Eva

Now I'm certain - it's not my imagination or a fleeting hallucination. Raymond, without confessing it outright, has feelings for me. At first, I brushed off his care and concern as nothing more than a son-in-law's filial duty or even simple kindness. But lately, it's been undeniable. His words, his lingering stares, the way his eyes light up with admiration, and his genuine, heartfelt actions - it's clear. He loves me as a man loves a woman.

This sudden realization hits me hard, sending a ripple of anxiety through my chest. I sit still for a moment, clutching my face in my hands, trying to steady my breath. How long has he been feeling this way? And what could have possibly sparked it?

Did I encourage him unknowingly? Have my actions or words given him the wrong impression? I searched my memories, replaying every moment we've shared recently, trying to pinpoint the moment when his feelings might have shifted. Nothing definitive came to mind.

As I turned these thoughts over in my head, I found myself absently picking up the moisturizer on my dresser, beginning my skincare routine for the evening. I was both nervous and excited - a feeling I haven't experienced in years. Not since before I got married.

The mirror reflected a woman who was not entirely unfamiliar but felt rediscovered. My once indifferent demeanor was replaced by a faint glow of anticipation. My heart fluttered as I imagined the evening ahead. This excitement, however, was tainted by fear. Why me? What is it about me that has captivated Raymond?

And worse still, what terrified me the most was the forbidden nature of it all - because deep down, I think I was feeling something for him too.

I closed my eyes and sighed deeply, pressing a hand to my chest. "This cannot happen," I whispered to myself, but the words felt hollow. A part of me craved his attention, craved the warmth he offered, the way he looked at me like I was the only woman in the world.

With trembling hands, I reached for the black cocktail dress hanging in my wardrobe. I had bought it on a whim, unsure why I thought I might need it, but now, it felt like the perfect outfit for this... unholy outing. I slipped into it slowly, the cool fabric hugging my curves, accentuating my figure in a way I hadn't embraced in years.

Standing in front of the mirror, I took a moment to assess myself. The dress was elegant, modest, yet undeniably alluring. It was the kind of dress that would turn heads - and I wondered if Raymond's will be among them.

I paired it with simple silver jewelry, adding just enough sparkle to catch the light, and finished with a pair of black heels that had been collecting dust in the corner of my closet. As I applied a light layer of makeup, I caught myself wondering what Raymond would think when he saw me.

The thought sent a jolt through me, a mix of exhilaration and guilt. How did I get here? And more importantly, where is this going?

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. It was a text from Raymond: "I'm on my way, my lady. Be ready."

I stare at the message for a moment, my heart pounding. My lady. The words were intimate, personal, and they made my pulse quicken.

With one last glance in the mirror, I took a deep breath. Tonight, I was stepping into uncharted territory. And though every logical part of me screamed to turn back, the rest of me - my heart, my soul - pulled forward. Whatever happened tonight, one thing was clear: my life would never be the same again.

When he arrived, I stood by the window for a moment, peeking through the curtain. My heart raced as I saw him step out of his brand-new Jeep, a sleek, glistening black machine that exuded luxury and class. I hadn't noticed it before - yesterday, I had been too consumed with Angel to pay attention.

I breathed in deeply, gathering my composure, before opening the door and stepping out. As soon as I did, Raymond's gaze found mine, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to pause. He walked toward me with a confidence that made my pulse quicken, his every step deliberate and commanding.

"Eva," he greeted softly, his voice warm and rich, "you look breathtaking."

A smile tugged at my lips, though my heart was doing somersaults inside. "Thank you," I managed, trying to sound normal, even as his words sent a thrill through me. "And you look dashing as well," I added, my eyes trailing over him.

He wore a silky black shirt that hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, tucked neatly into tailored black pants that showed off his athletic build. High-end accessories - subtle but unmistakable - completed his ensemble. I blinked, surprised by his impeccable taste in fashion. Raymond had always looked good, but this... this was different. Was this a side of him I hadn't noticed before, hidden beneath the turbulence of his marriage?

