The Mistress - 6. Chapter 6: A dark cloud comes knocking in Mateo's life.

Mark pressed the end call button with a heavy sigh, his heart sinking as the call disconnected. Mateo had been ignoring him since yesterday, and the silence between them felt like a gaping chasm. Leaning back against the wall, Mark ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched on his features.

His thumb absentmindedly flicked through messages and notifications. His eyes landed on the thread of naughty texts they'd shared just the day before, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he reminisced about the passionate night they'd spent together.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the presence behind him until he heard a voice, soft and curious. Startled, he turned to find a beautiful woman standing there, her long hair cascading in waves down her back, her lips full and inviting, her body curvaceous and accentuated by the short dress she wore.

“Why do you look so happy?” she inquired, her tone playful.

Mark blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her sudden appearance. “Oh, uh... just reminiscing,” he replied, his smile widening as he took in her presence.

The woman stepped closer, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

“I know that look,” she said, her voice teasing. “You've got a new boyfriend, don’t you?”

His cheeks flushed, and he dropped his gaze to the floor, feeling suddenly self-conscious under her gaze. “Um, well...” he stammered, unsure how to respond.

But she simply chuckled, stepping closer to him and wrapping him in a warm hug.

“I know you,” she said softly. “You're always glued to your phone when you're in love.”

Mark laughed, the tension easing from his shoulders as he returned her embrace.

‘Guilty as charged,” he admitted, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “There is someone,” he confessed, his voice quiet but filled with hope. “But he's not my boyfriend... yet.”

As they stood there wrapped in each other's arms, enjoying the brief moment of connection, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the tranquility. They reluctantly pulled away from each other, turning to see a handsome, tall man standing before them. His professional short hair was impeccably styled, and he wore an expensive-looking suit that spoke of success and sophistication. But it was his captivating eyes, filled with warmth and charisma, that could make anyone fall under his spell.

Mark's face lit up with excitement at the sight of him, and he practically flew across the room to envelop the man in a tight hug. The man returned the embrace warmly, a smile spreading across his face as they parted.

“I'm so glad you're back, big brother,” Mark exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine happiness.

Henry chuckled, a deep, rich sound that echoed in the air. “So am I,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Mark and Henry were brothers that loved each other and supported one another. Though they had different fathers, one couldn’t know that unless he/she knew them very well. While Henry’s father had almost killed him, Mark’s father was supportive of his son being gay, which made Henry’s father being reluctant to allow his son to be with Mark.

“You've been too quiet while you were away, Henry. I barely heard from you.” Mark complained, raising an eyebrow. “What happened?”

Henry chuckled softly, a tired smile playing on his lips. “I know, Mark. I'm sorry about that. Work's been crazy, and I just couldn't find the time to keep in touch as much as I wanted to.”

“Is that an excuse?”

“No, I was really busy.” He chuckled nervously. “You’re my favorite brother so how can I ignore you?”

“I am your only brother,” Mark laughed, slightly hitting his arm. “And I get what you mean, Henry. But you need to remember to take breaks. Life isn't just about work. You need to rest and have some fun too.”

Henry nodded thoughtfully, a glimmer of contemplation in his eyes. “You're right, Mark. I'll keep that in mind.”

As the brothers caught up, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Emma. With a raised eyebrow, she addressed Henry, “Where have you been? Last I checked, you were supposed to be back from your flight a day ago.”

“What?” Henry lost the smile on his face. “What are you talking about?”

“I talked to mother and she told me you started off two days ago.”

Henry's shoulders slumped slightly, a tired smile playing on his lips. “Nice to see you too, Emma.”

Emma rolled her eyes, but before she could say anything further, Henry excused himself, citing the need to freshen up after the long flight.

“I'll be down in a bit, Mark, and we’ll catch up,” he promised, making his way towards the staircase.

Henry headed towards the staircase, intending to retreat to his room for some much-needed respite. However, Emma followed closely behind, her curiosity piqued. As Henry reached his room, Emma barged in uninvited, her expression demanding answers.

“Where have you been all this time, Henry? Don't try to evade the question.”

