Shadows of doubt
[Without another word, she opened the door and left, leaving Ethan standing alone in the living room, the tension in the air finally beginning to dissipate. He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair as he tried to collect his thoughts. He had to find a way to make things right with Rachel, and that meant keeping Maya as far away from his life as possible. But deep down, he knew that wouldn’t be easy.]
~ CHAPTER 18: CLOSE CALL - ALMOST DISCOVER THE SECRET ~
Ethan staggered through the darkened hallways of his home, the weight of his guilt pulling him down like a heavy cloak. His thoughts were tangled in a web of regret and self-loathing. He reached the bar, his hand trembling as he grabbed a bottle of whiskey. The alcohol was a desperate attempt to numb the sharp pangs of his conscience. With each step toward the bedroom, the bottle seemed heavier, as if it carried the full weight of his mistakes.
He unscrewed the cap and took a long swig, the fiery liquid burning its way down his throat. Ethan sank onto the edge of the bed, staring into the dimness of the room. His mind was a chaotic storm, the remnants of the previous night replaying in painful detail. The vision of Maya's face, her seductive smile, and the way she clung to him made his head spin.
Ethan Montgomery
“What have I done?”
Ethan muttered to himself, his voice thick with alcohol and despair.
Ethan Montgomery
“How could I lose my sanity like this? What if Rachel finds out?”
He took another gulp, his thoughts spiraling further into self-reproach.
Ethan Montgomery
“I should have stopped her. I should have told Rachel everything myself. Maybe she would understand if I just explained.”
He paused, his gaze fixed on a spot on the floor, lost in thought.
Ethan Montgomery
“No, she might not understand. What if she hates me? I’ve made such a big mistake…”
The more he drank, the more the weight of his actions seemed to crush him.
Ethan Montgomery
“I’m the one at fault,”
He continued, his voice slurring.
Ethan Montgomery
“Maya isn’t to blame. I should have been stronger. If I had just resisted, none of this would have happened. Now I have to face Rachel. I’ll tell her tomorrow, after I’ve sorted things out with Maya.”
Ethan’s resolve was shaky, his mind still a fog of regret and remorse. He took another long drink before finally collapsing onto the bed, the bottle slipping from his hand. He stared at the ceiling, his thoughts a chaotic blend of guilt and shame, until sleep finally claimed him.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the bedroom window, Rachel walking inside. She stirred and noticed Ethan still asleep on the bed, his clothes disheveled and his shoes still on. Concern furrowed her brow as she quietly slipped off his shoes and tucked the surrounding covers. She glanced at the clock—he clearly had a rough night.
Rachel moved quickly to take a shower, her mind racing with thoughts of Ethan’s well-being. She hoped he was just tired and that there wasn’t anything more serious troubling him. After her shower, she went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. She wanted to make sure Ethan started his day on a positive note, hoping it would help lift his spirits.
In the kitchen, Rachel worked with practiced efficiency. Not only that, but she prepared a healthy breakfast and brewed a fresh pot of coffee. She set the table with care, arranging everything neatly. She also made a special drink for Ethan, hoping it would help him sober up. As she worked, she glanced at the clock again and sighed. She hoped Ethan would wake up soon.
After setting the table, Rachel went upstairs to wake Ethan. She gently shook his shoulder, her voice soft and soothing.
Rachel Montgomery
“Ethan, honey, it’s morning. Time to wake up.”
Ethan stirred, his eyes opening slowly. He looked at Rachel, his expression a mix of exhaustion and relief.
Ethan Montgomery
“Morning,”
He mumbled, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Rachel smiled, though her eyes held a trace of concern.
Rachel Montgomery
“Good morning. I’ve made breakfast for us. I hope you’re feeling better.”
Ethan forced a smile and nodded.
Ethan Montgomery
“Thanks, Rachel. I appreciate it.”
They went downstairs together, and Ethan took a seat at the dining table. Rachel served him breakfast, and they began to eat in a companionable silence. As they ate, Rachel tried to make small talk, hoping to ease any lingering tension.
Rachel Montgomery
“So, I’ll be going to work regularly for the next few days,”
Rachel said, trying to sound casual.
Rachel Montgomery
“Lila’s been swamped with a lot of tasks, and she needs my help.”
Ethan nodded, his mind still preoccupied with the previous night’s events.
Ethan Montgomery
"Alright"
he replied, his tone noncommittal.
Rachel Montgomery
“I’ll be here working as usual.”
Rachel watched him, her concern deepening. She knew Ethan was troubled, but she wasn’t sure how to help him. She decided to give him space for now, hoping he would open up when he was ready.
