. She never suspected a thing. She would smile, talk about her

deeper into

he was already

eyes with Celine, her stomach twisted into knots. Every whispered conversation, every stol

wrong. She knew it was unforgiva

uld tell herself, This has to end. I have to stop this. But the moment she was near Mark again, all reason dissolved. He had a wa

s starting to

affectionate as he used to be. He still played his role well, but the

ps had their ups and downs. Maybe he was st

re were the

e at night, early in the morning. And what unsettled Celine the most was

of Mark's voice coming from the study. His tone was low, urgent. Celine wasn'

, standing just

k was saying. His voice

s heart

he tal

nd answers. But fear held her back. What if I

s later, Mark stepped out of the

said casually, as

smile. "Who were

a business associate. Some last-m

way the unease gnawing at her.

ere was

ng about her seemed...off. She was jumpy, distracted

und Elena at her desk, lost in thought. She was grippin

eline call

over her coffee. "Oh! Celine

you okay? You seem a

sounded hollow. "Just work st

closely. Elena woul

and on what exactly. The thought crossed her mind-just a whisper, ju

ead, pushing th

tiny crack had fo

, it only takes time bef

ng business trip. She sighed, rubbing her temples. The trip was important-an

s coffee with a distant look in his

e with me?" Celine asked,

could, but I can't leave the office right now. There a

d, but this is a huge opportunity. Y

ng gently. "I still am. But think about it-if we're both gone,

"I guess you're right. I just w

her knuckles. "I know, darling. But I promi

a small part of her

ad her suitcase into the car. She wrapped her

you," she

s on her forehead. "I'll miss you to

," she

back one last time. Mark stood ther

. With Celine out of the country, he saw an opportunity to finally satisfy his desires. He had been playin

just as much as he wanted her. He ignored the voice of guilt, focusing instead on t

text, his words dripping with insinuation. He knew exactly which buttons

eanor changed. He let out a slow breath, glancing at

ted no

hone, he dialed a

nected. His voice was low, fille

e had told herself she wouldn't do this ag

Mark's name flashed across th

ent before answering. "

his voice a seductive whi

line just left... Are you

it the perfect idea. No distract

he yearning in his voice, the way he made her feel l

"I don't want to spend a

at her chest. But when she opened the

on my

The moment Elena stepped inside, he pulled her int

" he breathed, trailin

y betraying her mind. "

she had no choice but to look into his eyes.

ess. But as Mark's hands roamed her body, as his lips whispered p

that, she wa