The Mistress - 8. Chapter 8: What lies ahead for Mateo? Will he lose it all?

Mateo stood frozen, his mind racing as he tried to comprehend the words Henry had just uttered. His heart hammered against his ribs, a cacophony drowning out all other sounds. Henry's piercing gaze bore into him, probing deeper than Mateo felt comfortable with.

“I...” Mateo began, his voice barely a whisper.

He cleared his throat, attempting to gather his thoughts, but they scattered like leaves in the wind. How could he explain the tangled mess of emotions swirling within him?

Henry chuckled bitterly.

“You know, Mateo, I always thought I had you all figured out. Thought I had you locked up tight, safe from anyone who might dare to claim you. But here we are...”

“I... I never meant for this to happen,” Mateo stammered, his voice trembling with emotion.

Henry's expression softened, a flicker of sadness crossing his features.

“I know, Mateo, you probably mean what you’re saying. And believe me, I wish it hadn't. But that doesn't change the fact that it did.”

The room fell silent, the tension between them thick and suffocating. Mateo felt like he was drowning in guilt and shame, unable to find a way out of the mess he had created.

“Do you love him?” Henry asked again, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mateo's breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been avoiding that question but hearing it again felt like someone hitting him with lightning bolts. He took a deep breath, running his fingers through his hair.

“I... I don't know,” Mateo admitted, his voice barely audible.

Henry's bitter chuckle echoed in the air, sending chills down Mateo's spine as he stared back at the man. Then he gripped his arm tightly making him scared. What was he about to do, Mateo thought, his heart begin to race.

The grip on Mateo's arm tightened, his heart racing with fear and uncertainty as Henry pulled him closer.

“Come with me,” Henry's voice was stern, devoid of any warmth or understanding. Mateo's mind raced with questions, but before he could utter a word, Henry began leading him out of the room.

Tears welled up in Mateo's eyes as fear and confusion clouded his thoughts.

“Where are we going?” he managed to choke out, but Henry remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Apologies spilled from Mateo's lips like a desperate plea for forgiveness, but Henry's cold stare offered no solace. With each step they took, Mateo felt like he was being dragged deeper into a darkness he couldn't escape.

They reached the car, its presence looming ominously in the silence between them. Henry opened the door and motioned for Mateo to get in, his voice sharp and commanding. Mateo hesitated, his mind reeling with the realization that everything was about to change.

“I'm sorry,” Mateo whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of his own racing heart. Henry's response was curt, a silent command to obey.

With a heavy sigh, Mateo climbed into the car, the weight of his mistakes bearing down on him like a burden too heavy to bear. As Henry started the engine and began to drive, Mateo couldn't help but feel like he was leaving behind everything he once knew.

As they drove in silence, Mateo's thoughts drifted to the life he had left behind. His luxurious lifestyle, his comfortable existence, all now slipping through his fingers like grains of sand. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he realized the magnitude of his actions, the pain he had caused to those he loved.

He rested his head against the window, watching the world blur past in a haze of tears and regret. Exhaustion washed over him like a wave, pulling him into a restless sleep filled with dreams of a life he could never reclaim.

Mateo leaned his head against the window, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision as he grappled with the magnitude of his mistakes. He had destroyed everything he had worked so hard to build, all for the sake of a fleeting moment of passion.

As exhaustion washed over him, Mateo felt himself drifting off to sleep, the rhythmic hum of the engine lulling him into a restless slumber. But even in his dreams, he couldn't escape the reality of what awaited him when he woke. Everything was about to change, and there was no turning back.

As Mateo slowly emerged from the depths of sleep, he found himself met with an unexpected sight. The car was parked near a tranquil beach, the soft hues of sunset painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. Confusion clouded his mind as he tried to make sense of their surroundings. What were they doing here?

With cautious steps, Mateo exited the car, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar landscape. It was unlike any beach he had ever seen before.

His gaze fell upon Henry, standing a short distance away, his silhouette outlined against the backdrop of the ocean. Mateo took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever awaited him as he approached Henry.

Standing beside him, Mateo glanced at Henry, the weight of their shared silence hanging heavy in the air. Henry's hands were buried deep in his pockets, his gaze fixed on the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves.

Before Mateo could gather the courage to speak, Henry's voice broke through the silence like a gentle breeze.

“I remember coming here when I was young,” he said softly, his words tinged with nostalgia. “My nanny used to bring me here often, especially when my parents were... having arguments.”

