ManyWriters

The scientists on our team frequently asserted that Rocco Ferrari was deeply, irrevocably enamored with me.
I suffered from an uncommon ailment; my body reacted strongly to physical contact, was susceptible to allergies, and conceiving was nearly impossible. To protect me from discomfort, Rocco took extreme precautions. During our intimate moments, he always insisted on dual protection, unwilling to jeopardize my wellbeing.
The idea of me experiencing the torment of fertility treatments was unbearable to him, so he made a daring public announcement, declaring himself sterile and uninterested in parenthood. This was his method of shielding me from scrutiny and conjecture.
Rocco harbored lofty aspirations in research, but lacked the financial means to realize them. Meanwhile, I had my own agenda: to collect information from this time period.
Thus, I concealed my true identity and became the anonymous sponsor of his entire team, financing every project and ensuring his vision remained unimpeded.
One day, while bringing Rocco his lunch, I overheard a conversation that stopped me in my tracks. His colleagues were chuckling, their teasing words cutting through the air.
"Rocco, did you conduct last night's online meeting while using Avery? Your voice even altered; was it that pleasurable?"
Rocco laughed, giving his coworker a friendly push, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face.
"Don't exaggerate. But yes, the sensation without it is incredible."
Those words devastated me. My chest constricted as my heart crumbled to dust.
Later, with shaking hands, I contacted my team in the future.
"I want to return."
A familiar voice replied, calm and reassuring.
"Understood. The time-travel vessel will be waiting for you at the foot of Liora Cliff."
"The planned departure is in five days."

Love's Time Traveler, Betrayed by a Future She Funded

Upon returning home, I couldn't shake the disturbing image of Rocco and Avery's video call from my mind. The sight made me physically ill, prompting me to violently dispose of my phone in the toilet. I frantically washed my hands with icy water, depleting the soap supply, yet feeling no cleaner.


Rocco's voice startled me out of my trance.


His eyes darted to my wet, pale hands, and he rushed over, worry etched on his face.


"Why are you using cold water? Your period's due tomorrow. Won't that cause cramps? Do you want me to fret over you?"


I withdrew my hands, speaking in a monotone.


"My phone fell in the toilet. I couldn't retrieve it."


Without delay, Rocco prepared a hot water bottle and a basin of warm, ginger-infused water. Kneeling before me, he took my feet in his hands, his voice tinged with affectionate exasperation.


"If it's gone, it's gone. It's just an old, dirty phone. Was it worth fishing out? I'll get you a new, top-of-the-line model tomorrow."


"Also, your sister's baby's one-month celebration is tomorrow. Mom wants us to join them for dinner."


His kindness felt like a cruel joke. My mind raced with unspoken questions.


You're sullied. Should I still want you?


That night, I awoke suddenly from uneasy dreams. The space beside me was empty and cold. Once, Rocco would embrace me all night, claiming he couldn't sleep without me.


I found him on the balcony, his back to me, whispering into his phone. His words carried in the quiet air.


As someone from the future, my senses, including hearing, were superior to those of this era.


Avery's voice, seductive and playful, came through clearly.


"Brother Rocco, I adore the new bag's color! It's even lovelier than the five from last month."


"That soft blue," she added flirtatiously, "matches the underwear you tore yesterday."


Rocco's reply was curt, his patience wearing thin.


"Enough. If each night with me earns you thousands in bags, you're doing well."


Avery, sounding both hurt and alluring, complained.


"Brother Rocco, it's not about the money. I just love how attractive you are and your... abilities."


"I long for you," she murmured sweetly. "Can we video chat?"


Rocco's tone turned icy, cutting off her suggestion.


"No. Valerie's asleep. Disturb her, and you're off the team."


Avery persisted, her voice becoming more saccharine and enticing.


"I bought new white lace lingerie tonight. I'll rip it just for you. Don't you like that?"


Rocco's silence was heavy with tension. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, rough with barely suppressed desire.


"Okay. Oh, Brother Rocco, I spotted another bag today..."


I crept back to bed, my heart racing. Soon after, I heard the faint sound of the bathroom door, followed by muffled noises breaking the silence.


Before coming to this era, my organization had funded my research with regular payments. Most of that money had gone directly to Rocco's team.


Rocco had always valued his independence, reluctant to rely on anyone, especially a woman. I concealed the fact that I was his employer, using a secondary account to communicate and signing contracts secretly.


I supported his work unconditionally, sparing him from seeking funding. The data I requested was minimal, allowing him to focus on personal projects, even unprofitable ones.


However, since last month, Rocco had been asking for funds more frequently. Believing it was for his research, I transferred the money without question, never suspecting it was to impress another woman.


I burrowed deeper under the covers, shivering, but no amount of wrapping could thaw the ice in my heart.


Suddenly, my crystal bracelet lit up, projecting an image of a colleague's face.


It was a communication device linking me to my future colleagues. To avoid Rocco's suspicion, I had disguised it as a bracelet.


2#02