01: Betrayal Part 01

"Ava, it's been ages since we've actually gone out on a date," Gabriel announced, strolling into the bedroom.

I glanced up from my book, a smile playing on my lips. "Really?" Gabriel was always impulsive, a trait that could be both endearing and exasperating, especially when I was perfectly content in my pajamas.

He grinned, his eyes sparkling. "Absolutely. I want to take you out."

"Why don't we just order in and watch a movie?" I suggested, already anticipating his response.

Gabriel flopped onto the bed beside me, his puppy-dog blues on full display. "But I want to spoil you," he pouted.

I rolled my eyes, knowing I was already defeated. He always got his way with that pout. "Fine," I conceded, a laugh escaping me.

He leaned over and kissed my cheek. "Alright, let me shower and we can go."

A wave of excitement washed over me as he disappeared into the bathroom. With our demanding jobs, date nights had become a rare luxury. We'd been together for nearly four years, our relationship blossoming during my sophomore year of college and his senior year.

The music pulsed through the crowded college dorm room, a discord of bass and laughter. But for me, the noise faded into a distant hum. All my attention was captivated by the man across the room. He was leaning against the wall, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he watched the throng of students. But it wasn't his smile that drew me in; it was his eyes—a deep, mesmerizing blue, like the ocean on a calm summer day.

I found myself drawn to him like a moth to a flame, navigating the sea of bodies with a newfound purpose. As I got closer, I noticed the way the light caught the flecks of gold in his eyes, making them shimmer like precious stones. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat echoing the pulsing music.

When I finally stood before him, my breath hitched in my throat. He looked up, his gaze sweeping over me with an intensity that made my knees weak. Then, his eyes met mine, and I was lost. It was like falling into a deep, endless ocean, the blue of his eyes pulling me under, drowning me in a sea of longing.

Ever since that night, Gabriel and I have been inseparable. After his college graduation, we moved into a lovely apartment near his workplace. He landed a position as a marketing specialist at Stone Enterprises, quickly setting his sights on climbing the corporate ladder to become Chief Marketing Officer. His dedication and hard work are already paying off, as he's now a strong contender for a promotion to Marketing Manager. I couldn't help but be awestruck by his rapid career progression. It was clear that my man was both incredibly intelligent and incredibly ambitious.

The sound of the shower running broke through my concentration, and I sighed, setting down my book. It was time to get ready for our impromptu date. As I started towards the closet, the insistent chime of Gabriel's phone cut through the air. I initially dismissed it, but then another message arrived, followed by another. Someone clearly needed him urgently. Alarm bells began to ring. Was it his mother? Had there been a family emergency? I walked over to the nightstand and picked up his phone. "Julia?" I whispered, my stomach churning as I previewed the messages.

"I need to see you tonight."

"It can't wait."

"I'm burning for you."

"I need you NOW!"

My breath hitched. Nausea washed over me as I stared at the screen, each message a fresh wave of disbelief. Intermingled with the texts were naked photos of Julia, dating back weeks. Photos he'd taken while he was supposedly working late.

How could I have been so stupid not to see?

The shower finally stopped running, and I placed Gabriel's phone back on the nightstand, my hands trembling slightly. I turned away, facing the closet, trying to compose myself.

"Are you ready for our date?" His voice was bright, full of anticipation.

I remained silent, unable to form a single word. I felt his arms snake around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder. He smelled of soap and something vaguely familiar, a scent that suddenly felt suffocating. I was frozen, utterly speechless, my mind reeling from the betrayal I had just witnessed.

His lips pressed against my neck, oblivious to the wave of disgust that washed over me. His kisses trailed down my shoulder, each one a further violation. My body stiffened, an involuntary shudder running through me.

"Your phone's been going off like crazy," I finally managed, clearing my throat. "Maybe you should check it."

"It can wait," he murmured against my skin.

"What if it's your mother?" I countered, trying to extricate myself from his grasp.

With a sigh, he reluctantly let go, hurrying to the nightstand to silence the insistent ringing. A long, agonizing silence followed. "Date night will have to wait..." he announced, his voice gruff. "My boss just messaged me, I'm needed at work."

An involuntary snort escaped me.

"What's wrong?" he asked defensively.

"Nothing," I lied, the words tasting like ash in my mouth. "Who will be there?"

"Just my boss and a couple of people from the marketing team," he replied smoothly, the ease with which he lied chilling me to the bone. "I'm sorry, Ava," he added, but the apology lacked sincerity. His eyes, devoid of any real remorse, confirmed my suspicions. "I'll make it up to you, I swear."

I simply nodded, unable to trust the sound of my own voice.

He leaned down and planted a perfunctory kiss on my cheek. "I'll message you later."

"Okay," I whispered, my voice barely a breath.

The moment the door closed behind him, I crumpled to the floor, the weight of his betrayal crashing down on me. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic, chaotic rhythm mirroring the shattered pieces of my trust. Tears welled up in my eyes, hot and stinging, as I wept for the love I thought I had, and for the woman I had become – a woman who had been so utterly blindsided.

Had I done something wrong? I beat myself up over it. I thought I was a good girlfriend. I was there for him when his father died, even though I was drowning in a work project. I dropped everything, made all the arrangements for the funeral, and even dealt with his boss. I celebrated his victories, supported his dreams, and always, always tried to be there for him emotionally.

So what did I do wrong?

Then it hit me. Was it the sex? I never really understood it. The whole thing seemed... clinical. Less about connection and more about… well, you know. He knew I wasn't exactly enthusiastic, and I thought he accepted that. I thought we were okay. But apparently, he wasn't. He found what he wanted elsewhere.

And now I'm left wondering, is this my fault? Did I fail him somehow? Did I not give him enough? The guilt was suffocating.