"More marriages might survive if the partners realize that sometimes, the better comes after the worse." —Doug Larson

Max's POV

I called my trusted tech but couldn't reach him. I sent a text instead of an email in case someone got into my account or my system.

Then, I called Junior.

My eyes lingered on the message as I waited for Jun to pick up his phone, my mind spinning out of control.

I read the email, again... and again, trying to make sense of it.

You looked mighty good, Maxie.

I want to eat you whole.

Oh, and your wife is hot as fuck!

Remember that night?

That night with Margo was the best sex of my life.

Would you mind sharing your little wifey too?

I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as you have enjoyed it that night!

Enjoyed it that night? I murmured under my breath.

My mind shipped back to that night.

That voice... muffled, seemed like so far away.

I was sluggish. My head felt so heavy, as well as my eyelids. Everything was spinning at the back of my head. It felt like I was in a cyclone of events. Events that I couldn't wrap my head around, make head or tail of. Everything was like a dream... no, a nightmare.

Fuck!

I now remember someone was on top of me.

"Maxie..." purred a voice.

I couldn't decipher if it was a woman's or a man's voice. It sounded distant, but I felt the body on top of me. Not sure if it's feminine or a man.

Now that I thought of it, it wasn't just a creation of my dopey mind. I wasn't hallucinating. It happened.

Fuck!

It happened.

If I find you, I will make your life a living hell! I inwardly cursed with clenched teeth. Jaws clamped to the point of hurting.

My fingers dug into the small phone on my palm as I waited for Junior to connect the call.

Anger rose as I wrung out my head from the events of that night. My head started to pound, and I wrenched the phone away from my ear and canceled the call. I tapped furiously on the screen, venting all my frustrations at the small gadget.

Uttering a string of profanities, I brought the cell phone close to my ear and waited for the line to connect.

Instead, I felt the phone vibrate. It was Junior calling me back.

I connected his line, dropping my dad's.

"You called?" he asked before I could speak.

"Yes. Someone sent me an email," I explained.

And I carried on, reading the content of the message to him.

"Don't do anything. I'll head to your house now," he stated firmly, followed by the shuffling of fabrics in the background. Junior spoke to someone in the, causing me to roll my eyes.

So that is why he couldn't pick up the phone when I called him.

"I'll call you again, gorgeous! I need to be somewhere else important." And then loud kissing.

I groaned inwardly.

I disconnected the call, assuming Junior had nothing else to say. I didn't really want to hear any more of his explicit activities.

I put the phone down on the side table next to me. Then placed the laptop in the middle of the bed and got out.

Just as I was about to leave the room to get something to drink, beer perhaps, my wife emerged from the shower. I needed hard liquor. Whiskey would be better. I know it's early to get drunk. But at this moment, I needed it.

But the thought of getting wasted was forgotten when I saw my wife's delicious state — a towel wrapped around her body, covering all those spots I love to explore with my tongue and lips. She was drying her hair with another towel as she padded on the floor, briefly glanced at me, then headed straight to her walked-in closet.

Would you mind sharing your little wifey?

My body turned rigid. My head pounded, and blood boiled as rage coursed through my veins like wildfire.

Just thinking of any man touching my wife made me go ballistic. I'll be damned before I let someone touch her.

"Can we do something today? Perhaps go to the mall, watch a movie, or visit some friends?" she asked from inside her closet.

The email I just received came to my mind. And the thought of someone watching us was festering my sanity.

I shook my head. Shaking the horrid thoughts out of my system, I relaxed, not giving away to my wife of my current state.

I shouldn't ignore it. I should have dealt with it a long time ago and didn't wait this long, let it die on its own. I should have thought that whoever was behind it was a mad, bitter person.

"Sorry, baby! We can't go anywhere today until we get to the bottom of this!" I said in a grim tone.

