Straightening Affairs - 17. Chapter 17

Ryan spent the first night in Michael’s room, savoring every moment. For once, he felt truly free—no Nathan to answer to, no Sarah to tiptoe around. It was just him and Michael.

Michael had ordered room service, and the dinner was exquisite. They barely finished their meal before moving on to dessert—not the one on the cart, but each other.

That night, Michael was completely uninhibited. When the weight of his double life was lifted, he was a different man—intense, passionate, and almost primal in his energy. Ryan reveled in it, soaking up every touch, every kiss. For Ryan, it wasn’t just sex; it felt like victory.

As they lay tangled in the sheets, Ryan broke the silence. “So, how are you enjoying New York?”

Michael smirked. “New York, or you?”

Ryan grinned. “I think you know what I mean.”

“It’s amazing,” Ryan said, his voice soft but deliberate. “Can you imagine if it was just the two of us? Together forever? We could do this every night and not have to worry about Sarah, or Nathan, or anyone else.”

Michael’s expression darkened for a moment. “Let’s not talk about Sarah, okay? It’s just you and me here. Tonight, I want to forget everything else.”

Ryan nodded, hiding his satisfaction. He knew the cracks in Michael’s facade were growing deeper. “When are your friends coming over?” Michael asked, shifting the subject.

“They’re coming Friday night,” Ryan replied casually. “Our flight doesn’t leave until Saturday morning, right? You’ll have the time of your life, Mikey. I promise. You won’t forget it.”

Ryan’s mind raced with plans. He knew exactly what was in store for Michael—and for Sarah. Between Michael’s mom’s schemes and his own quick thinking, everything was falling into place. Victory was so close he could taste it. But until then, he’d keep savoring Michael.

“Wanna go again, Mikey?” Ryan asked, sliding closer.

Michael chuckled. “Why not?”

Early the next morning, Michael was up and getting ready to meet the Director of Implementations at the client’s office. He adjusted his tie in the mirror, glancing back at Ryan, who was still sprawled across the bed.

“I’m heading out,” Michael said. “I’ll be back around 4 p.m. I left a credit card on the table if you want to go out and explore the city while I’m gone. Just tap it—no one will ask for ID.”

Ryan stretched lazily, a sly smile spreading across his face. “Thanks, Mikey. Maybe I’ll do some shopping.”

Michael shrugged. “Whatever. I’ll see you later.” With that, he grabbed his briefcase and left, the door clicking shut behind him.

Alone in the room, Ryan lay back on the bed, replaying the events of the night before. Michael had exceeded his expectations—passionate, attentive, and generous. It was everything Ryan had ever wanted in a man. For someone who had spent most of his life suppressing his true self, Michael had taken to his new identity remarkably well.

Slowly, Ryan got up and stepped into the shower. As the warm water cascaded over him, his mind flitted between thoughts of Michael and the plans for Friday night. He would make sure the weekend was unforgettable—for everyone involved.

After dressing, Ryan headed down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. The food was impeccable, and he indulged himself without hesitation. With Michael’s credit card in his pocket, he felt like he’d hit the jackpot. Once breakfast was done, he called an Uber and set off for the Fashion District.

The day flew by as Ryan treated himself to a shopping spree. New clothes, accessories, and a few indulgent splurges—all at Michael’s expense. Isn’t that what a sugar daddy is for? he thought with a smirk. He gave Michael what he wanted, and in return, Michael would take care of him.

Ryan was living his best life, but he hadn’t forgotten the bigger picture. Friday night was just around the corner, and with every purchase, he felt the pieces falling into place. Michael had no idea what was coming—but Ryan did. And he couldn’t wait.

Ryan returned to the hotel just after 4 p.m., eager to set the stage for the evening. He wanted everything to be perfect when Michael arrived. He ordered room service, carefully selected dishes he knew Michael would enjoy, and raided the mini-bar for the finest options. A bottle of wine sat open on the table, two glasses ready. Everything was in place for an unforgettable night.

