Forbidden Desire – Episode 9

FORBIDDEN DESIRE 

Forbidden Desire – Episode 9

Tags; Love, friendship, drama , thrilling.

📢Warning: Stay clear from my book. signed on platform

© Authoress Isabella Library 

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The atmosphere of the party remained vibrant, the cake sliced and shared among all, the dance floor beckoning. John and Rachel took the lead, twirling to the music as cheers erupted from the crowd. Soon, Mirabel and Greg joined in, followed by Jimmy and the rest of the family, with Susan being pulled into the fray by Jimmy, much to Taylor’s chagrin, her fists clenching in silent fury at their apparent closeness.

Taylor had observed the shift ever since Susan arrived; Jimmy’s attention had drifted away from her, his gaze fixated on Susan. A nagging feeling grew within her, an unsettling sense that something was amiss in their bond. Unable to bear the sight of Jimmy dancing joyfully with Susan any longer, she surged onto the dance floor, shoving Susan aside and catching Jimmy off guard. In a bold move, she grasped his neck and pressed her lips to his.

Gasps of surprise filled the air, amusement flickering across faces, including Susan’s, who smiled at the unfolding drama. Jimmy, momentarily stunned, struggled to grasp the sudden turn of events before gently pushing her away. Applause erupted as Taylor, grinning, tightened her hold on Jimmy.

With a smirk, Taylor fixed her gaze on Susan, relishing in the moment meant to convey a clear message. Yet, to her dismay, Susan remained blissfully unaware, genuinely happy for the couple.

Hours later, Susan stepped onto the veranda to take a phone call, leaning against the railing as she spoke softly.

“Of course, I’ll have everything prepared by Monday,” she said, pausing for a response. “Alright, that’s settled then. Goodnight, sir.” She ended the call with a sigh.

“Is everything alright?” Jimmy’s voice broke through the evening calm, and she turned to face him.

“Yeah, just on the phone with my investor,” she replied, her body resting against the railing, facing him.

“You look a bit stressed,” he observed.

“Yeah, work has been piling up lately,” she admitted with a weary sigh.

“I understand, but you shouldn’t overburden yourself. You’re still young and healthy.”

“I know, but I’ve become accustomed to it,” she said, exchanging a smile with him as they fell into a comfortable silence, the gentle sounds of the garden enveloping them.

“Actually, I thought you would be here with someone,” he remarked, breaking the stillness.

“Why would you think that?” she asked.

“Because I saw your post on Instagram and assumed you were in a relationship.”

“Oh,” she chuckled lightly. “No, that was just a business partner. We took that photo at a friend’s gathering.”

“Ah, but you two looked great together; people might mistake you for a couple,” he said, a nervous smile creeping onto his face.

“No, he’s married with kids. It was simply a friendly photo,” she clarified.

“Oh,” he replied, his smile faltering slightly.

Another silent moment lingered in the air until Susan extended a chocolate toward him. Jimmy glanced at her.

“Have it; it’s still your favorite,” she encouraged, and he accepted it with a nod.

“Thanks,” he replied, a smile breaking across his face as he unwrapped the treat. “I’ve missed this.” Just as he was about to pop it into his mouth, she halted him.

“Aren’t you going to share?” she teased.

“You want some?” he smirked, offering it to her before playfully retracting it.

“Playing games, are we?”

“You’ve got to risk it to get it,” he replied, his grin widening.

She reached for the chocolate, but he lifted it just out of her grasp. Laughter filled the air as they tussled over the sweet treat. She made another attempt, her hand missed its target, and Jimmy swiftly caught her waist, pulling her closer. The moment crackled with unspoken tension; he gulped, captivated by her gaze. He struggled to decipher the emotions swirling within him, while Susan pondered the sudden shift in his demeanor and the intensity of his stare.

“Jimmy…” she began, but her words were cut short as he enveloped her in a tight embrace, surprising her and steadying his own nerves.

Across the room, Taylor watched with a frown, anger simmering within her as she witnessed the scene unfold. Moments later, they returned to the party, the atmosphere now thick with unacknowledged feelings.

