Two years later...
On a Friday morning, Kate rushed out of the penthouse bedroom wearing a baby blue sweater over a crisp white shirt with a pair of dark blue jeans. She hurriedly packed a duffle bag and walked into the kitchen where Richard was sitting at the table, having a plate of eggs for breakfast, 'Where are you off to?' he asked as he glanced briefly at her then went back to reading the morning newspaper.
Kate avoided meeting his eyes, and poured herself a cup of coffee, 'HR has organised some weekend team building exercise or something in the country... It's bullshit but I have to go because I'm the boss and I have to set a good example...You think you'll be okay?' she asked and took a sip of her coffee.
Richard smiled playfully, 'Oh, I think I can handle a weekend without my wife' he said and leaned in to kiss her.
'Good morning, Lovebirds!' Adrian greeted, announcing his entry to the couple.
Richard and Kate pulled away and shared an awkward glance, 'We really should lock the front door once in a while' Richard muttered to Kate. 'Morning, Adrian. Please, help yourself' he said, gesturing towards the small breakfast spread on the kitchen table.
'No, just wanted to drop, see my favorite sister," Adrian said with a smirk.
Kate rolled her eyes, sighing "Adrian, what are you doing here?" she asked, not even trying to hide her irritation.
Adrian grinned, "Well, Rosie mentioned that you were headed out of town for the weekend, so I thought I'd hitch a ride with you to the airport. I'm heading on a book tour, you know."
Kate's eyes widened in disbelief, "Why is Rosie telling you about my weekend plans?" she ask''ed suspiciously, "I gotta know...Are u sleeping with my assistant?" she asked.
Adrian's smug smile only grew wider, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing, "A gentlemen never tells... Yes."
Kate sighed and shook her head, quickly brushing it off, "Fine, you can come with me, but I really need to get going," she said, trying to sound as unenthusiastic as possible.
Adrian laughed, "Don't worry, Kate. I won't be a burden. Just think of it as quality sibling bonding time," he said, giving her a playful pat on the shoulder.
Richard chimed in, "Come on, Kate. It's just one ride to the airport. Try to be nice to your brother," he said with a wink.
Kate sighed again, knowing that she couldn't refuse any longer. "Fine, let's go. But don't expect me to be all chatty during the drive," she said, trying to maintain some level of control over the situation.
As they drove towards the airport, Adrian couldn't help but notice Kate's nervous demeanor. He had always been perceptive, especially when it came to his sister. "You know, Kate, I can tell when something's bothering you. Spill it out," he said, giving her a knowing look.
Kate glanced at him, trying to hide her unease. "Andréa, stop. We are not doing ."
As they approached the airport, Adrian noticed the hesitation in Kate's movements. "So, this team-building thing... Are you sure that's where you're really going?"
Kate's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by his question. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
He gave her a skeptical look, "Rosie mention that you're going to surprise someone."
Kate's eyes widened in surprise, realizing that her assistant had accidentally spilled the beans. "Oh, um... Well, you know Rosie. She's just exaggerating things. It's not that big of a deal."
Adrian chuckled, "Right. Just make sure you're being honest with yourself, Kate. Sometimes, we can't hide things from the people who know us best." As they reached the airport, Adrian grabbed his suitcase and turned to Kate with a serious expression. "Listen, if there's something going on, be honest with yourself and the people you love. Don't let it destroy what you have. Bye, Kiddo"
Kate nodded, feeling the weight of his words, "Bye" she said softly. As she watched her brother walk into the airport, Kate couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt and uncertainty. Adrian's words lingered in her mind, reminding her that she couldn't avoid the truth forever. With a heavy heart, she knew she had to face the reality of her complicated relationship with Mycroft and the consequences of their actions. The weekend ahead would be a turning point in her life, and she needed to navigate the emotional turmoil she found herself in. Kate hadn't admitted to herself that she was in love with Mycroft, and he, too, would never confess to having feelings for her. What started as a casual hook-up every once in a while alongside their professional relationship had evolved over the span of two years into a passionate affair.
While she still loved her husband Richard, their marriage had lost its spark, and they had fallen out of love. She didn't wish to end her marriage, but being with Mycroft was like experiencing a breath of fresh air amidst the suffocation she felt in her marriage. Their affair provided a sense of escape, a refuge from the reality they were both reluctant to confront.