Michael arrived almost an hour later, his tie slightly loosened and his face showing the strain of a long day. He stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the setup. “Ryan, you went all out.”

Ryan greeted him with a mischievous grin. “Mikey, you’re late. I figured you’d need this.” He handed Michael a drink, already poured and waiting.

Michael took the glass with a grateful nod. “Yeah, long day. Thanks. Looks like you’ve been busy.”

“I have.” Ryan smirked, lounging on the bed. “Spent your money. Picked up some new clothes and accessories. Wanna see?”

Michael shook his head, already loosening his tie. “No, I’d rather see you in nothing.”

Ryan chuckled, his grin widening. “Oh, don’t worry. You’ll have me all to yourself soon enough.” His tone carried a hint of something that made Michael pause.

“What do you mean?” Michael asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Ryan quickly caught himself, his expression shifting to playful innocence. “I mean, let’s eat, drink, and have some dessert. Or we could just skip straight to dessert. I’ve got some ideas, Mikey. You might want to see these accessories I got. They’re not exactly for me… but for us.”

Michael raised an eyebrow, his curiosity now piqued. “Accessories?”

Ryan stood and moved to his suitcase, pulling out a small bag. He walked back to the bed and opened it with deliberate flair, revealing an array of toys, restraints, and other items designed to make the night unforgettable.

Michael’s lips curved into a smirk. “Oooh, well… this should be fun. Why don’t we skip dinner?”

Ryan’s smile was triumphant. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He stepped closer, his hands brushing against Michael’s chest. “You’re going to love what I have planned.”

Ryan’s carefully spun web grew tighter as the night went on. He knew exactly how to play Michael—when to be tender, when to push boundaries. Michael, oblivious to anything beyond the moment, followed Ryan’s lead, reveling in the freedom and thrill of their time together.

Ryan’s mind, however, was calculating. Every kiss, every touch, every whispered promise was part of his plan. He couldn’t afford to get sloppy now. He had to keep Michael hooked, to make him believe this was about pleasure and connection when it was so much more.

Michael, on the other hand, felt liberated. Ryan brought out a side of him he didn’t know existed—a bold, adventurous side unencumbered by responsibility or guilt. As they lay tangled in the sheets afterward, Michael found himself wondering how he could make this last. Maybe Ryan could join him on more trips. The thought of having this kind of freedom, this kind of exhilaration, every time he traveled was intoxicating.

Ryan turned to Michael, resting his head on his chest. “So, Mikey… What do you think of my accessories?”

Michael laughed, running a hand through Ryan’s hair. “I think you’re full of surprises.”

Ryan smiled to himself, his eyes glinting with something Michael couldn’t see. “Oh, Mikey, you have no idea.”

Michael and Ryan had spent most of the night indulging in each other, using the toys Ryan had bought. For Michael, it was a thrilling escape—an indulgence he only allowed himself on trips like this. With Ryan beside him, the weight of his double life seemed distant, almost forgotten.

The next morning, Michael woke up early. His day with the client would be short, wrapping up by early afternoon, which meant he’d have the rest of the day to spend with Ryan. The prospect of what Ryan had planned excited him, even if he didn’t know the full extent of it.

Ryan stirred beside him, pulling him back into bed. “Mikey, do you really have to go? I’m so bored without you. Come on, just a quick one before you leave. Please?”

Michael checked his watch. He had just enough time if he skipped breakfast at the restaurant and grabbed something to go. “Why not,” he said with a grin.

Ryan knew exactly how to get him going, and Michael left the room with a satisfied smile and a lingering sense of anticipation for the evening ahead.

Ryan Sets the Plan in Motion
As soon as the door closed behind Michael, Ryan was in action. There was no time to waste. He showered, dressed, and headed straight to the front desk, rehearsing his lines on the way down.

