Unfaithful: Web Of Betrayal

“Is that today?” Declan sounded oblivious to Olivia’s question.

She shut her eyes. He always forgets. It seems like he can say one thing and sound like he really means it; he would even lay out the details about his plan on what they would be doing on the weekend and right on the day … he just forgets.

“I don’t think I can make it, honey; I’m so sorry.” His apology didn’t even sound sincere.

She nodded, her phone still pressed against her ear. “That’s fine.” Although it’s not.

“We’ll do it next week,” Declan was quick with his promises.

“Sure,” she was quick to answer.

She has an extra bottle of wine to herself, she thought. For a brief second, she wished she had said ‘yes’ to Roman’s invitation earlier, but it was a crazy idea.

“Alright, I’ll see you later, sweetie … if you’re still up.”

“I’m just gonna watch something on Netflix … see you later.”

She hung up without even saying goodbye. It annoys her when he does that. It made her regret ever believing that he would actually do what he promised when 90% of the time, he just forgets.

She had her phone clutched in her hand while she poured wine into her glass. At least she could start earlier than expected. She put on some music in the background and sat beside the window of her living room, looking at her phone for a moment before she started texting.

“What are you doing?”

“Waiting for you,” Roman replied.

She knew it wasn’t true, but she smiled anyway.

—

He was about to go out for a drink in town when her text came in. He was all dressed up; his friends were already at the bar. The text stalled him. Something must be wrong in paradise.

He sat back on his sofa and replied, ‘Waiting for you.’ It wasn’t a complete lie; he was always waiting for her.

Olivia: As it turned out … I got canceled.

Roman: Wanna go out and have a drink with me?Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

He wasn’t thinking; he just said what he meant to say.

Olivia: I wish I could.

Roman: I can pick you up, and we’ll go somewhere.

It took her some time to reply.

Olivia: That’s a nice idea, but I can’t.

She needed a lot of convincing; he knew that. He was too eager to be patient. He would drive to her house and cancel his friends if it was up to him. He pressed the video call button instead.

It rang and rang; she didn’t pick up.

Olivia: Can’t we just chat?

Roman: I want to see you.

Olivia: You can see me tomorrow.

Roman: Promise?

Olivia: I was hoping you could look at something for Kelly’s house … around noon. Is that okay?

Roman: Of course, you can swing by anytime.

Olivia: Alright … I’ll see you tomorrow then.

Roman: Already? I thought we could chat for a while.

She didn’t reply immediately.

Olivia: I have to go … I’ll see you tomorrow.

Roman: (Frowning emoji) … if you need anything, call me.

Olivia: Sure … thanks.

He stared into nothing after that conversation. Suddenly he didn’t feel like going out with his friends. He wanted to get into his car and drive to her house where she was all alone, abandoned by her husband like so many times before. But she would freak out; she couldn’t even chat with him for more than a few sentences. He let out a long, frustrating sigh and dug his fingers through his hair.

Text: Hey bro … where you at?

He pressed his lips together, tapping his foot on the floor. Should he cancel?

Text: Your date is here … are you gonna be long?

He covered his eyes with one hand. Selma… almost forgot about her. He stood up, grabbed his jacket, and walked down the stairs.

Roman: I’ll be right there.