As she drove along the country roads to meet Mycroft, her mind was clouded with conflicting emotions. The weekend getaway to surprise Mycroft for his birthday was no longer just a celebration; it was a pivotal moment that would force her to confront the undeniable connection she had with Mycroft and the choices she would need to make for her own happiness and that of everyone involved. She knew she couldn't keep avoiding the decision she needed to make, but a part of her was hesitant to face the truth. She couldn't escape the nagging feeling that the time for avoiding decisions was running out, and she would have to face the truth sooner rather than later.
Later, Kate found herself standing at the door of Mycroft's secluded countryside home, her heart pounding in her chest. She had planned this surprise visit meticulously, wanting to be with him on his 40th birthday weekend, but she couldn't shake off the nervousness that crept in.
Mycroft's house was a modern masterpiece, with concrete walls and large glass windows that offered breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. It was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and he valued the tranquility it provided. Kate took a deep breath and knocked on the door, waiting anxiously for him to open it.
When Mycroft finally opened the door, he looked genuinely surprised to see her standing there. "Surprise," she said awkwardly, offering him a small smile.
He stepped back, gesturing for her to enter. "What are you doing here?" he asked, trying to keep his emotions in check.
"Happy 40th birthday weekend?" Kate replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She hoped this surprise visit would be a special gesture for Mycroft's milestone birthday, but a part of her feared his reaction.
Despite the unexpectedness of her arrival, Mycroft couldn't help but smile at her thoughtfulness. "You didn't have to do this," he said, trying to hide the delight he felt at seeing her.
"But I wanted to," Kate said, stepping inside and taking in the unique architecture of his secluded retreat.
As they walked through the house, Kate felt a mix of emotions swirling within her. She had always admired Mycroft's taste and his ability to find solace in such a serene setting. "This is a beautiful house," she remarked, genuinely impressed by his choice of residence.
"Thank you," Mycroft replied, his eyes softly meeting hers. "I find it peaceful here, away from the chaos of the city."
Kate nodded, understanding the allure of such a place "It's the perfect escape," she said, her eyes locking with his. The tranquil surroundings seemed to mirror the unspoken feelings between them, a refuge from the complexities of their lives.
Breaking eye contact, "How did you get here?" Mycroft asked, awkwardly glancing outside as if expecting to see her car.
"I drove here and then parked the car in the woods, so you wouldn't hear me coming," Kate explained, feeling a bit self-conscious about her impromptu adventure.
"Let's go get your car," Mycroft suggested, deciding to focus on the practical aspect of her surprise visit. He grabbed his keys from a bowl by the door, and they stepped outside.
As they walked through the woods, Kate felt a surge of emotions bubbling within her. Being here with Mycroft, away from the rest of the world, made her realize just how much she had come to care for him. Their affair had turned into something more, something neither of them had expected. Kate couldn't help but feel torn between her feelings for Mycroft and the life she had back in the city with Richard. For now, she would cherish this stolen moment with him, the unspoken emotions hanging in the air, and the uncharted territory their affair had led them to. And in the silence of the countryside, the unspoken feelings between them echoed louder than any words ever could.
In the quiet embrace of Mycroft's modern bedroom, the soft glow of twilight filtered through the glass walls, casting an ethereal light over Kate and Mycroft lying together. They had just celebrated Mycroft's 40th birthday in a way that only they knew - a passionate affair veiled in secrecy.
"Why are we doing this?" Mycroft's voice broke the gentle silence, his eyes searching Kate's.
"Isn't it obvious?" she replied, attempting to defuse the tension with a hint of humor. "Celebrating your 40th birthday?"
Mycroft shook his head slightly, his expression serious. "No, this... this thing we've been doing for two years. You're married to another man. Why are you here? We keep telling each other it's just sex, but..."
Kate reached out to trace her fingers gently along his jawline, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "It never is... Nothing is just sex. There's always something. Being with you... it's like I was suffocating, and now... I can finally breathe," Katherine murmured, her voice filled with vulnerability. "The look in your eyes when we're together, the urgency in each moment... You don't just make me feel wanted or needed, you make me feel desired."