“Hi, I’m traveling with Michael, I’m his nephew,” he began, flashing a charming smile. “He’s in Room 2022. His wife, Sarah, my sister, is arriving later as a surprise for him. But his room is a bit chaotic, could you send her to my room?. That way I get a chance to catch-up with my big sister, and we can surprise Michael together. Oh, let me know when she arrives so I can make sure everything’s perfect.J ust a quick text will do.”

The front desk attendant hesitated for a moment before Ryan discreetly slipped a $100 bill across the counter. “Thank you so much,” he added, leaning in conspiratorially. “Michael will appreciate it too.”

The Friends Arrive
Back in his room, Ryan made a quick call to his friends. “Everything’s ready. Come over now,” he instructed. They arrived within the hour, bringing along their charm, good looks, and a few additional “party favors.”

The four men spent the late morning and early afternoon drinking, laughing, and indulging themselves. Ryan explained the plan, ensuring they all knew their roles. The drinks were spiked, except for Ryan’s, and everyone was primed for the scene Sarah would stumble upon. “It’ll be unforgettable,” Ryan promised, his grin as sharp as a knife.

Michael Returns
Michael arrived back at the hotel around 2:30 p.m., exhilarated from the productive day. After freshening up in his room, he went straight to Ryan’s.

“Ryan, you here?” he called as he let himself in.

“In the bedroom, Mikey,” Ryan’s voice purred. “I’ve got a surprise for you.”

Michael walked in and froze, his eyes widening as he took in the sight. Three stunning men lounged on the bed, their chiseled bodies glistening under the soft light. Ryan stood off to the side, a sly smile on his lips.

“Mikey, meet my friends—Leonardo, Eric, and Stephen. They’ve been waiting for you.”

Michael’s initial hesitation melted into excitement. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “Well, this is going to be a fun night,” he said, a grin spreading across his face.

Leonardo approached him first, peeling off his jacket and shirt with practiced ease. The others followed suit, creating an atmosphere of overwhelming temptation. Michael surrendered, letting them guide him into a new world of pleasure.

Ryan Prepares to Strike

The luxurious hotel room exuded muted opulence—plush carpeting, a sleek king-size bed with crisp white sheets now tangled and pushed aside, and an understated sitting area with cream leather chairs and a low glass coffee table. The air was warm, thick with the mingling scents of sweat, cologne, and spilled alcohol.

Ryan leaned casually against the wall near the door, his sharp eyes scanning the scene. Everything had fallen into place as he’d planned—or nearly so. Empty drink glasses were scattered across the nightstands and table, their contents long consumed, the evidence of indulgence unmistakable. Michael had taken several sips of the spiked cocktail earlier, but to Ryan’s irritation, it hadn’t slowed him down in the slightest.

Michael stood at the edge of the bed, completely naked, his body illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamps. He was utterly unbothered, laughing as he pulled one of the men closer, their lips meeting in a slow, passionate kiss. Around them, the other men were equally uninhibited, their hands exploring each other’s bodies on the bed and against the walls. Quiet gasps and murmured words filled the room, blending into the charged atmosphere.

Ryan’s jaw tightened as he watched Michael, who seemed untouchable in his confidence. This was supposed to be his undoing, yet here he was, moving through the chaos with effortless ease. He was magnetic, his hands sliding down the back of one guest while another pressed against his side, their attention entirely consumed by him.

The sounds in the room softened, turning more intimate. Ryan stepped back, letting the shadows near the doorway swallow him. It was time to go. He cast a final glance around the room, ensuring everything was as damning as he’d envisioned. The disheveled sheets, the scattered glasses, the unmistakable intimacy—it would all be more than enough when Sarah arrived.

Ryan moved silently toward the bedroom door, slipping out into the main sitting area. He quickly dressed, shrugging on his clothes with practiced efficiency, and exited the suite. The hallway was cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the heated chaos inside. Ryan headed to Michael’s private room a few floors up.

Once inside, the difference was striking: the bed was untouched, the air cooler, the room neat and pristine. Ryan closed the door gently behind him, leaning against it for a moment as the tension drained from his shoulders. It was all set. He allowed himself a satisfied smile. This was going to work. He was going to win, and Mrs. Evans would get exactly what she wanted.