Angel's head peeked through the doorway with a towel wrapped around her head. "Is something wrong?" she asked with a curiosity burning in her eyes, her eyebrows pinched tightly.

As much as I didn't want her to worry about it, I knew lying to her wouldn't do well on my part. Angel is very quick off the mark when it comes to me, too perceptive for her own good.

"Junior is coming," I said instead, not wanting to talk about it right now.

I'm incensed.

I could see that she wanted to say something, but she held herself. She went back to rummaging through her drawers.

I waited.

Perhaps, she couldn't stop herself and finally let it out, grilling me with questions or war with words with me. Cause that is my wife. She doesn't like being in the dark. However, it never came.

"We can book our honeymoon and then watch a movie on Netflix," I proffered after a few minutes of silence.

Again, silence followed as I waited for her response.

And when I was about to add something when she spoke.

"Fine!" she answered in a clipped tone, and then she emerged from her closet in gray loose lounging pants and a white, thin cotton tank top without a bra. The fabric stretched and hugged her frame into perfection like a second skin.

My gaze zeroed in on her firm, perky breast. I could see the traces of her nipples which instantly made my cock as hard as steel.

I groaned loudly.

"I said Jun is coming, baby. Are you trying to make me a murderer?" I hissed through my clenched jaw.

"I'll be here in our room unless you are going to invite him in here?" she spat, narrowing her eyes at me.

And with that, I have no response.

She was right.

But then, what if she got thirsty?

"If I decided to go downstairs for a drink or food, I'll put on something proper," she hissed before I could speak my mind.

I drew in a deep breath, then nodded. "I'll just get something to drink," I said, then ignored my throbbing cock. I grabbed the laptop and my phone, then headed downstairs.

I heard her mutter something like, "maddening man," before I turned into the hallway, towards the stairs.

I put my laptop and phone on the dining table and turned towards the cupboard, my mind still reeling.

I took a glass, filled it with filtered water, then walked over to the table while sipping my water.

My phone rang. My eyes darted to the screen of my phone.

It was one of the directors of the hospital.

I frowned as I grabbed the phone and connected the call.

Doctor Jin Kang. One of the oldest brain surgeons and the pillars of the hospital.

He was one of the doctors I looked up to. He's one of the best, if not the greatest. And he's retiring soon.

"Doctor Demakis, how may I help you?" I answered politely.

"Max," came his excited, breathy voice.

I smiled.

His voice was hoarse but warm, fatherly.

When I started working at the Royal Hospital, he was one of the few doctors who approached me and welcomed me with open arms.

He made me feel I belonged there. I'm not terrified or anything. I was excited, and knowing one of the best surgeons in the country believed in me made it even more exhilarating. I looked forward to coming to work every day.

"It's been a long time since we talked," I smiled, pulled one of the chairs backward, and sat.

"How have you been?" I asked as I leaned against the chair's back support, temporarily forgetting my predicament, legs stretched out.

"Good, good!" he chuckled. "My wife couldn't wait to leave," he added.

I could hear the excitement in his voice and a slight worry in his voice.

I know he was retiring, and I just heard his wife wanted to spend the rest of their lives in the country where they were born, back in Singapore.

His wife was a retired nurse.

She worked at the hospital too, and where they met. And after a year, they got married.

They had two girls.

One was a Pediatrician, and the oldest was an Orthopedic.

Both of his kids left the country and worked in one of the biggest hospitals in Singapore.

And I understand why the wife wants to leave the country. It was no point staying here if their kids were a thousand miles away.

The thought of him leaving brought a pang of sadness in me. He was like a father to me. And so much more.

"I'm sorry, by the way. I heard about your wife's near death," he said genuinely. "That must be terrifying," he commented emphatically.

"It was," I swallowed hard, remembering that night. It was truly terrifying.

"How is she?" he asked.

"She's a lot better. She had twisted her ankle, but she's fine now."

"That's good to hear," he paused, then he let out a sigh.