After breakfast, Ethan excused himself to go back upstairs. As he headed toward the stairs, Rachel remained in the kitchen, clearing the dishes and tidying up. She moved through the kitchen with practiced efficiency, but her mind was still on Ethan.
As Rachel was finishing up, she noticed something shiny on the floor. She bent down and picked up a single earring, her eyes widening as she examined it. It was an elegant piece, clearly expensive, and not something the household staff would own. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach as she wondered where it had come from.
Heart racing, Rachel walked to the bedroom, where Ethan was already halfway up the stairs. She called out to him, her voice trembling slightly.
Rachel Montgomery
“Ethan, whose earring is this? I found it on the floor.”
Ethan froze, a look of panic flashing across his face. He quickly composed Himself, though his mind raced for an explanation.
Ethan Montgomery
“Uh, Rachel, that… that must be from a friend. My friend and his wife came by last night. They were supposed to have dinner with us, but since you weren’t home, they left.... Maybe her earring dropped here. By mistake.”
Rachel looked at him, trying to read his expression. Her heart pounded as she considered the possibility that Ethan was telling the truth. She paused, her doubts momentarily allayed.
Rachel Montgomery
“I see,”
Rachel Montgomery
“I guess it must be one of her earrings then.”
Ethan sighed in relief, though the tension in his shoulders didn’t fully dissipate. He felt a mix of gratitude and guilt as Rachel’s trust in him wavered but didn’t shatter. The lie had worked for now, but Ethan knew he could not continue to deceive her forever. He had to face the consequences of his actions and find a way to make things right.
After completing the work at home, Rachel went to work at Lila’s office. Lila greeted her warmly as she arrived.
Lila Stevans
“Hi, Rachel! I’m so glad you could make it. We’ve got a lot to go through today.”
Rachel smiled and hugged Lila.
Rachel Montgomery
“Hi, Lila. Let’s get started.”
As they worked, Rachel found herself opening up to Lila about her life and the recent challenges she’d been facing. Lila listened sympathetically, offering support and advice.
Rachel Montgomery
"It’s been tough,”
Rachel Montgomery
“Ethan’s been distant lately, and I’m not sure what’s going on with him. I found an earring that didn’t belong to me, and it left me feeling unsettled.”
Lila frowned, her expression concerned.
Lila Stevans
“That sounds really difficult, Rachel. But I’m sure you’ll get to the bottom of it. Sometimes, it helps to talk things through.”
Rachel nodded, grateful for Lila’s support.
Rachel Montgomery
“I hope so. I just want to understand what’s going on. I don’t want to jump to conclusions.”
As the day went on, Rachel and Lila worked on their charity project, and Rachel found solace in the familiar tasks. She was determined to focus on her work and not let her worries about Ethan consume her completely.
That evening, Ethan returned home, exhausted from a long day at the office. He hoped Rachel would be home soon so they could talk about the previous night. But as he walked through the door, he saw Maya waiting outside, her presence causing his heart to sink.
Maya moves towards her, her expression a mix of anticipation and mischief.
Maya Fernandez
“Ethan, I was hoping we could talk.”
Ethan’s face darkened with frustration.
Ethan Montgomery
"Maya, what are you doing here? You know I have a lot going on right now.”
Maya smiled, a glint of determination in her eyes.
Maya Fernandez
“I know, Ethan. But I needed to see you. I wanted to apologize for last night. It was never my intention to cause problems between you and Rachel.”
Ethan Montgomery
“I don’t want to talk about this right now. I’ve had a long day, and I need to focus on my wife.”
Maya’s smile faltered slightly, but she persisted.
Maya Fernandez
“I understand, but I think it’s important for us to have this conversation. I need you to know that I’m willing to move on if you are.”
Ethan Montgomery
“Move on? Maya, you’re the one who’s been causing problems. I’ve tried to be clear about my boundaries, but it seems like you’re not respecting them.”
Maya’s expression turned serious.
Maya Fernandez
“I respect your boundaries, Ethan. But you need to understand that I’m not going to disappear quietly. If you’re not willing to meet me halfway, I’m going to have to take more drastic measures.”
Ethan Montgomery
“What do you mean by drastic measures?”
Maya took a step closer, her tone firm.
Maya Fernandez
“If you don’t meet with me and resolve this, I’ll be forced to tell Rachel everything. I have evidence, and I’m not afraid to use it.”
Ethan Montgomery
“You wouldn’t.”
Maya Fernandez
“Try me. I don’t want to hurt Rachel, but I need you to understand that I’m serious about this.”
The tension in the atmosphere was suffocating. Ethan stood there, his mind reeling from Maya's threat. He could hardly believe how far things had spiraled out of control. He had known from the beginning that getting involved with Maya was a mistake, but now, the consequences were becoming more real than ever.
Author[Noor]
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