Entangled Desire

f in so many ways. Jide, unaware of her transgression, had made earnest efforts to rekindle their bond. They went out on weekends, attending s

licate sculpture that might break if he pushed too hard. While Marian appreciated his gentleness, there remained an undercurrent of r

inst hers, Marian felt the emptiness creep in. She mimicked satisfaction for his sake, moaning softly at the right moments, and afterwards, she snug

d to feel relieved. Deep down, though, a giddy spark flared whenever she exchanged secret messages with Clarence. Late at night, when Jide was fast asleep, her phone would buzz quietly, and she'd sneak

.

s ear. His boss's voice spilled faintly from the speaker, too garbled for her to catch an

heck. "Three days, maybe four if negotiations get complicated. But it's fo

nside her noted that his impending absence opened a door. She smiled, weaving her fingers through his. "That's wonderful news," she sa

ed himself preparing documents, rehearsing potential pitches, checking flight times. Marian helped him pack, folding cris

Marian a long hug at the front door. "Promise me you'll b

the guilt that threatened to spike behind

ugh the door. Marian remained in the hallway, heart thudding at the realization she was free, at least for

s g

y was im

is evening if you c

e could slip away to Clarence's bachelor apartment without suspicion. The day crawled by at a snail's pace; she busied her

wn. She smoothed her hair, her heart pounding with a familiar rush. The lobby was sparsely decorated, a single armchai

d his shoulders in a fervent embrace. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, all the unspoken longing of three months pouring into that moment.

ed breath hovering between them. "I'

thed. She stepped inside, letti

unted on the wall, a small dining nook, and a kitchen that appeared tidy in a way that suggested minimal cooking.

glass of chilled white wine. "I had leftovers from lunch," he said, gesturing to a plate of spicy jollof ric

he rice, the tangy spices dancing over her tongue. Between sips of wine, she filled Clarence in on J

to the moment, two people sharing a meal and conversation in the warm glow of a sma

own, spotting Jide's photo on the screen. Clarence gave her a

aid, trying to kee

uld hear the excitement. "I just landed, M

e noticed her head had instinctively come to rest on his shoulder, as if seeking reassurance. "I'

"I will. Mi

ied, a small flicker of g

e moment it was over, Marian felt her entire body tense and release in one quick movement, as if she'd b

ef, guilt, and intense longing that roiled in her chest. Clarence set as

ld each other, the world b