Chapter 10

-Alison-

The day slowly grew later, the sun descending, casting its glow upon the yard and illuminating our surroundings. I observed as people began to loosen up, indulging in drinks and embracing a sense of freedom. It was a familiar scene, one where I often seized the opportunity to slip away. However, upon returning from the bathroom, I found Warren amidst his friends, engaged in lively conversation over drinks. Despite his earlier composure, I couldn't help but notice how boisterous he had become in their company. It was a common phenomenon for individuals to revert to old roles when reunited with old friends, and while this was understandable, the addition of alcohol typically exacerbated the situation.

As I approached, my intention was to grab Warren and to bid farewell to my parents before bringing the evening to a close. I had reached my limit with the festivities, barely maintaining my sanity throughout the night. Meanwhile, Jared continued to charm the crowd, captivating them with tales of his rise from humble beginnings to success. It seemed everyone present relished a compelling narrative, eagerly consuming each detail. Jared possessed more than mere manipulative skills. He had mastered the art of persuasion, crafting a persona that enchanted those around him, rendering them unable to resist his allure.

Therefore, I needed to get out there. I had to prepare for another attack from Jared because I knew that after what he had told me today, I had to brace myself. He wasn't going to let me go so easily. Sadly, I understood him. I comprehended his reasons, but that didn't diminish my resentment toward him or... my desire for him. How pathetic was I for still wanting him? I tried not to dwell on the question because the path it led to would culminate in a dreadful acceptance that I couldn't bring myself to admit.

"Warren?" I called out as I approached his side. He turned, smiling at me before wrapping an arm around me and planting a kiss on my cheek.

"My beautiful wife!" he exclaimed, turning to his friends. "Do you have any idea how amazing this woman is?"

I didn't appreciate this. His behavior made me uncomfortable, especially considering the way his friends gazed at me, their desires thinly veiled by alcohol. However, I understood it had nothing to do with me as a person. I was merely a means to an end in their eyes, a tool for finding relief if I were to agree. I had no interest in that. I wanted to leave.

"Warren, I'm tired. Let's go home," I suggested.

"Now?" he asked, his tone lacking enthusiasm at the prospect of leaving.

"Yes, now."

"Why? We're having such a great time."

I wanted to correct him and assert that we weren't both having a great time. He was reveling in the festivities while I was barely hanging on. But before I could even utter a word, he continued.

"Just 10 more minutes," he bargained, though I knew it wouldn't be just 10.

"Warren—" I attempted to interject, but one of his friends jumped in, resuming a story they had been discussing, and suddenly I became irrelevant.

I didn't bother staying or attempting to plead for my husband's attention. It was a futile effort. Frustrated, I slipped away, heading to the bar to order myself a drink before finding a secluded corner to stand in by a high table. The space was small, suitable only for a small group to gather around and enjoy their drinks while standing. Leaning my arms on it, I sipped my drink, watching the crystal glass in my hand as if it held the answers to my future. I longed for someone to reassure me that I was on the right path or advise me to choose another. Sometimes, life seemed overwhelmingly confusing, with no clear solution in sight, and this evening underscored just how complex everything truly was.

In a way, I had always felt as though I was playing a constant game with the universe's controllers, but with Jared's return into my life, I realized how twisted the game truly was, how artificial everything felt.

And as fate would have it…

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a figure drawing closer, navigating the stone path of the backyard and positioning himself beside me, a smug smirk playing on his lips, as if he knew I was barely keeping my head above water.

"Really not in the mood, Jared," I sighed, sipping my drink, endeavoring to maintain my composure amidst the cacophony of my husband's booming voice and his friend's.

"I don't think you get to decide what you're in the mood for," he retorted, leaning toward me with that familiar, unsettling smirk.

"You've already tormented me today, thrown a bomb into my life once more, charmed my parents, and ingratiated yourself into the social club. Haven't you had enough for one night?" I inquired, frustration lacing my words.

He feigned contemplation, then shook his head. "Far from it."

"Go home, Jared. You've got what you came for."

"And what was that?" he prodded.

"Listen," I said, turning to face him squarely. "I'm aware of my mistakes, and I'm prepared to face the consequences, but why must you involve my family? My friends?"

"Friends?" he chuckled dismissively.

"I know you consider my life fake. I won't deny there are aspects that aren't genuine. But it's still my life, and I'm living it. If you destroy these people too, I'll be left alone, isolated on a metaphorical island."

"Sounds like a fitting punishment. I lived on an island for years," he retorted.

"But I can't change the past!" I snarled, perhaps a bit too loudly, as nearby onlookers turned to gaze at me with confusion. I offered them an apologetic smile before refocusing on Jared, who seemed slightly amused by my loss of composure.

"No, but I think present Alison should understand what it was like to be past Jared."

"Yeah, I got that," I spat, stepping closer to him. "But what you didn't know about past Alison is that she was also a very lonely girl with a mother who would never approve of her. Does that make any difference to you?"

"Not really," he replied curtly.

"Figured as much," I sighed, turning away as my husband's laughter resonated loudly. I regarded the scene before me, contemplating whether I should simply leave. However, I had promised my mother that I would maintain appearances, making it seem as though Warren and I had reconciled and that our marriage was untroubled. As I watched Warren, I felt a touch on my hip. Glancing down, I saw Jared's hand resting there.

"What are you doing?" I whispered, feeling a surge of fear.

He offered no explanation, instead pulling me closer until our bodies were almost pressed together. Tension filled the air, my heart pounding in my chest as my desires for him began to stir.

"I could kiss you right now, and you wouldn't be able to stop me," he declared, his words causing panic to flash through me.

"No, I would slap you. Without a doubt."

"And guess what would happen then," he teased, edging closer, the high table obstructing the view of our proximity. His hand slid lower, nearly resting on my rear. "But I don't think you would do it."

"Slap you?" I retorted.

"Yes."

"That's where you're wrong. I would, and thanks to that contract being over, you wouldn't be able to use a cane on my backside or worse, fill it with your monster plugs," I snapped, eliciting a laugh from him.

"It's too bad I have to relent on training your ass to take cock easily."

"Screw you," I countered, though I found it difficult to maintain my anger when his presence so close was making me feel somewhat dizzy.

"You won't slap me, Alison, because deep down, you want me to kiss you. Isn't that right? Show all these people a different side of you. Show your husband what he's leaving unguarded," Jared pointed out.

"We already had this discussion earlier," I whispered.

"And what I am saying is true," he asserted.

"It doesn't matter if it's true."

I grabbed his hand, the one resting on the table, and turned it, holding it up in front of him. There, around his finger, was a silver band. With his left hand in mine, I displayed my own ring.

"It doesn't matter what either of us wants because we aren't free to choose," I reminded him, my tone firm.

He appeared displeased that I wasn't playing along with his advances, but I was too exhausted to engage in any games. Too drained to erect any defenses. I had already confessed my dark secret.

"And even if I could choose, it wouldn't be you," I snarled, pushing his hand down, though I didn't truly mean my words. While I longed to rid myself of Jared, I had surrendered to that enigmatic boy long ago. I would need an exorcism before I could let him go.

I turned away from him, but he reached out, grasping my hand and halting my departure.

"What? Ready to ruin my life so soon? Weren't you interested in playing a little longer?" I taunted.

"You're right. It's not over," he informed me, his tone ominous. "There's nowhere you can run where I won't find you."

"Careful, Jared. You're starting to sound obsessed."

He narrowed his eyes, and I withdrew my hand, prepared to leave the party with or without Warren. Yet as I entered the house, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. It wasn't Jared's gaze that set off alarm bells. It was someone else's. Who was watching me?