Crossing to the window, Ryan pulled back the curtain slightly, glancing at the quiet street below. His pulse steadied as he reminded himself this was the moment he had prepared for. By the time Sarah arrived, the scene in the other room would destroy any illusion Michael had tried to maintain. Ryan would be long gone, the puppet master of a perfect betrayal.

He sank into the armchair by the window, plucking a small bottle of whiskey from the mini-bar. Twisting off the cap, he took a long sip, savoring the burn as it slid down his throat. The trap was set, and soon, it would snap shut.

Sarah’s Surprise Arrival
Meanwhile, Sarah was just minutes away from the hotel. Her excitement grew with every block, imagining Michael’s face when she surprised him. As they neared, she decided to call him, unable to contain herself.

Michael was mid-kiss when his phone buzzed on the nightstand. Annoyed, he ignored it, but the buzzing continued. He groaned, reluctantly pulling away from whomever he was with at that moment. “Hang on,” he muttered, picking up his phone. The name on the screen made his blood run cold—Sarah.

Michael quickly left the room, slightly closing the door behind him and went into the sitting room. As he answered the phone, trying to keep his voice steady. “Sarah? Hey, it’s me. Is everything okay?”

Her voice was cheerful. “Everything’s fine, Michael. I just wanted to tell you I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?” His mind raced, his heart pounding. “What kind of surprise?”

“I’m in New York! I’ll be at your hotel in a few minutes. I couldn’t wait to tell you.”

Michael froze. “You’re here? In New York? How did you know where I’m staying?”

“Well, Nathan and Ryan suggested it, and remember Janelle? She helped me out. She even let the hotel know I’d be arriving so they could give me access to your room.”

Michael’s throat went dry. He tried to maintain his composure. “That’s amazing, Sarah. I can’t believe it. How long until you get here?”

“The Uber driver says about 30 minutes. I’ll see you soon!”

Michael hung up and swore under his breath. He quickly dressed, grabbed his phone, and left Ryan’s room without a word. His mind raced as he made his way to his own room. What the hell is Ryan playing at? he thought. Why would he tell Sarah to come here?

Without a second thought, Michael quickly grabbed his clothes from the floor and hastily began dressing. His fingers trembled slightly as he fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, but he didn’t stop to steady them. Time was slipping away, and he needed to get out of here fast. Get back to his room, clean himself up, and regain control.

The muffled sounds of laughter and soft murmurs from the other room followed him as he moved. He didn’t glance back toward the bed or the men sprawled around it, their attention still entirely on one another. There was no point in saying anything to them—they didn’t know where his room was, and there was no chance they’d come looking for him. Not that they had any reason to.

Michael opened the door pausing only long enough to make sure the hallway was clear before stepping out. The cool, quiet air of the corridor hit him like a splash of water, and he exhaled sharply, his shoulders easing slightly. He wasn’t safe yet, but at least he was out.

He stepped into the hall, shutting the door softly behind him. He didn’t look back as he strode purposefully toward the elevators, his heart pounding in his chest. Every step took him closer to the sanctuary of his room, the pristine space where he could erase every trace of what had just happened and focus on whatever came next.

Michael pressed the button for his floor, his reflection in the mirrored elevator door catching his eye. Disheveled but composed enough. He straightened his collar, forcing his breathing to steady. By the time the elevator doors slid open, he’d have pulled himself together completely.

Back in his room, everything would be fine again.

Confrontation in Michael’s Room
Michael unlocked the door to his room and found Ryan lounging on the sofa, looking startled to see him.

“Ryan? What the hell are you doing here?” Michael demanded.

Ryan stood, feigning nonchalance. “We ran out of booze. I came to get some from your room and must’ve dozed off.”

Michael wasn’t buying it. “You told Sarah to come to New York? What the hell are you playing at?”