“Emma, please, I just need some time to unwind. It's been hectic, and I'm exhausted.”

But Emma refused to back down, her determination unwavering. “I want to know where you've been, Henry. Who have you been with?”

With a resigned sigh, Henry began unbuttoning his shirt, hoping to convey his desire for solitude through his actions rather than his words. However, Emma persisted, her tone laced with suspicion.

“Who is she, Henry? Who is the bitch you’re screwing? Don't think I'm stupid. I know there's someone else,” Emma accused, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Henry couldn't help but laugh at Emma's accusations, finding them utterly ludicrous. "You're being delusional, Emma. Other women would be overjoyed seeing their husbands after weeks of not being together but look at you, barely a minute has past and you’re giving me a headache already. Can’t I have some peace in my house? What the fuck is this about?”

“Don’t try to change the topic!” She yelled, breathing harshly. “Maybe I've been asking the wrong questions," she mused aloud, stepping closer to him until they were almost toe to toe. “Maybe I should be asking who the man is.”

Henry froze, his breath catching in his throat as he struggled to comprehend Emma's accusation. “What... What are you talking about?”

“Don't play dumb, Henry. I know there's someone. Who is he?”

Henry shook his head and tried to walk away but Emma pulled him back angrily, raising her finger at him.

“Don't forget, Henry, I know your secrets. I know what your father did to you all those years ago. I know why you proposed to me in the first place.”

Henry's jaw clenched at the mention of his past, memories of pain and betrayal flooding his mind.

“If you already know, then why do you keep pushing, Emma? Maybe there is someone else, maybe it's a man. And maybe I'm tired of this marriage. Maybe we should just get a divorce,” Henry spat out, his words heavy with resentment.

Emma felt her heart race with a mixture of shock and anger, her breaths coming in harsh gasps as she struggled to process Henry's words. How could he say such things to her face after everything they had been through?

“How dare you say that to me?” Emma seethed, her voice trembling with emotion. “After everything we've been through?”

Henry's expression remained impassive as he met her gaze head-on, his eyes ablaze with suppressed fury.

“What exactly have we been through, Emma? The constant fights and arguments? Or perhaps it's the fact that you've cheated on me, and I've kept quiet about it.”

Emma recoiled as if struck, her eyes widening in shock as Henry's words pierced through her defenses. “What are you talking about?” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

But Henry refused to back down, his resolve unwavering. “I'm not stupid, Emma. I know about your infidelity. Don't pretend like it never happened.”

Emma remained silent for a long moment, her gaze locked with Henry's as she processed his accusations. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with determination.

“Okay, yes, I've made mistakes in the past,” Emma admitted, her tone subdued. “But I'm sure you have too. And despite everything, I still love you. We've been married for so many years, Henry. We can't let these things tear us apart. We should be that powerful, sexy couple the world sees us as.”

Henry shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. “Is that all that matters to you, Emma? Money, fame, power? I am tired of all this and perhaps have discovered my true self and wants true intimacy.”

Emma gripped on Henry's shirt tightly, her touch becoming more seductive as she pulled him closer to her.

“We can be whatever you want us to be, Henry. We can have true intimacy.”

But Henry gently but firmly gripped her arms, pulling them off his shirt. “I'm just tired, Emma,” he confessed wearily. “I've never really felt that with you.”

With those words hanging heavy in the air between them, Henry picked up a towel from the bed and headed towards the bathroom, leaving Emma seething with anger and frustration.

In a fit of rage, Emma screamed and gripped the beddings tightly, hurling them onto the floor. As she stood alone in the room, a malevolent grin spread across her face, her mind already concocting her next move. Henry wasn't going to escape her grasp that easily. She had a surprise for him, one that would ensure he remained by her side forever. With a sinister determination burning in her eyes, Emma vowed under her breath that Henry belonged to her and she would stop at nothing to keep him close.

***

Mateo sat in his dimly lit apartment, his thoughts swirling like a tempest in his mind. The weight of his secrets bore down on him, pressing against his conscience with relentless force. He never imagined himself in such a tangled web of emotions and deceit. If only he hadn't fallen for Mark, perhaps he wouldn't be facing such gut-wrenching decisions now. But love, that unpredictable force, had swept him off his feet, entwining his heart with Mark's in ways he couldn't have foreseen.

