Micheal spent less time at home during their honeymoon or any other time in their marriage. An occasional night in, but he usually insisted on quiet, and that she sat with him to watch whatever interested him. He’d always toyed with her body as they watched whatever it was. By the end of the program, she would feel flustered and frustrated. Then he’d enjoy a few rounds of sex with her before he rolled over in bed and slept. She couldn’t complain very much. If nothing else, Michael insisted on experiencing her orgasming around his cock, his fingers, or his tongue. Juliette’s mind flashed to the time he’d made her shatter with his thumbs there. It felt like he pressed her open as he watched her body throb and resist his actions. She’d felt no pain at all, but the resistance felt sinfully, delicious. Juliette pondered her options. He again slowly took over her life. Throughout, he insisted on making it a real marriage. She wasn’t sure Micheal knew what an act
“As far as I got with thinking about it would surprise you. One, I wanted to wait until our fifth wedding anniversary approached. Then we’d negotiate new boundaries and perhaps rewrite our prenup agreement. Two, what had me hesitating on extending the length of our marriage was a nonexistent issue. I received information about a rumour that you had a lover on the side. I had the divorce papers created because I was hurt. I’m selfish, remember. You were mine and only mine. Despite not being an actual marriage initially. It felt like one.” Michael spoke frankly as Juliette watched him. Had her actions made a difference with him? Or was that wishful thinking on her part? “Why didn’t you just keep looking for someone else to replace me?” “With Aria here in the condo, nothing changed. I wasn't expecting to see Aria so early in the morning. Upon leaving the shower, I instinctively thought of calling your name for a towel, not hers.” Michael glanced out the large win
“Julie? I thought you would have many things you'd like to change. But you’re silent. Would you like some time to consider?” Michael sat there and looked at Juliette across her desk. She’d chosen a simple desk with three small drawers under the tabletop and lots of leg room. Besides a filing cabinet and a bookshelf, she needed minimal supplies. Right now, Michael watched Juliette with concern. She looked like she’d stopped breathing and moving. He almost said more when she blinked suddenly and shook her head slightly. “I hadn’t thought about it. Why would I? You never cared about my thoughts or feelings before.” “Julie, stop it. We can’t get bogged down in the past. Right now, we’re trying to lay the groundwork for our future.” He watched her face, and she looked stressed. “Eat your food and think about the question. What boundaries do you feel you need me to abide by?” “If I say something, you won’t get angry with me in public. No embarrassing me
“Honestly? It was everything you did. But that came later. In January, once the party ended and I regained my sobriety, I could reflect on what had occurred. The situation didn't align with my expectations. I couldn't figure out why my past relationships couldn't fill the void in my life. I, uh, found myself coming home to get what I previously searched for from my other, uh, encounters.” He couldn’t believe how embarrassing it became to admit to Julie about his lovers and how it changed for him. “Until Aria, I hadn't had any encounters. I wasn’t interested in anyone else. As for Aria, I regret it because I know it has opened a door with her. She won’t let this end, and I’m afraid she’ll say it’s not over. You know how Aria is like a bad penny. She’ll keep turning up repeatedly.” He rarely admitted to having regrets, but in this case the regret ruined his life and his plans going forward. “I don't want anything from her anymore. The toxic nature of her life and the games she plays with
Returning to this place made Julie feel nervous. The anticipation of knowing she’d have to be sick for the next day or so didn’t help her sense of calm, either. “You look fine, Julie. There’s no need to pick at yourself, love.” Michael said as she picked at the sleeves and hem of her dress. She hated how it clung and felt like her skin couldn’t breathe. “I’m just wondering how to explain why I’m there with you. Everyone was there, and they watched me sign the divorce papers.” She was aware that he hadn't considered that evening. No one questioned him about what happened between them; everyone sided with Aria and her version of events. What story did Aria tell? Why did they believe her and not Julie? Simple. No one wanted to make an enemy of her father, Senator Cain. Who did Julie think she was? A nobody. The story Aria spread had Michael messing around with Julie, and Julie must have forced Michael to leave Aria. Aria explained her le
“But… Isn’t she? Everyone knows she blackmailed you into tossing Ms. Cain aside.” Edward didn’t expect Michael’s response to his words. His explanation spoke volumes. Edward Phillips listened to gossip and believed the lies. Michael laughed at Edward’s response, though there wasn’t much mirth in the sound. He found it the funniest thing he’d heard all day. “What gave you that idea? That’s false. I wanted her, sure. But Aria distracted me from Julie. Then Aria ran off with Leon hours before the wedding. I seized the opportunity and urged Julie to step in. It was in her best interest to marry me.” Michael’s eyes watched Edward like a sleepy predator. “Aria’s situation had nothing to do with Julie and everything to do with her actions. Aria did a lot of things and placed the blame on Julie. She’s been doing things to Julie for years. Her little green dragon perched on her shoulder needs to lose weight. Julie and I are very much still married and we’re working on
Julie left the bathroom in search of a tranquil spot to gather herself. However, Michael stood outside the bathroom door waiting for her. “Hey, are you okay? Any headache yet?” Julie wasn’t sure what to think. It didn’t surprise her he stood there waiting. The fact he stood there concerned and not angry was the surprising part. Julie couldn’t get over it. But he’d become distracted and annoyed by something or someone else. Now that he asked, “No, oddly. I don’t smell the perfume as much either.” Another thing she hadn’t expected. “I don’t understand.” Julie hadn’t lied. She recognized the perfume was dissipating because the club stopped using it a week ago. This caused Michael to smile with happiness and satisfied she’d not lied about it. To Michael it meant he could lend more trust in other areas of their relationship as he learned about her unique differences. Michael had investigated what she’d claimed, and it came up confirmed by
“Mr. Allan, one moment please.” Michael looked at Edward Phillips and waited for him to approach. The other board members stayed at the top of the stairs and watched. Julie didn’t know what they were watching for or why they watched. “Mr. Phillips. Is there a problem?” “Yes. No, I mean, I wanted to apologize to you about the horrible misunderstanding. I know now I should have verified the facts before I formed any conclusions or opinion. Will you accept my heartfelt apology?” Michael didn’t respond right away. Nor did he respond, as Julie expected. Seeing the mistreatment of my wife in there by several people, I’m not in the mood for rational thinking. She’s upset and I am taking her home. Have a good evening Mr. Phillips.” With that, Michael gave Edward Phillips his back and climbed into the car. The driver shut the door. Next, he moved to the driver’s side. “Hold up Edward, don’t drive away yet.” “Yes, Sir.”