Katherine wrung her hands in nervousness. She had never done anything like this before and the anxiety was threatening to envelope her in its smothering embrace. How did it get to this point? She was happy with Thomas. He cared for her and he worked hard to keep up the lavish lifestyle she had grown accustomed to as his wife. She never wanted for anything as he went to great lengths to satisfy her every desire. It wasn't just for the material comforts that she adored him, either. Their romantic life was amazing; certainly nothing to complain about. They enjoyed each other's company and she loved to hear him laugh, especially when it was her who made it so.
As she paced back and forth in the small room, she realized that she truly did love Thomas. Of course, there had always been some part of her that always loved him, but she had long thought of this marriage as a marriage of convenience. She was living a comfortable lifestyle and he got a young "trophy wife," a term she had often overheard in conversation as people whispered behind their backs. The fact that she was only a little more than a week older than her stepdaughter spoke volumes to all who knew the family intimately. Yes, she loved Thomas and he was a good man who deserved a wife who was faithful in all her dealings.
She had gathered up her purse and shawl and was about to leave when she thought of him. He was the reason she was here right now. Her hand hovered above the doorknob as she thought back to the first time she had been alone with him. He had come over to see Thomas, to talk business. Thomas was at his club and had not been due back for another couple of hours. Katherine had invited him in and they had retired to the lounge where they could talk with ease. Their banter was light and full of simple topics; neither really wanted to talk of anything truly serious. He laughed, she laughed, they moved closer to each other on the sofa so as to speak more conspiratorially, though their conversations did not turn more secretive. Then it happened.
Katherine retreated to sit on the edge of the bed as the memory continued. She had laughed at a joke he had told, as she lightly slapped his hand, as if to scold him for such a raucous story. What she had not expected was the electric spark that exploded when their skin made contact. She had pulled away, rather quickly, and the expression on his face confirmed her fears (or hopes?) that he had felt it, too. Unsure of what to do, he seemed to make up his mind before she could finish processing the fiery feeling she felt in her chest. He leaned over to kiss her, gently at first, than more powerfully. Confused by this awkward situation, she pulled away, even though every inch of her skin was craving to be enfolded in his arms. It turns out it was the right choice as, just after they parted, the front door was heard opening and Thomas' booming voice could be heard calling for his wife. By the time he entered the lounge, Katherine was sitting alone on the sofa and Richard was gazing out of one of the many windows. Thomas had not suspected a thing and it was not long before the two men had secluded themselves in Thomas' study. Katherine had remained sitting on the sofa, thinking over the ramifications that could arise from that moment of indiscretion. She was still there when Richard left and her husband came looking for her.
She bit her bottom lip as she weighed the two men in her mind. Thomas was her husband, but he had never made her feel the way Richard had. Every stolen moment with Richard was passionate and adventurous. No, this was wrong. She had to leave before she was captivated by Richard's power. Once more, she rose and, picking up her things, she half-walked, half-ran to the door. Opening it, she was confronted with Richard's penetrating eyes, gazing intently into her own and suddenly, she lost the will to leave.