The room was silent. Only the ticking of the wall clock and the soft hum of the air conditioner filled the space as Lena lay awake, restless. Her eyes were shut, forcing herself to sleep, but her mind refused to settle. Her heart had been pounding wildly for a while now. And the worst part?
It wasn't fear that kept her awake.
It was the man lying behind her.
Neil.
Lena turned toward the wall, trying to put as much distance as possible between them-even though their bodies weren't touching at all.
"Why do I have to share a room with him again?" she muttered under her breath.
But... this wasn't the first time they had shared a bed, was it?
She exhaled slowly, eyes still closed.
Yes, but back then I was still pretending to be the "ugly version" of Lena. Now, I'm Selena-the real me.
With her long hair flowing loose, fair skin, and a satin nightgown far too feminine for such a complicated situation.
And Neil... God. Why did it have to be him?
Lena cursed silently. Angry-not only because she still remembered how his lips had once brushed hers so gently, but because she could still feel how his hand had caressed her hair as if she were the most fragile creature in the world.
"What is wrong with me?!" she grumbled, rolling over. But as soon as her eyes opened, she froze.
There he was-Neil, sleeping peacefully. The dim glow of the bedside lamp highlighted the sharp line of his jaw, the tall bridge of his nose, and his thick brows that somehow looked intimidating even in sleep.
Lena swallowed hard. Her heart raced faster. Why did he have to look so... mesmerizing, even while asleep?
Without realizing it, she stared, taking in every detail of his face. Her fingers slowly lifted, inching toward his jawline.
Warm. Solid. Real.
But before she could pull away, a larger hand caught hers swiftly. Lena's breath hitched, her body going stiff.
Those sharp eyes were now open, locking onto hers.
"What are you doing?" Neil's voice was low, raspy from sleep, but still carried the same dominant edge that always left her breathless.
"I-I... I didn't mean-" Lena stammered, trying to pull her hand back, but his grip didn't loosen.
"Didn't mean to?" Neil narrowed his eyes. "So now you touch people in their sleep, is that it?"
Lena turned her face away. "No! I just... I-"
"Forget it. Just admit it. You wanted to touch me," he murmured, a crooked smile tugging at his lips-one that made Lena want to scream.
"No!" Lena shot back quickly. But before she could move away, Neil pulled her closer, wrapping both arms around her.
"Neil! Let go of me! What are you doing?!" Lena struggled, pushing against his chest. "You're insane!"
"Stop hitting me," he groaned, wincing. "My wound still hurts, you know."
Lena froze for a moment. "I-I'm sorry..." her voice softened, guilt creeping in. "But still, let me go. I... I'm someone else's wife."
"Just for tonight..." Neil whispered so softly it was almost a sigh. "Let me hold you... just tonight."
The tip of his nose brushed the top of her head, breathing in her scent as though it was the only air he needed. Lena felt his warm breath against her hair-strangely soothing. And... confusing.
"You know... I'm tired of pretending I don't care about you," he said, even softer this time.
Lena froze. Her mind struggled to process his words.
What... did he mean?
Her body went rigid, but her heartbeat grew more erratic. Damn it... why did this feel... comforting?
She tilted her head slightly. Neil's eyes were already closed again. His breathing was steady. Maybe he had fallen back asleep. But his arms remained firm around her.
This is my chance. I should move. Slowly. Carefully.
But... why wasn't she moving? Why did it feel... like she wanted to stay?
Her fingers trembled slightly. She bit her lip. The storm of emotions in her chest was suffocating-not from fear, not from disgust.
But from confusion.
Do I... actually like him?
No. Impossible.
But if that's true... then why does his embrace feel like the only place where my heart isn't breaking?
Lena shook her head slightly, trying to drag herself back to reality, to fight the comfort wrapping around her. But she couldn't.
Because, somewhere along the way...
She had begun to choose someone she was never supposed to fall for.
---
"Axel! You're drunk!"
Richard's booming voice shattered the brief silence that had hung in the luxurious living room just moments ago.
The middle-aged man stormed out of his study, his eyes widening at the sight of his only son staggering into the house. The stench of alcohol hit him from meters away. Axel's shirt was wrinkled, half-unbuttoned, his hair a mess, and a mocking smile curled on his lips-fueling Richard's rage.
"Hah... Dad..." Axel chuckled lazily, his voice thick with liquor and sarcasm. "My beloved daddy was waiting for me, huh?"
Behind Richard stood two women-Lena, her hands clenched tight, trying to contain the storm of frustration and pain inside her chest. Beside her, Elizabeth-Richard's wife-watched Axel with a mix of worry and resignation.
"You ungrateful brat!" Richard barked. "Instead of working and building a life, you come home drunk like this! You're married, have you forgotten that?!"
Axel snorted, halting his steps. His bleary eyes landed on Lena, filled with raw disgust.
"That ugly wife, you mean?" he slurred, pointing a trembling finger at her. "I wouldn't touch that trash even if she begged. Hahaha..."
SMACK!
Without warning, Richard's palm struck Axel's face hard, sending the young man sprawling onto the cold marble floor.
"You disgrace!" Richard roared, his face red with fury.
"Darling, don't be so harsh on your own son!" Elizabeth cried, shocked by his outburst.
Richard shot her a sharp glare. "This is your fault! You spoiled him into becoming a lazy, drunken, disrespectful mess!"
Elizabeth fell silent. His words cut deep, but she knew he wasn't entirely wrong.
"Lena, take Axel to his room," she said softly, weary but composed.
Lena nodded obediently, though her chest ached with anger. She stepped forward, helping Axel to his feet. He stumbled but still managed to sneer in her ear.
"Ugly wife... haha... your face could make a baby cry..."
Lena rolled her eyes.
God... why did I marry a drunk, lazy womanizer? she thought bitterly.
Once they reached his bedroom, Lena shoved Axel onto the bed without mercy. He groaned, then laughed again.
But just as Lena turned to leave, Axel suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her down onto the bed with him.
"Rachel... let's make love..." he mumbled, his eyes glazed.
"Hey! Let me go! I'm Lena, not Rachel!" she snapped, struggling to free herself, but Axel pinned her wrists above her head.
"Rachel... you smell so good..."
Lena froze as his face drew closer. The stench of alcohol burned her nose, panic rising in her chest. She thrashed harder, but Axel's drunken grip remained strong.
Oh God... is he about to kiss me? No...
