<h4>Chapter 19:INTRUDER</h4>


    I snatched the bath towel inside my backpack and carried it with the ck pouch that contained my basic toiletries. I braced myself from the chaotic disorder that would possibly wee my sight behind the closed door.


    My fingers pushed the door and it creaked open exposing the clean tiled floor. The inside was surprisingly spacious than I imagined. To my delight, the bathroom was immactely clean, free from the ghastly image of cobwebs and dust I pictured in mind.


    Amelie did not simply perform general cleaning to the bedroom, she was kind to include the bathroom as well before my arrival, I was so grateful for her kindness that I would kiss her now if she happened to stand right in front of me.


    My clothes were quickly peeled off my body, itnded in a heap on the floor. I made no move to pick it up and stepped under the shower. The water was surprisingly warm against my cold skin. The weather was freezing and a shower with just the right warmth calmed my strained nerves.


    When I opened my eyes, I caught a glimpse of my naked reflection in the mirror. I gasped in horror upon seeing the trail of love marks thaty scattered all over my neck, shoulders, and breast.


    I trailed the pinkish spots with the tip of my finger the way I try to connect the dotted stars tracing them into constetions during a starry night sky.


    The remnants ofst night''s passionate lovemaking remained as proof of what took ce, the evidence pped the truth out of me, it rendered me frozen under the shower as the tititing details shed in my thoughts as clear as day.


    The memories were not just an erotic dream....it happened...I allowed it to happen... I was so damn stupid.


    I buried my cheeks into my hands. Warm tears flowed my cheeks freely. Ace caused me an unimaginable amount of pain yet I could not deny I still love that bastard.


    When the turbulence inside me subsided, I raised my face to the ceiling to let the waters wash the tears off my cheeks. The tears I shed somehow made my chest lighter.


    I banished Ace from my thoughts. I had had enough of him.?For once, I will grant myself the peace of mind I deserve by forgetting about his existence.


    After applying an ample amount of shampoo to my hair. I quickly washed my body with liquid soap and vigorously scrubbed my skin in an attempt to erase Ace''s lingering scent that clung to my body.


    I quickly rinsed,?hoping that my feelings for my husband would be carried away by the waters. If that''s even possible moving on will no longer be utterly difficult for me.


    I''m just tired from stress. I told myself as I got out of the shower and wrapped the scanty towel over my naked body. After some sleep, I will feel better. I added as I picked the discarded pile of clothes on the floor and neatly folded the items on top of the sink.


    I pushed the door open, the sight that greeted me rendered me dumbstruck.


    "Ace!" I gasped.


    He was casually sitting on the bed, impatiently waiting for me to emerge from the bathroom. Hearing the sound of my movement he turned to me, making sure to capture my eyes with his own which foretell my impending doom.


    I nearly passed out from a mini heart attack when he vacated the bed, the wood creaked with relief when his heavyweight was taken. The small bed became even smaller by his huge, muscr body.


    ''Please, let this be a dream.'' I shut my eyes firmly praying he would vanish. My fear grew into a monster when he remained standing there in flesh and blood even after I opened my eyes.


    This was real. Now, I''m doomed.


    The room became constricted with him inside, even the air I breathed became limited. My now trembling fingers tightly clung to the door frame as Ace slowly made his way in my direction, a dangerous scowl covered his face. I swear I never saw him this menacingly terrifying before.


    "Hello, dear wife. Surprised to see me?"?He breathed, the deep blue eyes that scanned my body from head to toe ignited with unmistakable desire.


    My fingers flew to my chest and held the scanty towel tighter, a failed attempt to hide my indecent appearance, my wet hair dripped down the carpeted floor and I could almost hear each drop inside the dead silent room.


    "What are you doing here Ace!" My voice boomed, my eyes red with rage.


    Undeterred by my cold demeanor, he slowly made his way towards my direction, each step he made sounded like a ticking time bomb to my ears.


    "We need to talk, Phoenix." He whispered. prying fingers reached my face and set a stray of hair aside. The slightest touch burned my whole body with aching desire.


    Ace leaned forward, the smell of whiskey mingled with his fresh breath permeated my nostrils. The addictive scent almost made my eyes close.


    "We badly need to talk." He mumbled, stealing a kiss from my lips.


    p!