radicalducati Chapter 111
Chapter 111
Alessia stood in the kitchen, her mind swirling with doubt and anger as she chopped vegetables. Despite Christian’s text that he would be working late, she had decided to make dinner and wait for him. Part of her hoped he’d come home earlier than expected, see her effort, and maybe—just maybe—things would start making sense.
She had chosen to cook one of his favorite meals: herb-crusted salmon with roasted asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes. The comforting aroma of garlic and rosemary filled the air as she worked, the act of cooking calming her nerves just enough to keep her from spiraling. She set the table with their best plates, lit two candles, and poured a glass of red wine for herself.
After plating the food, she stepped into the bedroom to change. She chose a simple but flattering dress in a soft shade of burgundy, one that hugged her curves and made her feel confident. Her hair was loosely curled, and she dabbed on a bit of perfume. If nothing else, he’ll notice me, she thought, glancing at her reflection in the mirror.
By the time everything was ready, it was nearly 10 p.m. Christian still hadn’t come home.
The clock struck midnight when she finally heard the sound of the door unlocking. Her stomach twisted with anticipation as she stood near the dining table, her arms crossed. Christian walked in, looking tired but surprised as he took in the scene before him.
The dim glow of the candles illuminated the table, the untouched plates of food still perfectly arranged. Alessia stood there in her dress, her eyes scanning him for any hint of guilt or remorse.
Christian set his briefcase down, running a hand through his hair. “Alessia… what’s all this?”
She raised an eyebrow, her tone clipped. “Dinner. For us.”
He frowned, confusion crossing his face. “I told you I’d be working late. Why did you go through all this trouble?”
Alessia’s jaw tightened as she took a step closer. “Because, Christian, I wanted to spend time with my husband. I wanted to talk. But clearly, that’s not a priority for you these days.”
He sighed, loosening his tie. “Look, I appreciate the effort, but I told you I was working late. You didn’t have to do this.”
Her voice sharpened. “Working late? Is that what you were doing? Or were you busy with Ava?”
Christian froze, his eyes narrowing slightly. “What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Alessia snapped, her anger bubbling to the surface. “I saw you at the hospital today. With Ava. Flowers, hugs, a kiss on the forehead. Who is she, Christian?”
His expression shifted to one of surprise, then denial. “Ava? She’s… she’s just a nurse I know. It’s nothing.”
“Nothing?” Alessia laughed bitterly. “You ignored my call, Christian. You told her it was ‘work.’ And then you said, ‘I’ll see you tonight.’ Does that sound like ‘nothing’ to you?”
Christian’s face flushed slightly, but he held his ground. “You’re twisting things. She’s a colleague. She’s helped with a few projects, and I wanted to thank her. That’s all.”
“You expect me to believe that?” Alessia’s voice cracked as she stepped closer, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Do you think I’m stupid? That I wouldn’t notice something’s been off with you lately? You’re lying to me, Christian. I can feel it.”
“I’m not lying,” Christian said firmly, his tone defensive. “You’re overthinking this.”
“Am I?” Alessia shot back, crossing her arms. “You’ve been distant, brushing off my questions, staying out late. And then I see you with her, acting like she’s the most important person in the world. So, tell me—who is she to you?”
Christian sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair again. “Alessia, I love you. You’re my soon to be wife. There’s no one else.”
“Then why do I feel like there is?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Why do I feel like I’m losing you?”
He stepped closer, reaching for her hands, but she pulled away. “Alessia, listen to me. Ava means nothing. You’re reading too much into this.”
Her eyes flashed with anger. “Then prove it. Show me your phone. Let me see the messages.”
Christian hesitated, just for a moment, but it was enough. Alessia’s breath caught as she saw the flicker of guilt in his eyes.
“Why are you hesitating?” she demanded, her voice rising. “If there’s nothing to hide, let me see.”
“I don’t have my phone on me,” he said quickly, too quickly. “It’s in the car.”
Alessia let out a bitter laugh, stepping back. “You’re unbelievable. Do you hear yourself? You’re lying to me, Christian. Over and over again.”
“I’m not lying!” Christian said, his voice growing louder. “You’re blowing this way out of proportion.”
“No,” Alessia said coldly, her voice dropping. “I’m finally seeing things clearly.”