Mycroft's gaze held hers, a mixture of longing and understanding evident in his eyes. The weight of her words hung in the air, unspoken emotions threading through the space between them. For a moment, it seemed as if the entire world stood still, suspended in the intensity of their connection. "And, your husband doesn't?" Mycroft's voice softened as he searched for understanding.
"I guess somewhere along the way, we just lost each other," Kate admitted, feeling the weight of her words.
"Do you love him?" Mycroft's question hung in the air, demanding honesty.
"Yes, just not in the same way I used to. It's complicated," Kate confessed, her heart torn between two worlds.
"Does he love you? Or is that complicated too?" Mycroft's curiosity got the better of him, needing to understand the intricate web they had woven.
"Probably, but that's not for me to say," Kate replied, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Since when are you full of questions?"
"I have been trying to understand whatever this is between us," Mycroft admitted, vulnerability seeping into his usually composed demeanor.
The tender moment between Kate and Mycroft was interrupted by the pleasant chime of the oven bell, signaling that the dinner Mycroft had prepared for them was now ready. Mycroft let out a soft sigh and reluctantly disentangled himself from Kate's embrace, a mix of emotions flickering across his face.
"Well, I suppose dinner is served," Mycroft said, his voice tinged with both regret and a hint of relief.
Kate managed a small smile, trying to ease the tension that had settled between them. "It smells delicious," she commented, grateful for the distraction.
Mycroft helped her up from the bed, and they made their way to the dining area where a table had been set for two. The atmosphere felt slightly awkward, and neither of them quite knew how to continue their conversation from before. For now, they focused on the present, savoring the meal and each other's company, knowing that their future was uncertain.
The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as Mycroft led Kate to the garage, where a sleek sports car awaited them. Kate raised an eyebrow in surprise, her eyes lingering on the stylish vehicle. "I didn't think you were a sports car kind of guy," she remarked playfully.
Mycroft chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You barely know me," he teased, opening the car door for her.
As they drove, the winding country roads led them to a private airfield, nestled in a secluded area surrounded by lush greenery. Kate's curiosity piqued as Mycroft parked the car near a helicopter hangar.
"What's all this?" she asked, intrigued.
Mycroft smiled mysteriously, opening the helicopter door for her. "I thought we could go on a different kind of ride" he said, gesturing for her to climb in.
Kate hesitated for a moment, then eagerly climbed into the helicopter. She watched as Mycroft joined her, settling into the pilot's seat behind the controls. Her eyes widened in surprise. "You're going to fly us?" she asked, a mix of excitement and uncertainty in her voice.
Smiling enigmatically, Mycroft fastened his seatbelt and handed her a headset.
As the helicopter's rotors began to spin, the adrenaline started to course through Kate's veins. She put on her seatbelt and headset as instructed, feeling a mixture of nervousness and exhilaration. The helicopter lifted off the ground, and Mycroft expertly guided it into the sky.
The view from above was breathtaking. The rolling hills and picturesque countryside of England stretched out below them, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. The sight left Kate in awe, and she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the landscape. "Where did you learn to fly a helicopter?" she inquired, genuinely curious.
Mycroft's smile held a hint of mystery, and he gave a nonchalant shrug in response. "Let me guess. It's classified?" she asked in rhetoric.
Kate chuckled, recognizing the taciturn nature of his reply. "I'll take that as a yes," she said, appreciating his unspoken boundary.
As they soared through the skies, Mycroft skillfully piloted the helicopter, navigating the stunning landscape of England's rolling hills and picturesque countryside. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, orange hue on the scenery below. In that moment, all the complications and uncertainties seemed to fade away, replaced by the exhilaration of the present.
Yet again the conversation between them had tapered off into comfortable silence, the hum of the helicopter's engines and the beauty of the landscape becoming their shared language. As the sun continued its descent, painting the sky with hues of pink and purple, Kate couldn't help but feel a profound connection to Mycroft, a bond that extended beyond words.
In the quiet stillness of the air, they exchanged smiles, each aware of the unspoken connection that had grown between them over the years. As the helicopter gracefully glided through the sky, Kate couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them, uncertain of the choices that lay ahead. Yet, for now, she was content to be present in this suspended moment, cherishing the time she had with Mycroft, and savoring the beauty of the world around them.