Ryan’s face paled, his usual confidence faltering. “Mikey, calm down. It’s not like that. I didn’t think she’d actually come.”

“Not like that? You’re screwing with me, Ryan. If you ruin this—” Michael stopped himself, taking a deep breath. “Go back to your room and stay there. Don’t come out. Don’t come near Sarah. If you mess this up, you’ll regret it.”

Ryan nodded silently, slipping out of the room. His plan had crumbled, and he had no choice but to retreat. Meanwhile, Michael quickly tidied his room, rehearsing his excuses for when Sarah arrived.

Ryan’s Plan Crumbles
Ryan walked out the door, hesitating for a moment. He had to think quickly. If Michael kept him locked out, there was no way to salvage the plan. But his mind was foggy, and every move he made seemed to backfire.

As he stepped into the hallway, he pulled out his phone, his hands trembling. He needed to contact Michael’s mom—fast. She needed to know what was happening.

The phone rang twice before she answered. “What is it, Ryan?” she asked, her tone cold.

“Everything’s falling apart,” Ryan whispered. “Michael knows I suggested Sarah come to New York. She’s on her way, and he’s losing it.”

There was silence on the other end for a moment, and then her voice came through, icy and calculated. “Listen to me carefully, Ryan. You stay out of sight. Do not engage with Sarah. Let Michael deal with her. He’s resourceful, and he’ll find a way to keep her from finding out.”

“And if she does?” Ryan asked, his voice shaking.

“She won’t,” she replied sharply, her tone icy and resolute. “If you’ve done your part and kept yourself out of sight, there’s no way this can be traced back to you. Stay calm. This is Michael’s mess to deal with now. I’ll come up with something else. For now, you just lay low and wait until you hear from me.”

With that, she hung up abruptly, leaving no room for argument. Ryan stared at the phone for a moment, a mix of relief and unease swirling in his chest. Shaking his head, he slipped the phone into his pocket and made his way back to his room, his steps slower than usual as the weight of the situation settled over him.

Back in his room, Michael scrambled to restore a semblance of normalcy. He grabbed a bottle of cologne and sprayed it liberally around the space, trying to mask any lingering scents. The bedding, already neat, was smoothed over again with quick, nervous hands. His eyes darted to his phone. Without hesitation, he deleted every message from Ryan, ensuring there was no trace of their communication.

Michael’s gaze swept across the room, scanning for anything out of place. Satisfied that everything looked untouched, he let out a slow, shaky breath. His heart still hammered in his chest, but the panic began to fade. It was fine. Everything was under control. No one would know.

Just as he finished, his phone buzzed again—Sarah. He took a deep breath and answered.

“Hey, Sarah. You here?”

“Yes, I’m just walking into the lobby,” she said cheerfully. “Can’t wait to see you.”

Michael forced a smile. “I’ll meet you at the elevator. I’m on the 20th floor.”

“Great! See you soon.”

Hanging up, Michael glanced at himself in the mirror, adjusting his shirt and plastering on a smile. “Game face,” he muttered to himself. “You can do this.”

As the elevator dinged, and Sarah stepped out, beaming, Michael enveloped her in a warm hug, masking the panic swirling inside him.

“Surprise!” she said, her voice full of joy.

“Wow, Sarah. You really did surprise me,” Michael replied, his voice steady but his mind racing. “This is going to be a weekend to remember.”

As Sarah and Michael embraced warmly, she pulled back slightly and sniffed the air around him. “Is that a new cologne you’re wearing? It’s nice.”

Michael’s mind raced, but he quickly came up with a response. “Yeah,” he said casually. “I walked by a department store earlier, and they gave me a tester to try out. I thought about buying it, but it was pretty expensive, and I figured I’d save that money to get something for the kids and you instead.”

Sarah smiled, her heart warming at his words. “Oh, Michael,” she said softly, resting her head against his chest. “You’re always thinking about us.”