But what about Henry? The mere thought of him sent a shiver down Mateo's spine. He had become entangled in a clandestine affair with Henry, a man whose name he could barely utter without a pang of guilt stabbing at his heart. Mateo ran his hands through his long hair, feeling the weight of his turmoil pressing down on him.

With a deep breath, Mateo reached for his phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he dialed Mark's number. The phone rang, each chime echoing in the stillness of the room, until finally, Mark's voice cut through the silence, filled with warmth and excitement.

‘Hey, baby! I was starting to think you had ghosted me,’ Mark joked, his laughter tinkling like wind chimes in Mateo's ears.

Mateo felt his heart quicken its pace, the weight of his impending confession pressing down on him like a lead weight.

“I'm sorry, Mark,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “I had some urgent matters to attend to.”

Mark's understanding tone offered little solace to Mateo's troubled mind. ‘Is everything okay?’ Mark asked, concern lacing his words.

Mateo hesitated, the words catching in his throat like thorns. “I... I need to talk to you… like face to face,” he managed to say. “It’s very important.”

Mark's response was immediate. ‘Of course, baby. Whatever you need.’ He said excitedly. ‘Oh shoot!’ He gasped. ‘I've already made plans with someone who needs my help, but if it's urgent, I can cancel.’

Mateo's heart clenched at the thought of Mark sacrificing his time for him once again. “No, it's alright,” he replied abruptly, his resolve hardening. “I'll wait.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, as if Mark could sense the gravity of Mateo's words. ‘What's wrong, baby?’ Mark asked gently, his voice tinged with concern.

Mateo forced a reassuring smile onto his lips, though he knew Mark couldn't see it.

“I'm fine, really,” he lied, the weight of his guilt threatening to suffocate him. “We'll talk later, okay?”

Mark's reluctance was palpable, but he acquiesced nonetheless. ‘Alright, babe,’ he said softly. ‘I love you.’

Mateo's breath caught in his throat at the words, his guilt threatening to consume him whole. “I... I love you too,” he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

As the line went silent, Mateo let out a shaky breath, his heart heavy with the weight of his secrets. He knew he couldn't keep living this lie, but the thought of tearing Mark's world apart filled him with dread. With a heavy heart, Mateo sank back into his thoughts, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions as he waited for the inevitable reckoning that lay ahead.

Before Mateo could even rest, his phone buzzed, and his heart sank as he saw Henry's name flashing on the screen. With a deep breath, he plastered on a smile and answered, steeling himself for whatever might come next.

“Hello?”

Henry's voice came through the line, its usual cool demeanor tinged with an unfamiliar vulnerability.

“Mateo, I... I'm feeling low,” Henry confessed, his words hanging heavy in the air. “I feel suffocated here. I need to get out. Can we please go out?”

Mateo froze, his mind reeling at the implication of Henry's request. In all the time they had been together, Henry had never once allowed them to be seen together in public. What could possibly be going on? Mateo's thoughts raced as he struggled to make sense of the situation.

“I... I'm sorry, Henry,” Mateo stammered, his voice trembling with uncertainty. “I... I didn't catch that. Can you repeat what you said?”

Henry's sigh was audible even through the phone, his frustration palpable. “I said I want us to go out,” he repeated, his tone firm. “In two hours. Can you do that?”

After a moment of hesitation, Mateo reluctantly agreed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah, sure, I'll... I'll meet you in two hours.”

“Thanks.” Henry said excitedly. “See you,”

As he hung up the phone, Mateo sank back onto the couch, his mind whirling with confusion and uncertainty. Why was he being tested like this? What did Henry's sudden change of heart mean for their relationship? With a heavy heart, Mateo buried his face in his hands, the weight of his secrets pressing down on him like a lead weight.