"I'm not gonna beat around the bush, Max."

My eyebrows darted together tightly, curiosity buzzing in my veins.

"My wife and I talked, and I agreed. You must know my time at the hospital is over. I want to spend the rest of my life with my wife and build memories with my children. And so we made a decision, I'm selling my share."

"Are you sure?" I asked, unconsciously sitting upright. All of my systems perked up at the news.

"Yes. We are investing at the hospital where my kids work."

"Well, that sounds better," I agreed.

"My daughter didn't want to pass up this opportunity. She wanted to be one of the board members, so she can have a voice," he explained further.

"And you must also be aware that the board had their eyes on you. I can assure you they wanted you to be the next CEO. Before then, your name instantly became a household name in the healthcare industry. In the past years, you may deny it, but you were the face of the hospital. And I'm relieved that I'm giving away my position in good hands."

"That I promise you," I agreed.

"I know, Max. I believe in you."

"If you have time, I'd like to discuss a few things with you. I didn't want to divulge this info over the phone."

"Sure. Let me know when it is convenient for you," I replied.

I heard the doorbell ring, which reminded me of Jun.

I rose to my feet and listened to whatever Doctor Kang said while I headed straight to the door.

"That's perfect. I'll see you soon, Doctor Kang," I said, then ended the call. I unlocked the door and wrenched it open to see Jun standing in the doorway, frowning deeply. His curly hair seemingly gone through a tornado, with his shirt slightly rumpled. He has unmistakenly had a good tumble with another lady.

My friend is a hoe!

That was a fact.

"You looked happy?" he commented and sauntered inside before I could invite him in. His dark gray eyes danced with mischief.

My eyebrow cocked up, staring at his back as I closed the door.

I noticed the black laptop case slung on his broad shoulder. When I'm at the hospital, I always felt like a giant. It's nice to hang out with my childhood friends and my family. I don't feel like a tower.

"With all my predicaments, somehow, I received a piece of good news just now. Hence my temporary mood," I explained dryly.

I followed him, heading to the living room.

"Where's Angelik?" he asked.

"Upstairs," I replied, frowning deeply.

"Do you need her?" I asked in a clipped tone. Mindless of the sudden sharpness of my voice.

Jun chuckled. "I'm just asking," he drawled teasingly.

I narrowed my eyes at his back.

"She's busy," I replied, not biting the bait.

I know how Jun likes to rile up the people around him.

"You're not hiding her from me, are you?" he taunted, turning his head to look at me, then sat on the long sofa.

My unfolded laptop, screen facing him, seated on the center table.

"Just do the task I'm paying you for!" I hissed, dropping to the seat closer to him.

He chuckled.

He set down his black case next to my gray laptop, then unzipped the leather case.

He put on a pair of black-rimmed glasses, then fired up his laptop.

When Jun started working, his fat, long fingers typed away tech geek's language — numbers and letters, only tech geeks could understand.

I sat there, awed at how efficient he was. His deft fingers clicked away, while his four eyes never left the screen.

"Would you like anything to drink?" I asked before deciding to leave him.

He didn't glance at me, the sound of buttons filling the air. He spoke through the clicking noises.

"No. I'm fine. We'll have a drink when later." He replied swiftly, eyes still glued to the screen of my laptop.

Several boxes appeared on my screen, and Jun seemingly didn't feel bothered about it.

I decided to leave him to work and went upstairs to check on my wife.

I found her sprawled on the bed, talking to someone.

I leaned against the doorframe, hands crossed over my chest as I watched her talking animatedly over the phone.

"How long are you, guys, staying there?"

She rested her free arm on her belly as she listened to the other line.

I was so engrossed watching her little actions, and she didn't notice my presence yet.

"Don't ask, Lisa!" she grumbled, causing me to frown at the intensity of her tone. "I'm not working, and my husband is busy with something! I need to get out!" she cried out. Her anger is apparent. Her hand flung outward dispassionately, hauled herself up, then sat on the edge of the bed, her back on me.