She tightened her arms around him, content in the moment. For her, it was a perfect surprise—her, Michael, and an unexpected weekend together. For Michael, it was another close call, but for now, he buried the tension deep, matching Sarah’s happy expression and holding her close.

Michael knew he was treading on thin ice. For now, he’d managed to keep Sarah’s suspicions at bay, but for how long? How long could he keep up this exhausting charade? The smallest slip, even the slightest glimpse of the truth, could bring his entire world crashing down.

And Ryan—what was Ryan doing? Why had he dragged Sarah into this? Michael’s mind raced. He needed to confront Ryan, to get some answers, but now wasn’t the time. Right now, all his focus had to be on Sarah. She was here, in the same hotel, just a few floors below the very room that could destroy everything he’d built—his marriage, his career, his carefully curated life.

Michael took a deep breath, forcing a smile as they walked towards his room. He had a role to play, and this performance would be the most difficult of his life. Everything depended on it.

As Sarah entered the room, she marveled at the breathtaking view from the large windows. The city stretched out before her, alive with lights and energy.

“Michael, you’ve been holding out on me!” she teased. “This view is stunning. Maybe I should start tagging along on your business trips!”

Michael’s stomach churned. Panic surged through him, though he managed to keep his face neutral. The thought of Sarah accompanying him on trips sent his mind spiraling. He wasn’t sure if it was the adrenaline of nearly getting caught or the mounting stress of his double life, but her suggestion hit like a wrecking ball. He scrambled to stay calm.

“Holding out?” Michael asked, feigning confusion as a wave of panic surged through him. He forced a chuckle, hoping to mask his unease. The thought of Sarah accompanying him on trips sent his mind spiraling. He wasn’t sure if it was the adrenaline of nearly getting caught or the mounting stress of his double life, but her suggestion hit like a wrecking ball. He scrambled to stay calm.

“I’m kidding,” Sarah said, sensing his discomfort. “You’ve got work to do, and I couldn’t leave the kids alone just yet anyway.”

Michael nodded quickly, forcing a chuckle. “Yeah, it’d be too much for them without you there.”

“Oh, speaking of kids,” Michael began, placing Sarah's’ purse on the chair and looking at her fondly, “who did you leave them with?”

“My parents,” Sarah said without hesitation, though her pulse quickened. “Ryan had to go out of town—some family emergency. So, Nathan, my parents, and sister are all pitching in. The kids cried a bit at first, but as soon as they saw Grandpa and Grandma, they forgot all about me.”

Sarah laughed warmly. “Michael, isn’t this just wonderful? We haven’t had a weekend to ourselves since the twins were born. Not that I’m complaining; they’re the light of my life. Every time I see them, I’m reminded of what we made together. They’re our miracle babies.”

As she spoke, Sarah wrapped her arms around Michael and rested her head on his chest. Michael responded automatically, hugging her back, though his thoughts were a chaotic mess. He could feel her warmth, her love—but instead of comfort, it brought a fresh wave of guilt. She trusted him completely, and he was standing on the brink of betraying that trust in the worst possible way.

“Sweetie, why don’t you get settled in?” Michael suggested after a long silence. “I’ll call the front desk to extend our stay until Sunday and update my flight. We’ll have the whole weekend together.”

“Okay!” Sarah said brightly. “I could use a shower. Oh, Michael,” she added as she picked up her suitcase, “I got a message from the credit card company about a cash advance? What’s that about? I hope our card hasn’t been compromised.”

Michael froze. A cold sweat broke out on his back. Ryan. What had he done? And how had Sarah been notified? Then he remembered—of course, they shared the same account, and she would have received the alert too. He needed to think fast.

“Oh, that,” Michael said, feigning calm. “I had to take out some cash at the airport. It’s just easier to pay for tips and small things that way. Nothing to worry about.”

Sarah nodded, seemingly satisfied, and headed into the bedroom with her suitcase. Michael exhaled deeply, his mind racing. As soon as Sarah entered the bathroom and he heard the water running, he grabbed his phone and called Ryan.

