Moss

ARIA

I thought marrying James, my childhood friend, would make me happy. Instead, barely months into our marriage, he was constantly away on business trips.

“Hubby, when are you coming home?” I asked over the phone one night, unable to hide the frustration in my voice.

“Something urgent came up,” he said.

I couldn't help sighing.

Before he left, James had promised he would be back within a week. That had been months ago.

When was he ever going to keep his promises?

“There’s been a delay with the project,” he continued, completely ignoring my reaction. “It might take a few more days. I also have to attend a conference in Thailand next week.”

Another excuse. He was always good at making those. I wasn't in the mood to listen to another one.

“Next week is our wedding anniversary,” I cut in, hoping that would finally change his mind.

I couldn't bear the ache of being alone anymore. This was the longest I'd gone without sex since we'd gotten married.

“I don't know if I can make it back in time,” he said. “I'll try.”

I chuckles bitterly. “Over the past few months, that's all you've said.”

“Babe, try to understand.” His voice sharpened with irritation. “This is my only chance to secure this contract. Don't you know how important it is to me?”

I snorted.

“Oh, I see. It's more important than our marriage, right?”

He immediately defended himself.

“It's not like that. You're my wife, and you matter most to me.”

I almost laugh.

Did he really think I was that foolish?

Maybe he thought I didn't know his business trips were nothing more than convenient excuses to spend time with his mistress.

At first, I'd tried to convince myself I was overthinking things when I saw those messages on his phone three months ago.           

It wasn't until, I caught him myself, in the underground garage, kissing her inside his car. There had been no room for doubt after that.

What could I do?

Divorce him?

No. Divorce would be a disaster.

Marrying James had been the best thing that ever happened to me. My small business had gained recognition, and I'd gained access to wealth, assets, and influence I could never have had on my own.

I wasn't about to throw all of that away simply because my husband couldn't keep it in his pants.

At least, not yet.

I sighed. “Alright. I understand. Take care.”

“Aria—”

I ended the call before he could say anything else.

The moment the screen went dark, my expression soured.

How are mine going to endure another miserable night in this enormous house? I thought, and stared at my phone for a while. Suddenly, an idea came to me.

Without hesitation, I opened my contacts. My ex-boyfriend was the first name I saw. I dismissed him immediately, since weren't on speaking terms.

Then there was the handsome bartender from a bachelorette party years ago. He'd been excellent company that night, but he didn't answer my calls.

Neither did the other men in my contacts. Just when I was beginning to lose hope, I saw a name I'd almost forgotten.

Neil. My new PA.

A mischievous smile slowly spread across my face. I sent him a message.

Less than thirty minutes later, Neil arrived at the mansion.

I told my maid, Nana, to bring him to my room. She didn't ask any questions, though I caught the suspicious look in her eyes before she quietly shut the door behind him.

“Ma'am, I came as soon as I got your text. Is something wrong?” Neil asked politely.

I watched him through the dresser mirror. He didn't seem uncomfortable being alone with me in my bedroom.

Poor thing. He probably thought this was about work. But it wasn't.

As I slowly turned to face him, I loosened the knot of my robe. 

Neil's eyes widened when it slipped from my shoulders, and pooled down my ankles. 

I watched his face darkened with desire.

A thrill shot through me. Maybe this wasn't going to be as difficult as I'd thought.

I seized that very moment of his ertia, and close the distance between us, holding up his gaze. 

“Touch me, Neil.” Before I could touch his chest, he caught my wrist.

“Have you been drinking?” He leaned closer, apparently trying to smell my breath.

I frowned.

“Stop pretending you don't know what I'm doing. I know you want this.”

“You’re unbelievable!” He said, sounding amused rather than irritated.

“Please, Neil.” My impatience slipped through. “I'll give you anything you want. Just name it.”

His eyes moved over me slowly.

Then he said, “You're practically begging for trouble. You don't even look like you could survive five minutes with me.”

The insult hit my ego hard. I clenched my jaw before forcing out a scoff.

“I'm not breakable, dickhead. My husband is twice the man you'll ever be. It's just that he's taking too long to come home, and I'm sick of waiting.”

Neil said nothing.

I softened my expression and gave him a pleading look. “Please. Will you help me?”

He hesitated. Then suddenly asked. “You won't regret it?” 

For some reasons, the seriousness in his voice when he said that bothers me. But I was too desperate to care.

“I won't.”

That was all it took.

In an instant, he grabbed my waist with one hand and locked lips with mine. 

The next moment that follows, he threw me roughly down on the bed behind us as he took off his clothes. Then, his sturdy frame came down upon me. 

The quiet, reserved man who spent his days taking notes and following my instructions was gone.

And judging by the look in his eyes, he had been waiting for this far longer than I'd ever imagined.

I had expected Neil to be another easy distraction. Something to fill the empty space James had left behind.

But as he pushed me back towards the bed, I realized I might have seriously underestimated my new assistant.

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