MAFIA S SLAVE

Returning home unexpectedly from a canceled business trip, I was greeted by a young woman wrapped in a towel.

She had just stepped out of the bathroom, her hair damp and cheeks flushed. Her eyes widened as she saw me walk through the door.

Moments later, my husband, Derek Reid, appeared from the bedroom. His tie was askew, and he looked like he had hastily dressed. The bedroom door behind him was open, and the curtained room exuded a peculiar, unsettling smell.

Instinctively, I felt something inappropriate had transpired between them.

Before I could speak, Derek hurriedly explained, "Vanessa, this is Kaitlin Curtis, the daughter of my business partner, Mr. Jonathan Curtis. I just ran into her nearby. Since it started raining, I invited her over to dry off and change into clean clothes."

The young woman's eyes lit up as she flashed a bright smile and greeted me warmly, "Hello, Mrs. Reid! Sorry for disturbing you and Mr. Reid!"

She looked barely in her twenties, and her cheerful greeting felt almost disarming.

I managed a polite smile despite my suspicions. "Not at all. Let me know if you need anything else."

I set down my suitcase and umbrella. Derek quickly helped me with my shoes. "I'll take her home now. I just called Mr. Curtis."

The two of them left in the rain, and once they were gone, I hesitantly stepped into the bedroom. Near the bed, the trash bin was filled with crumpled tissues.

The oppressive atmosphere of the room, combined with the nauseating smell of sex, made me feel like I couldn't stay a moment longer.

After quickly packing a small bag, I sent Derek a message, "I forgot an important file at home and came back to grab it. Drive safely, it's slippery in the rain."

His response came quickly, "Safe travels, honey."

Through the screen, I could almost imagine the two of them laughing together.

I put my phone away and drove to our rarely-used suburban villa. My mind churned with chaotic thoughts as I navigated the rain-slicked roads.

Could Derek really be having an affair?

I'd always had a strong personality, perhaps too much for him at times. It wasn't impossible for him to seek comfort in someone younger, softer, and more compliant.