“Ally, I know how you feel. But the Chesters are doing us a favour and I won't want you to ruin this. Myself and your mum worked so hard to give you everything you wanted. Roderick is a well respected man, and you should be grateful.” The calm and familiar voice of her father rang in her ears.

She remembered calling her father to complain about how emotionally unavailable her husband was. The response she got from him wasn't expected. Before her marriage to Roderick Chester, her dad has always been someone she could talk to. He was her best friend, but right now all he could think of was saving his company. He believes the only reason Roderick and Malcolm invested in ZenithForge was because of Roderick's marriage to Allyson.

Staring at the ceiling, Allyson reminded herself that leaving her marriage wasn't an option. She loves Roderick, but he loves someone else.

She remembered the last time he made love to her, that was the first time she saw Roderick Chester vulnerable.

The Christmas party at Malcolm's mansion was a display of wealth and power. There was too much to drink and eat, Roderick who wasn't a fan of such gatherings, had a little too much alcohol.

Walking him upstairs to their bedroom, she held onto him, preventing him from falling face down.

In the bedroom, she helped him out of his clothes and tucked him into bed. He reeked of alcohol, Allyson cringed back. Stepping out of the bed to take off her makeup, Allyson felt Roderick's strong arms wrapped around her waist.

“You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, I'll get you roses from Milan,” his words were slurry.

Allyson smiled to herself. That was the first time he said something nice to her.

Gently moving his hand around her sides, she moved away. She knew he was too drunk to know what he was about to do.

Trying to free herself from his grip, his grip got tighter, so she stopped trying to get out.

“You need to rest.” Allyson said.

“I need you.” He pleaded, bringing her closer to him, Allyson could feel the growing sense of want and raw desire.

Looking into her eyes, he kissed her passionately. Closing her eyes, she let herself savor every taste of him in her mouth.

The kissing got intense, he gently moved his fingers around her bosom, sending an electric wave of pleasure through her form. Gently taking off her clothes, he rubbed his hardness around her, and slid into her.

Their moaning and groaning filled the room, Allyson relished every single second of their intimacy.

Lying in arms the whole night, Allyson knew indeed it was a merry Christmas.

Waking up the next morning, she wasn't prepared for Roderick’s outburst. He seemed disgusted by her, and accused her of taking advantage of his assailability.

This broke her heart.

The sound of her phone ringing, jolted her back to reality.

Picking up her phone from the side table, Allyson stared at the name on the screen and dropped the phone down.

The phone rang twice and stopped. The third time, she answered.

It was Liam.

“Allyson,” he called out but he was met with silence.

Allyson couldn't believe the nerve. He stood her up, ghosted her for days and now he's calling her like nothing happened.

“Allyson, I know you're there and you can hear me. I'm so sorry, please just say something, anything.” Allyson could hear the strain in his voice. Good thing she didn't care.

That was not true.

Again there was no response from her, but that didn't stop him, he continued. “Allyson, there was an emergency, I know it sounds stupid but I didn't mean for things to happen the way it did.” He pleaded.

“What was the emergency?” She tried to mask the concern in her voice.

“I can't tell you, but I promise to make it up to you. Give me another chance.”

Letting out a sardonic laughter, Allyson couldn't believe her luck. She was tired of men constantly lying to her. She knew she was acting like a neglected lover, and she was sending the wrong signals to Liam.

“It's fine Liam, I'm just happy you're fine.”

“Thanks Ally. I know I'm asking for too much, but I'll be making burritos and I don't mind sharing. I mean you don't have to say yes, I just thought to ask.” Liam politely offered.

He knew she loved burritos. Back then in college, Liam would make burritos from scratch. He was a great cook, his mother Ina, was a chef in one of the biggest Mexican restaurants in the city. He learnt a lot from his mum.

Allyson missed those simple days, she thought her life was always going to be perfect, but right now her life was far from being perfect.

“Thanks for the invitation, but I'll pass. I've got work to do.” She cuts in, polite but firm.

“Sure. Thanks again for talking to me. I love you Allyson.”

Silence fell over the room.

The moment those words dropped, she knew this, whatever it is, was going to be messy. Here she was, married and leading her one time boyfriend on.

Hanging up, she got out of bed and made her way down to the bar. She needed a drink, something strong.

Popping open a bottle of one of Roderick's special wines, she took out a glass and poured herself a generous amount of alcohol. Without thinking, she downed the content in her glass, and poured herself another generous amount.

Her marriage with Roderick wasn't stable, but right now with the arrival of Roderick's one time fiancee and sweetheart, their marriage was hanging by a thread. She knew it was going to snap anytime soon.

This made her depressed. She needed this marriage to work, for the sake of her father. This realization made her sick.

Just then her phone beeped. It was a message from Roderick.

Busy, won't be home tonight.

Staring at the message, Allyson broke down and started sobbing. She didn't know what to do.

Should she call Hazel, and beg her to leave her husband? She knew that was the last thing she'd ever do. Roderick would find out and that would make him even more upset.

Feeling very hungry after having too much to drink, Allyson thought about those mouth watering burritos Liam would be making. Without thinking, she picked up her phone and dialed Liam's number.

He picked up almost immediately.

“Hey, does your offer still stand?” She asked, her heart thumping in her chest. Maybe he's changed his mind or since she turned him down he invited some other girl over to his house to have burritos.

Before he could say anything, Allyson quickly said, “I'm so so sorry for calling, I have to go now.”

“No! Don't go, there's more than enough to share. I'll send you my address.” He convinced her that he'll be more than happy to have her over.

Almost immediately, Liam sent her a message. The address to his apartment.

Allyson was familiar with that part of town.

“I'll be there in twenty.” Hanging up, she made a mental note of what she'll be wearing. She wanted to keep it simple and decent. The last thing she wanted was to send the wrong signals to him.

Walking into her closet, Allyson picked a simple rainbow colored dress and staring at her reflection in the mirror, she was satisfied with her looks.

Picking up her bag and keys, Allyson stepped into the cold winter night. She needed a break from her reality and this was like her little escape nest.

Driving out of the garage, Allyson felt a jolt of adrenaline. That feeling you get from sneaking around, to have a bite of chocolate while everyone else is asleep.

Standing outside Liam's apartment, Allyson braced herself for what she was about to do. She knows this was all shades of wrong. The wife of Roderick Chester, going into the house of her one time lover, late one cold winter night, to eat burritos.

The thought of it made her chuckle. As funny as that sounds, she wasn't supposed to be here. But then again, damn morality. She wasn't doing anything bad, not yet.

Ringing the door bell, Allyson stood at the front porch, holding her coats closer to her body.

The door swung open and the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies and chicken sauce hit her. She loved it here already.

Liam, who was happy to play host, taking her coat from her, he ushered her into the kitchen.

After a scrumptious dinner, Allyson thanked Liam and they both sat down by the fireplace sipping their wines.

Liam kept stealing glances at her, and Allyson felt uncomfortable. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she grabbed her glass a little too tightly. The room was becoming too small for her.

“I’ve missed you Ally, the way you taste and every bit of you,” the sultry sound of his voice, signaled his growing arousal.

Allyson, who's had too much to drink already, was feeling the same way too. She's missed the way he always made her feel.

Moving closer to him, she grabbed him and pulled him into a passionate kiss. Wrapping his hands around her, he kissed her neck. She moaned.

Allyson could feel his hardness on her, she needed to stop this, but just one night won't hurt.

Just then she heard a distant sound.

“Stop.”