMad's later in the afternoon.

I put my phone in my bag on the passenger seat and started the car.

I need to go home first and freshen up before heading to the studio.

I have unfinished work from yesterday all because I wanted to plan a special evening.

My chest hurts at the thought.

Then I replayed the steamy part of my night, "At least the night ended well," I whispered, smiling slightly.

With that, I drove away from The Laurent.

**************************

"I'm leaving the studio now, Gab," I said, walking towards my car.

Just as I reached for the door handle, a voice stopped me.

"I guess you were in a hurry to leave," he said, calmly.

My hand froze on the door handle.

That voice was awfully familiar.

It was a voice I couldn't get out of my head, but it was supposed to remain in my head.

I turned slowly, my heart racing wildly.

'It can't be, right?'

"The call-boy?" I breathed before I realised I said it out loud.

He laughed softly, shaking his head a little, "Call-boy, huh?"

Then he brought something out from his pocket.

"You left this behind at the hotel," he said, holding up my wallet as he walked closer to me, "I figured you might need it."

I felt the ground shift underneath my feet, hoping it would open up and swallow me right now.

I was just staring at him, too shocked, or maybe too embarrassed to get any words out.

He stood in front of me now, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

He slowly took off his glasses. And it was like the late afternoon sun was bending to his wishes. He looked too striking to be real.

'Wait...I've seen that face before. And not just once. Was it on TV or...? Magazines?!'

Then realization hit me hard. Really hard.

My eyes widened in shock. My hand went over my mouth instinctively. My heart was beating too fast like it was going to jump out of my ribs.

He seemed amused, he probably noticed my reaction.

Then he stretched out his free hand, "I didn't get to introduce myself last night..." he said, too calmly now, "I'm Bradford King."

My breath caught in my throat.

"King...You're the CEO of King Atelier?" I swallowed, disbelief creeping in, "the one who just bought another resort in Santorini?" I managed to get the words out.

He just nodded.

My jaw dropped open, I quickly covered my mouth with my hand again.

'How? This doesn't make any sense. How could the man who owned the most expensive hotels and resorts in different countries be a call-boy? Why? He's a billionaire so it's clearly not for money. Is he doing it for fun? No, that sounds crazy. But... why?'

I stole another glance at him from the corner of my eye, he still had his hand stretched out, staring at me patiently with those blue eyes.

'God this is insane. What should I do?'

'I need to get out of here, but my legs are frozen in place. Now would be a good time for the ground to open up and take me.'