Unfaithful: Web Of Betrayal

“Let me see it … let me see it,” Gloria Hanson extended her hands to Olivia.

Everyone wanted to see her ring again, even though they’d seen it at her birthday party. It was an astonishing piece of jewelry; Declan had gone to lengths to custom made it months prior to their anniversary.

“My God … look at that,” Gloria turned Olivia’s hand to the left and right. The stones flickered against the light at the cafe.

It was the unofficial wives club. They gathered every once a week or two weeks at the same cafe near Olivia’s studio. Since she opened her business on Pioneer Crest, it was harder for her to get away from the brunch meeting with the wives. Talking about other people was not her favorite thing to do, and they never seemed to run out of gossip.

“What did you do to him to get this giant of a stone,” Helena Nordstrom was there too. “Look at the intricate detail. How much do you reckon?” she asked Regina.

Regina rolled her eyes, “That is easily an 8-carat blue diamond, depending on the cut and the rarity of the stone … I can tell you, ladies, the amount is not something our husbands are willing to pay for,” she laughed.

“How does it feel to wear it?” Gloria’s eyes widened, “I’ve never worn more than 5 carats … I’d bang my husband through the wall if I had to if he’d give me something like that.”

Olivia pulled her hand back and looked at her ring, “It feels like … a ring.”

Everyone laughed.

“Declan’s really making it up to you, hasn’t he? You’re lucky, Livy; I think he’s one of those guys who really felt bad about their affairs … most women are not that lucky; did you hear about Greyson Thomas? He and Kelly are going through a divorce; she just found out about his mistress … 4 years together.” Natalie was always the blunt one. She didn’t have any filter when she spoke.

Olivia smiled awkwardly, “Lucky … I guess so.”

Regina nudged Natalie’s elbow, “Tsk … that was over a long time ago; it’s their wedding anniversary; it’s got nothing to do with his stupid bimbo.”

It wasn’t a secret that everyone knew about Declan’s affair. The wives discussed it openly when it happened; they even advised her on what to do about it. These women were wives of rich and powerful men just like her; in that sense, they were a tribe and supported each other. It doesn’t mean they don’t discuss each other behind their backs.

“Although, I wouldn’t blame you if you hook up with other men just so Declan would get a taste of his own poison,” Regina said. “I mean … look at you, men are drooling over you; what he did to you was unforgivable in my opinion … but I guess Natalie’s right, he’s making it up to you ever since, and that’s not so bad, right?”

Regina was the most supportive one, but she was also the one who liked to fish more details about everything because she liked to discuss it with other people too.

Those were the questions she’d been suppressing for years. All she wanted was for her marriage to be the way it was before, but it was impossible. She forgave him. They moved on. But has she really moved on? What happened with Roman was something she would never do if Declan’s affair never occurred, wasn’t it? Or did she just make it as an excuse to justify her falling for someone else while she was already married?

“We’re fine,” Olivia said. “It’s been good for some time now.”

Regina touched her hand, “That’s good, darling; most people couldn’t escape the mess you went through; you deserve better.”

“Exactly, it was really foolish of Declan; I mean, what did he see in that woman? She wasn’t even younger than you … I mean, they all go for the younger ones, right? Hell, I’d do a younger guy myself if I can find one,” Natalie laughed.

Olivia raised her brows and forced a smile; the conversation seemed to go in a more uncomfortable direction for her.

“Talking about younger guys, look who just walked in?” Gloria interrupted.

Olivia was sitting with her back facing the entrance; she looked over her shoulder, and her heart sank.

“That’s Brian Murphy’s son. He was at your party last week … didn’t you girls see him?” Regina lowered herself to the table.

“I saw him,” Gloria said with a look in her eyes, “That is one hot guy I won’t think twice about fucking.”

The girls giggled. Olivia faked a laugh; she didn’t want to be the odd one out.

They turned to look at him, ordering something at the counter, except for Olivia.

“Jeez, do you remember when our husbands were that age? Fucking you through the roof?”

“Now all they want is just sleep early … not touching you before bed makes you wonder if they have someone else on the side, but then again … they barely lasted 10 minutes, so I don’t have to worry about it,” Regina laughed.

“I bet he’s probably fucking his stepmother,” Natalie said, “She’s younger than him; can you imagine having to fuck Brian Murphy when his son looks like that?”

She wanted to bolt out of that place. She’s used to listening to her friends thirsting over younger men but never over Roman. She was the youngest among the wives, probably in line with their husbands being much older than Declan. Back in the day, Declan was considered one of the youngest successful businessman.

“Ooh … he’s looking at us,” Gloria said.

“He’s coming this way,” Natalie responded.

Olivia knew she was spotted. She braced herself for the encounter.

“Olivia … I didn’t see you there… ladies?” Roman greeted them.

Everyone pretended they were casually greeting him back.

“Hi … I was having brunch with the girls,” she looked up at him.

“I see … do you come here often? I always buy my coffee here.”

“Oh, we come here every week; you should join us some time… how’s your mom?” Natalie was the queen of small talk.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Yeah, how’s Elizabeth? We haven’t seen her since your dad remarried… I hope she’s doing well,” Regina said.

“Oh, yeah … she’s very well, actually; she’s in the Bahamas now with her new boyfriend.”

Gloria gasped, “Really? Wow … that’s great. Anyone we know?”

Roman shrugged, “I don’t think so … it’s her personal trainer, they’ve only been together for a few months, but I’ll tell her you said hi … she calls me almost every day.”

“Olivia, do you think you can take the tour today?” Roman put his hand on her shoulder.

“Uhm … not today, no, I have to check with Gaby, my assistant. I have a meeting today.”

He looked into her eyes; he wasn’t buying it. She had been postponing the tour for days.

“Okay … let me know when you’re available ’cause new items are coming next week; I’d like to put the ones we have on your list before adding the new ones.”

Olivia curved her lips, “Okay.”

“Great … I’ll be in touch … ladies … enjoy your brunch. It was nice seeing you,” he excused himself.

“Nice to see you too,” Regina replied.

They were giggling like teenagers when Roman walked out of the cafe.

“Gosh, I wish I had a business. I could work with him,” one of the girls said.

“It’s a good thing it’s Olivia he’s working with … she wouldn’t know the difference between a hot guy and a hot pancake,” they laughed.

One skill she developed as part of the high society was to laugh at something that she didn’t find funny.