★**★**★**★**

Susan buried herself beneath a mountain of work in her office when a soft knock interrupted her concentration. Her personal assistant entered, a bouquet of vibrant red roses cradled in her hands.

“These are for you, ma’am,” she announced, placing the blossoms delicately on Susan’s desk. A wave of confusion washed over Susan.

“For me? Who sent them?” she asked, curiously.

“I’m not certain, ma’am. The delivery man simply said they were for you.”

Susan reached for the roses, inhaling their intoxicating fragrance, a smile breaking across her face as her PA departed. Setting the flowers aside, she returned to her tasks, yet her mind lingered on the mystery of their sender, who had chosen to remain anonymous.

Weeks passed, and the delightful surprises continued to arrive: chocolates, perfumes, cards, wristwatches, and more gifts that ignited her imagination. Each time, she pondered the identity of the thoughtful benefactor, ultimately deciding to pen a letter, handing it to the delivery man with every new gift.

One afternoon, Susan and Mirabel sat in the dining room, their conversation flowing easily after a light snack, while Jimmy and the rest of the family were still away on their respective errands.

“You’ve been receiving gifts from this mysterious person?” Mirabel asked, her brow arched in intrigue. Susan nodded in affirmation.

“I’ve reached out, asking them to reveal themselves, but there’s been no reply. The gifts keep coming.”

“Perhaps it’s a secret admirer,” Mirabel suggested, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.

“Then they should have the courage to show themselves,” Susan replied.

“Maybe they’re shy, worried that you wouldn’t be interested.”

“That’s absurd! Each gift brightens my day, and I’m beginning to look forward to their arrival, along with the lovely notes that accompany them,” she confessed, a hint of shyness creeping into her tone as Mirabel smiled knowingly.

“Hmm, it seems someone has a crush,” she teased, watching as color flooded Susan’s cheeks.

“But what should I do? I simply need to know who this person is.”

“Just keep sending letters; I’m sure they’ll respond,” Mirabel encouraged, though Susan sighed, her heart heavy with longing.

Another day slipped away, and soon enough, a reply arrived from the stranger, this time including a phone number for communication. Excitement bubbled within her as she quickly typed the number into her phone. It was unfamiliar, yet she felt a surge of anticipation as she sent a brief message, her heart racing at the prospect of finally connecting with her enigmatic admirer.

“Hi,” she typed, her fingers trembling slightly as she awaited a response.

“Hello,” came the stranger’s reply, and her anxiety began to swell within her.

“Could you please tell me who you are? Or perhaps we could arrange a video call? I’d really like to see the person behind those wonderful gifts and letters,” she sent, only to be met with a smile emoji in return.

“There’s no need for a video call. I’m not as handsome as you might think. I’m quite shy, really. It’s better if we chat like this,” he replied.

“Oh, alright. But may I know your name?” she inquired.

“Ryan.”

“Wow, Ryan, it’s lovely to meet you. I’m Susan.”

“I know,” he replied, a hint of mystery lacing his words.

“Do you know me from somewhere, or have we met before?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m your secret admirer. I’ve admired you for quite some time, and I thought this would be a nice way to express my feelings,” he confessed, and a smile blossomed on Susan’s face.

“Thank you. I’m not sure what to say. But if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?” she ventured.

“Sure, I’m thirty-six. And you?” he texted, prompting Susan to pause, weighing the choice between honesty and a fib. “Are you still there?”

“Yes.”

“Are you afraid to tell me your age?” he pressed gently.

“No, not at all,” she replied, though hesitation lingered. “Well, I’m thirty-eight, which makes me a bit older than you.” Her heart raced as she hit send.

“Wow! You look so young and vibrant; your age certainly doesn’t reflect your style,” he wrote, and warmth spread across her face.

“Thank you,” she responded, feeling a flutter of joy.

“You’re welcome. Even if you are three years older than me, just remember, age is merely a number,” he texted, and Susan’s smile deepened, joy enveloping her as their conversation continued to flow.