“Ryan,” Michael hissed, his voice low but furious, “if you so much as step out of your room and I see you, you’re done. Tell your friends to leave. When I get back, we’re going to have a serious conversation.”

“What? Me?” Ryan protested weakly. “I didn’t—”

“Don’t even try,” Michael snapped, cutting him off. “I’m staying until Sunday. You’re leaving tomorrow. I’ll arrange it with the front desk. Leave your key, grab an Uber, and go home. If Sarah sees you here, she will ask questions, and I will throw you under the bus. Understood?”

“Yes, Michael,” Ryan replied quietly. His mind was spinning. How had this all gone so wrong? The plan had been foolproof. Even worse, Michaels’s mom wasn’t happy about this. He needed to figure out how to salvage things, both with her and with Michael or find some way out of the mess.

Hanging up, Michael immediately called the front desk to extend his stay and update his flight. He also arranged for Ryan’s checkout. As he put his phone down, Sarah emerged from the shower, her skin glowing and her hair damp, a playful smile on her lips.

“Michael…” she called softly, her voice low and inviting. She stood there completely naked, her arms outstretched. “Maybe we can eat in tonight?”

Michael turned to her, startled, but quickly slipped back into his role. Despite the turmoil raging inside, he smiled at her, taking her hand. “I think that’s a perfect idea.”

As they spent the night together, Michael’s mind never fully left Ryan or the narrowly avoided disaster. While Sarah rested her head against his chest, whispering sweet nothings, he stared at the ceiling, wondering how long he could keep this all from crumbling around him.

Before going out on Saturday, Michael called the front desk to confirm that Ryan had indeed checked out. His heart pounded as he waited on hold, the seconds stretching uncomfortably long. When the receptionist finally confirmed it, Michael exhaled sharply. He quickly sent Ryan a text, simply asking if he’d left already. Ryan’s reply came instantly, and Michael deleted the messages as quickly as they arrived. He was in the clear. Ryan was gone, and the nightmare of nearly being caught had passed—for now.

Michael and Sarah spent an amazing two days in New York. Instead of sightseeing, they wandered the shopping district, picking out gifts for the twins. Michael played the role of a doting husband flawlessly, helping Sarah pick out matching outfits for Shawn and Samantha and sneaking in compliments that made her laugh. Lunch was at a high-end bistro, and for dinner, they stayed close to the hotel, enjoying the restaurant's romantic ambiance.

That night, they returned to their room. Sarah looked radiant under the soft glow of the bedside lamp, her laughter filling the space as she teased Michael about their shopping spree. Michael forced a smile, his thoughts elsewhere. She kissed him, and though he didn’t enjoy it, he responded like the attentive husband he was supposed to be.

Once they were alone in their hotel room, Sarah dropped another bombshell. She wanted another child. Her voice was calm but resolute, as though she had already made the decision in her heart.

“I’ve always wanted a big family,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “Like the one I grew up in. And now that you’re working from home, with a full-time nanny to help, it just feels like the right time.”

Michael blinked, the weight of her words settling over him. She was unbothered by the practicalities—Shawn and Sarah starting school in the fall, the sleepless nights, or the endless demands of a newborn. Her focus was on the joy of expanding their family, her motherly instincts reigniting with a determination he recognized all too well.

“We’ve made it work before, and we’ll make it work again,” she added, her smile soft but unwavering. “I just know this is what I want.”

Another child? The thought settled uneasily in Michael’s mind, though he masked it with a practiced calm. He remembered how anxious he’d been when Sarah first brought up having children years ago. The idea had terrified him then—how would he manage? But somehow, he had made it work. He kept up appearances at home, doting on his family, while still finding ways to indulge in his true desires whether at home, or on business trips.

Another child wouldn’t change much, he reasoned. It wouldn’t affect him the way Sarah imagined. He could juggle it all—just as he always had.