***

Mateo ascended the grand staircase leading to the upscale restaurant, his steps measured, each one a deliberate stride forward. Skinny jeans hugged his legs, accentuating every contour, while a crisp white shirt, unbuttoned just enough, revealed a tantalizing glimpse of his sculpted chest. His long hair was swept back into a sleek ponytail, adding an air of effortless allure to his demeanor.

At his side, Henry exuded an aura of sophistication and confidence, dressed impeccably in designer trousers and a finely tailored shirt. He moved with the grace of a seasoned gentleman, his presence commanding attention as they entered the restaurant.

As they reached the summit of the staircase, Mateo's nerves threatened to overwhelm him. The weight of judgmental eyes bore down upon him, intensifying his anxiety with each passing moment. He had never ventured out in public with Henry before, and the prospect filled him with both excitement and trepidation.

Henry sensed Mateo's hesitation and gently placed an arm around his waist, drawing him closer.

“You look absolutely stunning, Mateo,” he whispered reassuringly, his voice a soothing balm to Mateo's frayed nerves. “There's no need to worry. Just be yourself, and everything will be fine. I'm here with you.”

Mateo offered a shy smile in response, grateful for Henry's unwavering support. With his hand resting against the small of Mateo's back, Henry guided him through the bustling restaurant.

A waiter approached them with a warm smile before ushering them to their table. As the waiter presented them with the menus, Henry glanced at Mateo with a playful smile.

“What do you feel like having tonight, love?” he inquired, his voice filled with warmth.

Mateo's eyes flickered nervously over the array of options before him. “Um, I'm not sure. Maybe I'll just go with your recommendation,” he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Henry nodded, turning to address the waiter. “We'll start with a bottle of your finest red wine, please,” he said, his tone confident and assured.

The waiter nodded in acknowledgment before disappearing into the depths of the restaurant, leaving Mateo and Henry alone at the table.

Henry sensed Mateo's tension and reached out to squeeze his hand gently. “You seem a bit tense. Is everything okay?” he asked, concern lacing his words.

Mateo offered a sheepish smile in response, his nerves still palpable. “I'm fine, just a bit nervous, I guess,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Meanwhile, across the restaurant, Emma sat at her table, her presence commanding attention. Dressed in a form-fitting dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, she exuded an air of confidence and allure. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves, framing her face like a halo.

Lost in her phone, Emma suddenly looked up and caught sight of Henry and Mateo across the room. A flash of rage crossed her features as she realized her husband was out with another man when he had claimed to be busy with work. Downing her glass of wine in one swift motion, she rose from her seat with purpose, her steps deliberate as she made her way towards them.

“Hi, baby,” she greeted Henry with forced sweetness, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she planted a kiss on his lips.

Henry looked stunned by her sudden appearance, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Emma, what are you doing here?” he stammered, taken aback by her unexpected arrival.

Emma's gaze shifted to Mateo, who sat frozen in his seat, his eyes wide with apprehension. A cold smirk played across her lips as she addressed him.

“And who do we have here?” she said, her tone dripping with disdain. “Henry, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend? Or should I say, your boy toy?” she added, her laughter ringing out like a dagger in the air.

Mateo's heart sank as her words cut through him like a knife. He felt exposed, vulnerable under her scrutinizing gaze. Dropping his eyes to his lap, he felt like he was being judged, reduced to nothing more than an object of ridicule.

“I assume that's what you are, right?” Emma continued, her voice laced with malice as she fixed her gaze on Mateo, her eyes burning with contempt.

Henry's heart sank as he watched Emma's tirade unfold, the air thick with tension and humiliation. He glanced at Mateo, who looked as though he wished he could disappear into thin air, his entire being trembling with fear and humiliation.

“Emma, please, stop this,” Henry pleaded, rising from his chair and reaching out to take her arm. “You're causing a scene.”

But Emma shrugged off his touch, her eyes ablaze with fury. “Why don't you want me to talk to the boy, Henry?” she spat, her voice dripping with scorn. “Do you have anything to hide?”

Before Henry could respond, Emma stormed back to the table, her fists pounding against the surface with a force that made Mateo flinch in his seat.

“By the way, I am Henry's wife,” she announced.

