The Lover in the Closet

I looked up and made eye contact with Madison through the rearview mirror. Her eyes were devoid of warmth and full of warning.

I gripped the check and looked out the window at the skyscrapers that were zooming past. Eventually, the stinging in my eyes went away.

We spent the entire car ride in silence until I told Tristan to stop.

"You can drop me off here."

Tristan's fingers jolted around the steering wheel.

Violet laughed. "I can't believe that someone who allegedly has the same tastes as Mr. Graham is staying in a rundown apartment. I think that you're—"

"That's enough!" Tristan snapped impatiently, interrupting her.

He got out of the car and opened the door for me. He then whispered into my ear, "Don't lock the door later. I'll come over tonight."

He got back into the car and drove away after he was done speaking.

I stood in front of the apartment for a long time before I finally made my way upstairs.

This place was Tristan's and my secret base. We were free to kiss and hug each other here.

He would share everything about his life, telling me that I was the one who he felt the most comfortable with.

However, we stopped going to the apartment after Madison entered his life.

I was greeted by a thick cloud of dust when I pushed the door open. Our photos were still hanging on the wall. The wooden boat on the shelf was covered in a layer of dust.

I suddenly recalled the image of Tristan bustling about in the kitchen while wearing an apron. He looked so pleased with himself when he served the steak to me.

Tears spilled down my cheeks.

I didn't know how long I cried for. I slowly lifted my head when my throat began to ache, still gripping the check.

Ten million dollars. It was more than enough for me and Dad to leave the Graham family.

Just then, someone began hammering on the door.

I ignored it.

A few seconds later, the door was kicked open, sending dust flying everywhere.

Tristan's breathing was a little ragged as he stood in the doorway. "Luna!" he called angrily.

However, he froze when he saw my swollen and bloodshot eyes. He hurried over to me and pulled me into his arms, murmuring, "I'm sorry, Luna."

A smile broke across my face when I looked up at him. "Why are you apologizing?" I asked. "I'm the one who chose to be your mistress. The one who should be apologizing is me."

Tristan's face twisted upon hearing my words.

"Mistress?" he spat as he leaped to his feet. "Have you lost your mind, Luna? Is that what you think of our relationship for the past seven years?"

I quietly looked at him and muttered, "But it's the truth, isn't it?"

Tristan would interact with potential marriage partners right in front of me during the banquets hosted by the Grahams. He would also pretend not to know me and hold their hands.

Every time I confronted him with reddened eyes and asked him to make our relationship public, he would say, "Just wait a little while longer. It's not the right time yet."

Seven years passed just like that with him constantly saying the same thing to me.

Tristan stared at me for a long time. He didn't say a word when he whirled around, threw the door open, and took his leave.

The sound of the door slamming behind him echoed around the room.

Just then, the clock on the wall chimed.

It was midnight. My 25th birthday had officially ended.

I curled up into a ball in the darkness and hugged my knees, feeling exhausted.

I knew I couldn't do this anymore.

I was going to spend my 26th birthday with someone who actually loved me. I didn't know who that person could be, but I was certain that it wouldn't be Tristan.