Mateo felt a lump form in his throat as he listened, his heart aching for the boy Henry had once been. He swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond as Henry continued.

“It was my sanctuary,” Henry went on, his eyes distant as memories flooded back. “No matter how bad things got at home, this place always made it better. It was like... like the whole world just faded away, and all that mattered was the sound of the waves and the feel of the sand beneath my feet.” He sighed and remained silent for a few seconds. “It made me forget about my parents' arguments, about the fact that they were... about to get a divorce.”

Mateo's heart ached at the raw vulnerability in Henry's words, the weight of his past struggles bearing down on him like a crushing wave. He wanted to reach out, to offer comfort in any way he could, but the words caught in his throat, suffocated by the weight of their shared pain. Together, they stood in silence, two souls bound by the threads of fate, facing the vast expanse of the ocean with hearts heavy with regret and longing.

Mateo took a deep breath, the weight of Henry's words hanging heavy in the air like a dark cloud. He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to speak, but he knew he had to try.

“I'm... I'm so sorry, Henry,” Mateo finally managed to choke out, his voice thick with emotion. “I never meant to hurt you, to make you go through all of this. I... I made a mistake, and I'll probably regret it for the rest of my life.”

Henry's bitter chuckle cut through the silence like a knife, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and resignation.

“Are you really sorry, Mateo? Or are you just saying that now that I know the truth about Mark?”

Mateo's heart sank at Henry's words, the weight of his betrayal pressing down on him like a heavy burden.

“I am sorry,” he insisted, his voice filled with sincerity. “I just... I got tired of waiting, of hoping, of moving forward without knowing where we were headed.”

Henry nodded, his expression softening slightly as he considered Mateo's words.

“Who could blame you?” he sighed, his gaze drifting out to sea. “Mark is an amazing guy. He's strong, he’s loving, caring and resilient... Maybe even stronger than both of us combined. Compared to me, I am nothing… just someone unworthy of loving.”

Mateo felt a pang of guilt stab through him at Henry's words.

“I don't know anymore,” he admitted, his voice trembling with uncertainty. “What Mark said to me... it hurt. Maybe I made a mistake getting involved with him. Maybe I shouldn't have given in, because now... now I've hurt more people than I ever thought possible.”

“Life is unfair, isn’t it?” he chuckled. “All this time, I never thought I would reach a point where I would feel so much love for you. Right now, I have no idea if I even have the right to be mad at you.”

Henry's words hung in the air like a heavy fog, weighing down Mateo's already burdened heart. Life's unfairness was a bitter pill to swallow, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Mateo opened his mouth to respond, to offer some semblance of comfort or understanding, but before he could utter a word, they were interrupted.

A stunning woman approached them, her presence commanding attention as she greeted Henry with a respectful nod. Mateo's surprise was evident as he watched the exchange, wondering who this woman was and what she meant to Henry.

‘Your room is ready, sir,” the woman said, her voice soft and melodic. “Everything is prepared for your comfort before the night.”

Mateo's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he listened to their conversation, his mind racing with questions. Spending the night here? What was going on?

Before he could voice his confusion, Henry thanked the woman and turned to Mateo, his expression unreadable.

“We'll continue this conversation later,” he said quietly, his words hanging in the air like a promise.

They followed the woman in silence, Mateo trailing behind Henry as they made their way to one of the small cabins nestled among the trees. The woman handed Henry the key, who in turn passed it to Mateo with a solemn look.

"You should freshen up," Henry said, his voice gentle yet firm. "I'll be in the next cabin if you need me."

Mateo nodded in acknowledgment as Henry turned and followed the woman, leaving Mateo alone with his thoughts. With a heavy sigh, Mateo pushed open the door to the cabin, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight that greeted him.

The interior was bathed in warm, golden light, casting a soft glow over the cozy space. A beautiful bed adorned with crisp white linens dominated the room, its inviting presence beckoning Mateo closer. Clothes and towels were carefully arranged on the bed, a silent invitation to relax and unwind.

A sense of warmth and comfort enveloped him as he took in his surroundings’

A small note caught his eye, the word "Welcome" written in elegant script. Mateo couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope stirring within him as he read the simple yet heartfelt message. And as he prepared to freshen up for the night ahead, he couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there was still a glimmer of hope for redemption and healing.

***

Henry stood in front of Mateo's door, dressed in a breezy beach shirt, white trousers, and sandals, the ocean breeze tousling his hair. He raised his hand and knocked, the anticipation dancing in his chest like the waves against the shore.