I straightened up, moving inside with my anger rising.

She swung her head at me and glared at me.

I just tilted my head to the side, sending her a quiet question. Who is she talking to?

She gave me a stink eye before turning it away.

I clenched my jaw and waited until she hung up the phone.

"I'll come!" she decided after a while.

My spine steeled, and my blood boiled at her carelessness.

As soon as she disconnected the call, I spoke with barely suppressed calmness in my tone.

"You are not going anywhere, Angelik."

"I can take Marshall with me," she stated in a firm tone which only set my anger.

My hands flung on my hips as I looked at her in disbelief.

"You know you got almost killed, Angel. You can't leave this house without me!" I hissed, barely in control of my rage.

My voice was flat, cold, and controlled.

She didn't flinch. She met my threatening gaze head-on.

"I said, I'll bring Marshall with me. You paid a bunch of securities. I should be fine!" she snapped.

My patience was running thin. I narrowed my gaze at her.

"I don't care. If I'm not with you, you are not going anywhere!" I scowled at her.

She scowled back at me like.

"Then come with me!" she snapped.

I ran my palm across my face in frustration.

"You are being unreasonable, Angelik," I said in a soft, barely suppressed, calm voice. "Jun is here and was trying to help us track down the person who is determined to hurt you," I explained, holding the urge to throttle her pretty neck when she glared at me with defiance.

"You force me to stop working, Max. Don't expect me to wait here for your time to entertain me. I'm bored, and I'm going to meet my friends. I don't think," she threw her hand in the air, "whoever this person is, have the balls to harm me with my friends around. In public!" she explained heatedly, her apparent annoyance increasing with each syllable.

"And I meant it well, Angel. I did that to protect you. We are not going to talk again about that. You are staying here, and if Jun is done early, we can go together," I stated gruffly. My jaws tightly clamped as I met her defiant scowl.

"You want to come with me?" she spat. "They are all ladies. Unless you want to go to the lady's entertainment," she snickered, and I gritted my teeth.

"What kind of entertainment can only entertain women?" I hissed. The thought of male strippers entertaining them made my blood simmer. My temper set free.

"Ladies club," she answered in a clipped tone.

I scowled.

"And what do you do there?" I gritted out.

"Perhaps chatting while food binge. A lot of things we could do that only ladies enjoys. I'm sure you'll feel out of place. And regret coming with me," she added.

I shook my head. "With your safety, I don't think I'll regret anything. I'm not gonna take a risk leaving you out of my sight. All I'm asking is wait for a bit."

"Max!" she growled like a cat ready to pounce, "I'm with Lisa and the girls. Nothing will happen to me. We are in a public place. At the mall. Shopping and then hang out at the food court," she ground out furiously. "They are at lingerie right now. I don't think you'd like to be with us in that lady's store," she cocked one defined brow, challenging me. "Perusing those tiny, intimate fabrics?" she taunted. Her smile was mocking me.

It vexed me when she smirked at me when she thought she had won the battle, and at the same time, it aroused me as hell.

Her eyes were embers of fury, full of passion, and I longed to pull her onto the mattress and have my way with her until she was out of breath, until no energy left in her.

"Please," Angel's eyes softened, and I knew she was changing her tactic. I won't buy it.

"Baby, I'm not compromising your safety," I stated firmly, then turned to the door before things got out of control.

I should have known that Angelik was the most stubborn woman I've ever known.

I trudged down the hallway, heading downstairs, anger roiling within me.

I saw Jun pacing across the living room, talking to someone over the phone.

He stopped pacing when he saw me. He bid goodbye to whoever he was talking to.

"I finally cracked the code. I found the IP address. And that person is here," Jun said. 

.............

Sorry, the update is so slow. 

I've started with my new job. And I have two. Hope that explains it. Thanks for the patience!