The murmurs of nearby diners grew louder as Emma's outburst drew more attention. Henry gripped her arm tightly, desperation flickering in his eyes as he attempted to lead her away from the spectacle she was creating.

But Emma refused to be silenced. “I'm not done yet!” she declared defiantly, her voice rising above the din of the room.

“Emma, that's enough!” Henry shouted, his patience wearing thin. “You need to go home. You’re drunk and are seeing things.”

“Why?” She retaliated. “If I am acting this way, it’s because of you. You’ve turned me into this person.”

Before Henry could respond, Mark entered the restaurant, his eyes widening in disbelief as he took in the chaotic scene before him. Emma's laughter cut through the tension as she waved to him, her voice dripping with malice.

“Hey, sweetie, come here!” she called out to him, her tone sickeningly sweet. “You've arrived just in time.”

Mark approached them cautiously, unsure of what to expect. Emma took his hand and led him to the table where Mateo sat, his head bowed in shame.

“I want you to meet someone, Mark,” Emma said, her voice laced with venom. “This is your brother's whore, his bitch.”

Mark's eyes widened in shock as he looked at the boy, who trembled visibly under his gaze. It came as a shocker and he glanced at his brother before he glanced at the boy whom he couldn’t see. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His brother wasn’t gay, that he knew.

“No… no… don’t listen to her right now. Take her home.”

On the other hand, Mateo felt as though he were suffocating, the weight of Emma's words pressing down on him like a leaden cloak. He prayed for the ground to open up and swallow him whole, longing for an escape from this nightmare that had suddenly become his reality.

“Look at me, you whore!” Emma's voice reverberated through the restaurant, cutting through the hushed murmurs of the other diners.

Hesitantly, Mateo lifted his head, his eyes meeting Mark's across the room. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as their gazes locked, a silent exchange of pain and disbelief passing between them.

The color drained from Mateo's face, leaving him pale and trembling as tears welled in his eyes. Memories of their intimate moments flooded his mind, the warmth of Mark's touch, the tenderness in his words. Mark, the man who had shown him such kindness and affection, was Henry's brother. The revelation felt like a cruel twist of fate, a betrayal of trust that left Mateo reeling with disbelief.

Fear gripped Mateo's heart as he grappled with the reality of their tangled web of secrets and lies. He felt as though he were standing on the edge of a precipice, staring into the abyss of betrayal and deception.

Meanwhile, Mark stood frozen in place, his heart shattering into a million pieces as he beheld the sight of Mateo's tear-streaked face. The man he had loved, the man he had believed to be his, now stood before him in a tangled web of deceit and betrayal.

His Mateo, the one he had held in his arms and whispered sweet nothings to in the darkness of the night, was now just a distant stranger, torn away from him by the cruel hand of fate.

As the realization sunk in, Mark felt a pain unlike any he had ever known, a deep ache that gnawed at his soul and threatened to consume him whole. How could he ever recover from this devastating blow, this betrayal of the heart?

Emma's bitter laughter cut through the air like a knife, her words dripping with venom as she leaned in towards Mateo.

“He's handsome, isn't he?” she sneered. “He's the boy that your brother has been screwing behind my back. And now he's not ashamed to bring him to a restaurant.”

Henry's voice rang out, filled with desperation and anger.

“That's enough, Emma!” he shouted, his words echoing off the walls of the restaurant. “Mark, take her home.”

“Let’s go.” Mark finally managed a word, tearing his eyes away from Mateo.

Mateo felt as though he were drowning in a sea of turmoil. He slumped into his chair, his strength deserting him as the reality struck him like lightning. Everything he had ever known had been shattered in an instant, leaving him adrift in a sea of despair.

The world around him became muffled and distant, the sounds of their argument fading into the background as Mateo's mind raced with a million thoughts. What had he done? How had he allowed himself to become entangled in this web of deceit and betrayal?

With a sudden surge of determination, Mateo rose from his chair, his heart pounding in his chest as he turned and fled from the restaurant. He ran as if his life depended on it, each step carrying him further away from the chaos and pain that had engulfed him.

Tears blurred his vision as he ran, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he raced through the streets, desperate to escape the nightmare that had become his reality.

To be continued…