Chapter 53
Maximus
“My husband.” The way she said it was so sensual. Exactly the same as when my Sarina was aroused. When she moaned earlier, I tried to resist kissing her. I knew it wasn’t right because we were at work first, and I was her boss. Second, I knew she had a husband and child.
But when I heard that word, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I missed my wife so much, especially when our eyes met. It felt like I was being drawn in by her eyes, just like when Sarina was looking at me. That’s why I did what I shouldn’t have done-I claimed her mouth with so much want, feeling hungry for her kisses.
She was initially surprised, but when she finally returned to her senses, she pushed me away. But it wasn’t enough to stop me, and I sensed she didn’t want me to either. Until I felt her respond to my kisses, just as Sarina did. She sucked on my lips, so I did the same, even though that was supposed to be an act I want to do only for my wife.
I was completely taken in, so I quickly lifted her from the couch and sat her on my lap. I felt her hands quickly cling to my neck while my hands roamed her body. She moaned when I capped one of her breasts with my hand. The feeling and the way her body reacted to my touch, I felt like I was with Sarina, so I couldn’t stop myself from moaning, “My wife…”
Bella suddenly pushed me, causing me to fall back on the couch, and that’s when I realized what I had done. “I- I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-” I stammered, unsure what to do. She looked at me with a mix of anger and embarrassment. “I mean, I am not sorry that I kissed you. I like it. I like the feeling. I–” I didn’t finish my sentence because he cut off my words.
“No, I’m the one who should be sorry, Sir, I shouldn’t have responded.” Then she stood up from my lap, straightened herself, and left my office. I couldn’t move from where I sat, closing my eyes as I realized what I had done.
I thought of Sarina-I had wronged her. Midori had arrived, insisting we get married, but I felt nothing for her. I told her she could do nothing for me if she couldn’t handle household chores. I only said that because if it were my wife, I’d rather be the one serving her.
But Midori insisted she could make me happy, so I let her, and that’s what Bella walked in on earlier. But sad to say, no matter what Midori did while on her knees, nothing happened-only Sarina can make my manhood hard. I stopped at that thought and looked down at myself. I didn’t really need to look because I could feel the sudden surge of need as a man during the kiss Bella and I shared.
I never thought that besides Sarina, there would be another woman who could awaken my desire. I’ve tried several times to touch and be touched by others, but like with Midori earlier, it had no effect on me. I thought my lust was truly dead, but my secretary effortlessly revived it.
Another thing that troubled my mind and reminded me even more of my wife was how Bella responded to Midori, just like Sarina would. I know I shouldn’t compare them because they’re different, but I can’t explain my feelings for my secretary.
The first time I saw Sarina in the hospital, I fell in love with her. The first time I heard Bella’s voice, I was captivated because I thought she sounded like my wife.
I took a deep breath before standing up and returning to my desk to work. It’s better to do that than to give myself a headache thinking about my secretary, who’s probably mad at me. I wouldn’t be surprised if she resigned, which I hope she wouldn’t do. I needed her not just in my office but also in my life. Fuck! What am I even thinking?
Shit! Out of all the secretaries I’ve had since the others left, she’s the only one I haven’t yelled at. And now I’ve done this.
Days passed, and I decided to avoid Bella. I didn’t want her to resign because she was good at her job. Besides, just hearing her voice made it feel like I was talking to my wife. She never mentioned what happened, and our conversations seemed normal whenever she needed to give or report something to me.
“Sir, here is Bella’s record, which I got from H. R.” Aries placed a folder on my table. I asked him to find out something about my secretary because I couldn’t stop thinking about her after that incident.
I took it and began reading. Although I had already read her resume when she applied to the company, we still collected additional information to help the department heads and me better understand each employee.
As she mentioned during the interview, she has a son with special needs. I felt guilty because I knew her child needed her, yet I often did her work overtime. Maybe I should reduce that.
“How about her husband?” I asked with a frown, looking at Aries.
“I don’t know anything either, sir. But if you want, I can look into it.”
“Why?” I asked, curious about his suggestion.
“What do you mean, why, sir?”
“Why do you need to investigate that?”
“Don’t you want me to, sir?” he asked, which made me take a deep breath. Am I too obvious? “I’m also curious, sir. I don’t know, but it feels like I know her, but I can’t figure out how.”
I looked at him, trying to understand what he was implying. After a few moments, I nodded. I wanted to know more about Bella, who had been on my mind for over a month.
“Anyway, sir, Mariano arrived and wanted to see you.”
“Where is he?” I asked. Why didn’t he inform me he was coming? And why so early? I had just arrived at the office.
“He’s at Lardizabal Luxuria now.”
“Why didn’t he call me himself? Why did he contact you instead?”
“He said he’d been trying to call you, but you didn’t answer.” I frowned and reached for my phone but couldn’t find it.
“I think I left it in the condo. Please call him and tell him I’m on my way, and we can meet in his hotel room.”
“Okay, sir.”
I stood up and started walking towards the door when it suddenly opened, revealing Bella carrying a cup of coffee. “You can drink it,” I saw the confusion on her face, but I turned to Aries and instructed, “My table…”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, picking up the folder containing the information about Bella before I looked at her again. I didn’t want her to know that I was trying to know more about her. It might scare her away and resign. No, I can’t let that happen.
“I need to go somewhere.” I didn’t need to tell her, but I didn’t want her to think I disregarded her effort to make my coffee. When I saw her nod, I continued on my way out and headed straight to Lardizabal Luxuria.
It took me over an hour to reach the hotel. After asking the receptionist for Mariano’s room, I went straight there. According to Aries, he was already expecting me.
“What happened?” I asked as soon as I entered and saw him casually sitting on one of the couches in the living room.
“Is that how you greet your brother?” he asked. “Shouldn’t you say hello to me first and ask how I was?”
“I know you’re fine, so there’s no need to ask,” I responded, which made him chuckle and shrug. “So, why are you really here?”
“Nothing, I just want to breathe.”
“And you decided to do that here?”
“Why not? I mean, it’s good here,” he replied, but I was still in disbelief.
“Of all places, you want to breathe in a busy place like the Philippines?”
“Every country is busy, Max. But you’re here, so I decided to come here.” Am I really the reason for his visit?This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.
“You’re not the type to travel unless it’s important.”
“Is that how you know me?” he asked with a frown. “I already ordered my breakfast. Eat with me.”
“Don’t tell me you’re sick and dying; I won’t believe that.” His eyes widened at what I said.
“What made you think that? Do you want to see me dead now!” he asked with wide eyes.
“You suddenly want to eat with me!” I exclaimed.
“So? Is it so bad to ask you to join me for breakfast?”
“Fine.” I had no choice but to agree. Besides, he might still be worried about me, which is why he’s here, but he doesn’t want to admit it because he knows I’ll just get mad. He often checks on me to make sure I’m okay.
His order arrived, and we started having breakfast. We were in the middle of eating when he suddenly spoke.
“I was following someone here. He’s wanted in L. A. now for murder.” I frowned as I looked at him.
“I didn’t know you were already a police investigator.” He chuckled at my comment before shrugging his shoulders. Wait, did I miss something?