Mateo opened the door, a vision of beauty in a black shirt and white shorts, his long hair tied back in a ponytail. Henry's smile widened at the sight of him.

“Hey, are you ready?” he asked.

Mateo, caught off guard by Henry's sudden appearance, nodded uncertainly. "Um, yeah, sure. Ready for what?"

With a chuckle, Henry motioned towards the beach beyond. “To take a walk, enjoy the night. Trust me, you'll love it.”

The two set off, the soft sand beneath their feet a comforting embrace. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow upon the ocean waves. As they walked, they noticed locals and other beachgoers lighting lanterns, their warm glow dancing against the dark canvas of the night.

Henry's eyes sparkled with a mixture of nostalgia and contemplation.

“They're sending up lanterns. It's a tradition here. People make wishes, communicate with loved ones, and sometimes, it's a way of letting go.”

Mateo felt a flutter of excitement and nervousness in his chest.

“Have you ever done it?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

A shadow passed over Henry's features, his smile faltering momentarily. “Once, when I was a kid. But the outcome wasn't what I expected.”

Curiosity gleamed in Mateo's eyes as he ventured further. “What did you wish for?”

Henry's gaze met Mateo's, a silent understanding passing between them. “I wished for peace in my family. Instead, they got divorced.”

Mateo's heart ached at Henry's confession, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. “I'm sorry, Henry.”

Henry shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. “It's alright. Sometimes, things don't turn out the way we hope.”

Mateo's curiosity deepened, his empathy for Henry stirring in his chest. He wondered if such wishes truly held power.

Henry glanced at him, seeing the curiosity reflected in Mateo's eyes. “Do you want to try it?” he asked gently.

Mateo hesitated, uncertainty swirling within him. “Do you think it's worth trying?”

Henry's expression softened, his eyes reflecting the gentle glow of the lanterns. “There's only one way to find out.”

With a tentative smile, Mateo nodded, his apprehension mingling with curiosity. “Alright, let's do it.”

As Mateo and Henry approached the group gathered around the lanterns, they were greeted warmly by one of the beautiful ladies. She took Mateo's hand in hers, leading him gently towards a lantern that hadn't yet been lit.

With a soft voice filled with reverence, she began to recount the story behind the tradition of lantern wishes, tracing its origins back to their ancestors. She spoke of belief and the power of intention, assuring Mateo that if he believed, whatever he wished for would be granted.

Mateo listened intently, his heart fluttering nervously in his chest. There were so many thoughts swirling in his mind, so many uncertainties weighing on his soul. As he stood before the lantern, his fingers trembling slightly, he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

With trembling hands, Mateo lit the lantern, the flame dancing in the night breeze. Closing his eyes, Mateo poured his heart into his wish, every fiber of his being focused on the fervent desire for clarity and direction. He loved Mark deeply, their connection intense and undeniable, despite their recent meeting. And yet, there was Henry, the man who had held his heart for so long, who had only recently begun to show him the depth of his feelings.

His wish hung heavy in the air as he released the lantern, watching it ascend into the night sky with a mixture of hope and apprehension. For a fleeting moment, a sense of peace settled over him, the weight of his decisions momentarily lifted.

But the tranquility was shattered in an instant as Mateo's phone vibrated in his pocket, interrupting the stillness of the night. Frowning, he retrieved his phone and his heart sank as he opened the notification, revealing a video on Mark's Instagram- a video of him partying, laughing, kissing another man in the crowded club.

Mateo's breath caught in his throat, his hands trembling as he stared at the screen. The image burned into his mind, searing his heart with pain and betrayal. He felt as though the ground had shifted beneath his feet, leaving him adrift in a sea of confusion and hurt.

Mateo took a deep breath and slowly walked away from the crowd. Mateo felt tears prickling at the corners of his eyes as he walked away from the crowd, his heart heavy with the weight of betrayal. Standing at a distance, he tried to compose himself, rubbing away the tears before they could fall. But the pain, the hurt, it was all too real, too raw.

Just as he thought he might crumble under the weight of his emotions, he heard Henry's voice, gentle and concerned, calling out to him. Mateo forced a smile, turning to face Henry as he approached.

“I’m okay,” he lied, his voice strained. “I just needed some air.”

Henry studied Mateo for a moment, his gaze searching, before nodding understandingly.

“It's probably the crowd,” he suggested gently. “Let's take a walk. Maybe it'll help.”

Silent agreement passed between them as they walked along the shore, the sound of the waves a soothing backdrop to their thoughts. Henry broke the silence, his voice soft with concern.