He reached for my hand, his touch firm yet gentle, and a shiver ran through me. "Shall we?" he asked, his voice soft yet laced with intent.

I nodded as he led me toward the Jeep. Before stepping in, I paused, running my fingers lightly over its polished surface. "Is this new, Ray?" I asked, looking up at him with curiosity. "I noticed it yesterday, but I was too carried away with Angel to ask."

"Yes, my lady," he replied with a proud smile, his eyes never leaving mine. "It's new."

"Congratulations," I said warmly, glancing over the vehicle again. "It's beautiful."

"Thank you," he said, his smile widening as he held the door open for me.

I stepped into the passenger seat, taking a moment to admire the luxurious interior - the leather seats, the sleek dashboard, the subtle scent of newness that filled the air. Everything about it spoke of elegance and success, much like the man sitting beside me.

Raymond rounded the car and slid into the driver's seat, his movements smooth and assured. He started the engine, and the low hum of the powerful vehicle filled the space around us.

As he drove, we fell into light, easy conversation, laughing over little things and reminiscing about shared memories. His voice was soothing, his laughter infectious, and before long, the initial nervousness I'd felt melted away. It was just Raymond and me, as it always had been - comfortable, warm, and familiar.

But beneath the surface, there was something new. Something unspoken yet palpable, lingering in the air between us. I could feel it in the way his eyes lingered on me a moment too long, in the subtle change in his tone when he spoke my name.

For now, I chose to ignore it. I let myself relax, laughing and chatting freely as the city lights blurred past the windows. Tonight, I decided, I would simply enjoy the moment. Whatever the future held, I would face it when the time came.

Raymond took me to an elegant and cozy Chinese restaurant that seemed to glow softly under the dim, warm lighting. As we stepped inside, the subtle aroma of exotic spices and freshly prepared dishes wafted through the air, immediately setting a serene and intimate ambiance. True to his word, the place was private and relaxing, far removed from the bustling city noise.

He held my hand as we walked in, his touch firm yet comforting, guiding me toward a beautifully set table in the corner that had clearly been reserved for us. The table was adorned with delicate Chinese porcelain, a vase with a single orchid, and softly flickering candlelight that cast a warm glow over everything.

I wasn't entirely surprised by his choice of venue. Raymond had always been observant, and despite everything, he had paid attention to the little things about me. He must have remembered my love for Chinese food from the family dinners we'd shared in the past, back when he was part of the family.

"How did you know I'd love this place?" I asked, smiling softly as we settled into our seats.

He met my gaze, his eyes warm with sincerity. "You mentioned it once, a long time ago," he said. "And I remember you always enjoyed Chinese food whenever we had it. I thought this might be perfect for tonight."

His thoughtfulness touched me in a way I hadn't expected, and I found myself smiling even more.

The waiter arrived promptly, handing us menus that Raymond barely glanced at before suggesting a few dishes he thought I'd enjoy. He ordered a selection of my favorites - crispy spring rolls, sweet and sour chicken, spicy Szechuan shrimp, and, of course, a bowl of fried rice that smelled divine.

As we waited for the food to arrive, our conversation flowed effortlessly over a classic bottle of red wine. We talked about everything and nothing as we sipped our drinks - memories, little jokes, and even snippets of his work. His voice was soothing, his laughter genuine, and I couldn't help but notice how his eyes sparkled every time I smiled.

When the food arrived, I couldn't hide my delight. "This is perfect, Ray," I said, taking in the beautifully arranged dishes.

"Only the best for my lady," he replied smoothly, his gaze holding mine for a moment longer than necessary.

We ate slowly, savoring the rich flavours and the quiet intimacy of the evening. Every now and then, I'd catch him watching me with an expression that sent a warm flutter through my chest - a mixture of admiration and something deeper, something I wasn't quite ready to name.

The restaurant's ambiance, the red wine, the delicious food, and Raymond's undivided attention made the night feel surreal, almost like a dream. And as I sipped my jasmine tea, I couldn't help but wonder if I was stepping into something far more profound than just a casual dinner.