"The Gift and the Shadows"

Chapter 8

Unaware of Lily's infidelity, Richard tried to keep her happy. He had purchased a luxurious villa for her, hoping to bring a smile to her face. He had also planned to surprise her with a dozen puppies, believing it would be a gesture of love and affection.

However, upon presenting the puppies to Lily, his heart sank when she refused to keep them. Despite his mixed feelings, Richard didn't let his disappointment show. Instead, he left Lily and went back to his mansion, where he knew Sarah would be.

Meanwhile, Sarah was busy managing and collaborating with a new business partner in her office. Her dedication and expertise were evident in her work, and her efforts were paying off. Richard decided to pay her a visit, hoping to share his happiness and the puppies he had brought.

Entering Sarah's office, he found her engrossed in her work. He approached her desk, carrying the puppies in his arms. "Sarah, I brought you a surprise," he said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and guilt.

Sarah looked up, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the adorable puppies. "Oh, they're so cute!" she exclaimed, her face breaking into a wide smile. She accepted the puppies happily, appreciating the thoughtful gesture.

Richard, feeling a pang of guilt for not being able to do the same for Lily, smiled weakly. "I thought they might bring some joy into our lives," he said, trying to brush off the unease he felt.

After spending a few hours with Sarah, Richard bid her goodbye, promising to see her later in the evening. As he left her office, he made his way back to the mansion, determined to take Sarah out for dinner, hoping to create some cherished moments together and momentarily forget the tangled web of emotions and secrets that enveloped their lives.

Sarah arrived at the mansion, the playful puppies happily wagging their tails as they explored their new surroundings. Richard, though visibly worried, hid his concerns behind a smile, not wanting to burden Sarah with the weight of his thoughts. She sensed his unease and couldn't help but ask, "Richard, is something bothering you? You seem preoccupied."

Richard hesitated for a moment, his internal struggle evident in his eyes. "No, Sarah, everything's fine," he replied, his voice lacking conviction.

Sarah, not one to easily accept half-truths, continued to observe him with concern. However, she chose not to press the matter further, respecting his boundaries.

Later that evening, they went to the Wilson mansion for dinner, where Richard's father, Mr. Wilson Sr., took an unexpected interest in Richard's preferences. During the course of the meal, he turned to Sarah with a smile and asked, "Sarah, what are Richard's favorite hobbies and foods? His likes and dislikes?"

Sarah, displaying a surprising depth of knowledge about her husband, answered each question effortlessly. Richard, sitting beside her, was taken aback by her accuracy. His astonishment mingled with a sense of discomfort, realizing that Sarah knew more about him than he had ever acknowledged.

Mr. Wilson Sr. seemed pleased with Sarah's responses, nodding appreciatively. "It's wonderful to see how well you understand my son, Sarah. Your knowledge about him is impressive."

Sarah, her gaze unwavering, met Richard's eyes briefly, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Despite the underlying tension, they maintained the facade of a harmonious marriage, concealing the intricate web of secrets and uncertainties that surrounded them.

As the night progressed, the unspoken questions hung in the air, lingering like a shadow over their relationship. Sarah's surprising insight into Richard's preferences served as a reminder that their connection, despite its complexities, held a depth that went beyond the surface. Yet, the mystery surrounding Richard's actions and emotions remained, leaving them both grappling with the enigma that had become their marriage, unsure of what the future held for them.

The evening settled in, casting a soft glow across the mansion. Richard's phone buzzed, signaling a message from his bank. His eyes widened in surprise as he read the notification – someone had withdrawn 75k from his ATM card. A sinking feeling washed over him; he knew it was Lily. Only she had his PIN number, a secret he had shared with her in a moment of misplaced trust.

While he grappled with the unexpected turn of events, Sarah appeared, her hands occupied with feeding the playful puppies. Despite her busy schedule, she managed to multitask, analyzing projects on her laptop while caring for the new additions to their household.

She handed Richard a small black box, wrapped neatly in gift paper. His mind still clouded with the news of the unauthorized withdrawal, he accepted the gift with a distracted nod, tucking it into his pocket without a word.

"Hope you like it," Sarah said, her voice warm, yet there was an underlying tone of concern.

Richard, not fully present in the moment, merely murmured a vague acknowledgment. His phone chimed with an incoming call – it was Lily. Without a word to Sarah, he hurriedly excused himself, his mind filled with worries about the money and the secrets he held.

Sarah watched him go, her eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and worry. "Take care of yourself," she said softly, her words lost in the air as Richard rushed out the door, leaving her alone once again.

He was very worried about why Lily had called him in her place in the middle of the night. He prayed that Lily to be fine and wouldn't in any problems all the way through the road. Soon he arrived at Lily's new villa. He was even shocked after looking at the surroundings of the villa.