“What's on your mind, Mateo?” he asked gently.

Mateo sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his turmoil.

“I don't even know where to start,” he admitted. “I feel like I've destroyed everything, and I don't know how to fix it.”

Stopping in his tracks, Mateo turned to face Henry, his eyes searching for answers.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” he asked, his voice tinged with desperation. “I cheated on you with Mark, and instead of punishing me, you brought me here.”

Henry's laughter was unexpected, a soft, rueful sound that echoed in the night air.

“I'm tired, Mateo,” he confessed, his gaze steady. “Tired of hurting you, of controlling you... Maybe I brought you here because, as much as I needed to escape my own troubles, I thought you needed it too.”

Mateo's throat tightened as he listened to Henry's words, his heart heavy with a mixture of emotions. He couldn't shake the feeling of disbelief at this new side of Henry, the side that was soft and vulnerable.

“I'm not used to this side of you” he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Being so... kind, so concerned.”

Henry's gaze softened, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that Mateo had rarely seen before.

“I wish I'd shown you this side of me sooner,” he confessed, his voice tinged with regret. “Maybe things would've been different.”

Mateo felt a lump forming in his throat as he listened to Henry's words, his chest tight with unspoken emotions. He turned to look at the man beside him, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, before he turned his gaze toward the sea.

“I don't know what the future holds for me,” Henry continued, his voice soft but resolute. “But I'm glad I don't have to hide who I am anymore. I'm glad I can be honest with you and everyone else.

I really like you, Mateo,” Henry confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. “So, so much. And I wish I could go back and tell you sooner.”

Mateo opened his mouth to respond, to pour out the torrent of emotions swirling within him, but before he could speak, the distant cheers of the crowd drew his attention. He turned, his breath catching in his throat as he beheld the sight before him.

Lanterns filled the sky, their soft glow illuminating the darkness with a breathtaking beauty. Mateo felt a sense of wonder wash over him, the sight of the lanterns soaring through the air like shooting stars filling him with a profound sense of awe.

As the lanterns illuminated the night sky with their ethereal glow, Henry moved closer to Mateo, his touch tentative yet filled with longing. Mateo felt a shiver course down his spine as Henry's hand intertwined with his own, a warmth spreading through him at the contact. He couldn't help but smile as he glanced at their joined hands, a sense of comfort washing over him.

Henry's voice was soft, almost hesitant, as he spoke, his eyes fixed on the dancing lights above.

“My one wish,” he began, his words barely above a whisper, “is to have something real with you,”

Mateo's heart fluttered at Henry's words, his mind racing with uncertainty and hope. Could something born from lies and deceit truly blossom into something genuine? It seemed impossible, yet as he looked at Henry, his heart whispered otherwise.

“Can something that started with lies and deceit ever become real?” Mateo asked, his voice trembling with doubt.

Henry turned to him, his gaze steady and unwavering. “It won't be easy,” he admitted, his voice tinged with honesty. “But it's worth a try. We just have to be truthful, trust each other, and see where it takes us.”

Mateo felt a weight lift from his shoulders as he listened to Henry's words, a sense of relief flooding through him. Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for them yet.

With a smile, Mateo turned his gaze back to the lanterns, their soft glow casting a sense of peace over the beach. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the night and the warmth of Henry's hand in his own, Mateo felt a sense of calm wash over him.

And as he held onto Henry's hand a little tighter, a smile playing on his lips, Mateo couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the future. As they stood there, emotions were high and their hearts raced. And as they looked at each other, seeing their eyes shining… whatever was to happen was inevitable.

The door to Mateo's room burst open, forgotten in the heat of the moment as the couple stumbled inside, their lips crashing together in a desperate, fiery kiss. Mateo's hands roamed hungrily over Henry's body, pulling him closer as they savored each other with a hunger born of longing and desire.

Henry's lips seared against Mateo's, his hands gripping the hem of Mateo's shirt, tearing it away with a primal need. In a matter of seconds, they found themselves naked on the bed, their bodies pressed together in a tangle of limbs and desire.

With each touch, each caress, they ignited a flame that burned hotter and brighter with every passing moment. They moaned and groaned, their lips meeting in searing kisses as they surrendered to the intoxicating passion that consumed them.

Mateo felt a wave of ecstasy wash over him as Henry's hands roamed over his skin, igniting every nerve ending with a fiery intensity. It was as if they were two flames dancing in the darkness, their bodies moving in perfect harmony as they made love with a passion that defied words.