As they moved to the bed, Michael’s mind drifted to the three men Ryan had introduced him to just two nights ago. It was only by focusing on that memory that he managed to perform, and Sarah didn’t seem to notice anything amiss. She fell asleep wrapped in his arms, whispering about how perfect the weekend had been.

By the time Sunday morning came, Sarah stretched lazily in the bed, a content smile on her face. For Michael, the hours couldn’t pass quickly enough.

“I wish we could have stayed a few more days,” Michael said, the words automatic, though part of him was relieved their time in New York was coming to an end.

“I know,” Sarah sighed, reaching for him. “You were quite the acrobat last night, Michael. I think we need more getaways like this.”

Michael forced a chuckle, his mind racing back to the memories that had carried him through the night. “I think so too,” he replied. “I haven’t had that much fun since our wedding night.”

“Oh, Michael!” Sarah said, playfully hitting his arm. “You’re making me blush.”

Michael smiled and pulled her close, the image of the doting husband perfectly intact. Inside, though, he was on edge, counting the hours until they were home and he could distance himself from this weekend’s close calls. “I would have thought you’re past blushing, Sarah,” he teased.

They stayed in bed a little longer before finally getting up to pack. Michael meticulously checked the room to ensure he hadn’t left anything incriminating behind. Just as he zipped up his suitcase, he noticed something under the edge of the bed. One of Ryan’s toys. His heart slammed in his chest.

In a panic, he kicked it further under the bed with his foot, praying Sarah hadn’t seen it. The weight of how close he’d come to ruining everything pressed on him. He couldn’t let this happen again.

As Sarah emerged from the bathroom, still glowing from the weekend, Michael gave her a reassuring smile. She had no idea how close she’d come to uncovering the truth. Michael told himself that next time—if there was a next time—he’d have to be more careful, more calculated.

For now, he played his part. And for now, Sarah believed it.

The flight home was uneventful. Sarah couldn’t stop talking about the weekend, her excitement bubbling over as she recounted every detail. She gushed about the surprise and how much she appreciated Ryan and Nathan for convincing her to come. “It was all their idea,” she said with a smile, leaning her head against Michael’s shoulder. “I’m so glad they pushed me to do it. I almost backed out, you know?”

Michael forced a smile, nodding along as she spoke. “I’m glad you didn’t,” he said, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside him.

Inside, Michael was fuming. Ryan. What the hell was he up to? And Nathan? Had they been working together? No. Not Nathan, he loved his big sister - if he knew anything, he would have confronted Sarah or him directly. No. This was all Ryan. But why? The thought churned in his stomach, but he couldn’t let any of it show. He nodded absently to Sarah’s chatter, but his mind raced, piecing together every detail of the last few days.

And Janelle. She was a problem. A loose thread that could unravel everything. He couldn’t afford to let her slip-ups continue. She was the one who told Sarah where he’d be staying. That alone was unacceptable. He’d need to deal with her—but delicately. He had enough pull to make it happen, but if he moved too quickly, it might raise suspicions. He’d have to find a way to get rid of her without leaving a trace of his involvement.

As Sarah continued to talk, oblivious to his inner turmoil, Michael leaned back in his seat and stared at the clouds outside the window. Ryan’s game was still a mystery to him. Why had he encouraged Sarah to come? And why hadn’t Ryan gotten caught up in his own trap? Was he playing some twisted game, or was this part of something bigger?

Michael clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He needed answers. Ryan was reckless, and that recklessness could cost him everything.

For now, though, Michael knew he needed to keep calm, keep smiling, and keep playing his role. The questions, the loose ends—they would all be dealt with. One by one.

As the plane began its descent, Sarah reached for his hand, giving it a squeeze. “Thank you for an amazing weekend, Michael,” she said softly. “I feel like we really reconnected. I missed this.”

Michael smiled down at her, his expression warm. “Me too, Sarah. It was perfect,” he said, the words sliding easily from his lips.

But in his mind, the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, and the picture they formed was one of betrayal, manipulation, and danger. Ryan had pushed him too far. And soon, Michael would push back.