They kissed, they nipped, they sucked, each sensation sending shivers of pleasure coursing through their bodies. They called out each other's names in a chorus of desire, their voices a symphony of passion as they lost themselves in the heat of the moment.

Mateo had never felt anyone make him feel the way Henry did in that moment. Perhaps it was the raw emotions coursing through him, or the intensity with which Henry made love to him, but every touch, every kiss, sent him spiraling closer to the edge of oblivion.

And when they finally reached the pinnacle of their passion, it was like an explosion of stars, dazzling and breathtaking in its intensity. They clung to each other, their bodies writhing in ecstasy as they tumbled over the edge together, lost in the throes of pleasure.

Exhausted yet sated, they collapsed into each other's arms, their bodies entwined in a lover's embrace. Wrapped in each other's embrace, they drifted off to sleep, their hearts and bodies entwined in a blissful state of contentment.

*

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room as Mateo stirred awake. Blinking sleepily, he found Henry seated nearby, a towel wrapped around his waist, gazing at Mateo with an expression filled with love.

A blush crept up Mateo's cheeks as he met Henry's intense gaze, his heart fluttering in his chest. Before he could fully comprehend the situation, Henry dropped a bombshell that left Mateo reeling.

“I'm getting a divorce,” Henry announced, his voice tinged with a mix of determination and vulnerability.

Mateo felt like a deer caught in headlights, memories of the day he had confronted Henry's wife flooding his mind. The guilt threatened to suffocate him as he struggled to process Henry's words.

Seeing Mateo's hesitation, Henry moved to sit beside him on the bed, taking his hands gently in his own. “Mateo, you mustn't blame yourself for this,” Henry urged, his eyes searching Mateo's for understanding.

Mateo shook his head, his thoughts swirling with self-doubt and guilt. “But I came between you and Emma,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “I agreed to be your... your mistress.”

Henry's expression softened, a small smile playing on his lips as he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Mateo's face.

“I was never happy in that marriage, Mateo,” he confessed, his voice gentle but firm. “It's time for me to set myself free and pursue my own happiness.”

Mateo's mouth trembled with unspoken words, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions.

“But I came between you and your wife,” he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Henry shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips as he leaned in to kiss Mateo softly.

“You didn't come between us,” he insisted, his voice gentle but firm. “I've made my decision because it's what's best for me. And I just wanted you to know so you wouldn't be surprised when you hear about it.”

Before Mateo could respond, Henry pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him gently. Leaning closer, he enveloped Mateo in his arms, holding him close as if to reassure him of his love and devotion.

Despite Henry's assurances, Mateo couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at his conscience. What would his mother think knowing he was the cause of a marriage falling apart? But in that moment, as Henry began to tease him playfully, kissing his neck and nipping at his ear, all thoughts of guilt vanished from Mateo's mind.

They spent more time together in the room, wrapped up in each other's embrace, before embarking on a romantic journey back to the capital. And as they traveled, hand in hand, Mateo couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future, he knew that this was a journey he would never forget—a journey filled with love, passion.

***

Mateo's laughter echoed as he entered his apartment, talking with Henry on the phone, reliving the moments of their journey back.

“That was crazy,” he chuckled, his voice filled with warmth.

On the other end of the line, Henry's teasing voice replied, ‘I miss you already, Mateo. I'm tempted to turn back and have you in my arms again.’

Mateo chuckled, his heart swelling with affection. “As much as I would love that, Henry, you have so many responsibilities waiting for you,” he replied fondly.

Henry's tone turned playful. ‘Responsibilities can wait,’ he insisted. ‘Right now, all I want is to be with you.’

Mateo's smile widened as he shook his head affectionately. “I'll see you later, Henry,” he promised. “But for now, I really have to go.”

With a final goodbye, Mateo ended the call and leaned against the door, a smile still lingering on his lips. But his moment of peace was shattered by a knock on the door, and he sighed Henry's name under his breath as he went to answer it.

“Henry, I told you to go, didn't I?” Mateo began, his words trailing off as he caught sight of the unexpected visitors standing on his doorstep.

His wife, Emma, stood before him with a stern expression, her eyes piercing through him with accusation. But what shocked Mateo even more was the presence of Mark, his displeasure evident on his face as he stood beside Emma.

Mateo felt his heart pound in fear, his stomach dropping like a stone as he struggled to comprehend the situation before him. He visibly shook, a cold sweat breaking out on his brow as he searched for words that seemed to escape him in his moment of panic.

To be continued…