Page 30 of Just Desserts

Chapter 24

Jonathan

I tried to stay away from Isla, especially after her lawyer sent over the latest discovery. If Isla had seen this, my affair with Alyssa would be completely undeniable. I just needed to talk to her. I thought giving her time and space would help her see reason and come back home but she hasn't.

It was getting to the point where my parents might have to get involved. They noticed that Isla wasn't around and initially I told them it was because she was staying with her Grandmother who was still recovering. I was hoping to keep them in the dark and buy myself some time to talk some sense into Isla.

Now though, several months later and I had to tell my parents something. I felt like I needed any help I could get. I know Isla loves my parents, and they absolutely adore her. I told them we had a misunderstanding, and she was refusing to speak to me or to let me explain. I deliberately left out all mention of Alyssa and formal divorce paperwork.

I let them believe that our argument was over something silly. They were obviously concerned and immediately offered to go and see Isla to try and convince her to speak with me. I asked them to wait, hoping I could get her to see reason without having to send in the troops. I felt like I was in a sinking ship and every time I patched one hole up three more spouted.

After dinner with Alyssa where I had given her that fakediamond bracelet, we went back to her place. It was the same routine, we had sex, I waited for her to fall asleep then combed through a new area of her apartment. At this point I don't even know why I was still so concerned, especially now that Isla's attorney had her own batch of images I had to worry about.

I may have been a fucking idiot for starting this relationship, but I was learning quickly, and I knew I couldn't trust Alyssa with anything. She had already alluded to claiming abuse if I left her. I couldn't find the camera or any SD card where those photos could be from. They weren't on her phone; I had already checked the device thoroughly when she was asleep. I was thinking of putting up my own cameras, just to see where she hid things.

On top of everything else, my car needed repair, and I had to drive this shitty rental around while the auto shop waited for parts. Reluctant to go home to Alyssa, I found myself driving to the bakery, I went and parked in the pizzeria across from the shop. From my spot, I had a good eye on both the front of the bakery and the backlot where Isla was parked.

I had tried to go in earlier, after all Isla's employees had left, but the doors were locked. I figured if I waited here, I could catch her as she was leaving, but I avoided the main lot. I didn't want Isla to notice the waiting car and call Wes or worse, Lydia. In every conversation regarding the divorce proceedings, Lydia loved to remind me about the restraining order she had prepared, when and if Isla gave her the go ahead.

What I absolutely was not expecting was the large truck driving up and parking out front of the bakery sometime after 7pm. The door of the car opened to reveal a tall man who climbed out with ease and confidently approached the bakery. Even more shocking, after barely a minute, Isla appeared. I could see her figure running over to let him in.

They stayed inside the shop for hours. They were backlit, butI could see their silhouettes as they sat together at a table towards the front of the shop. I watched, my ire rising steadily, as they stayed there eating and laughing. Eventually they disappeared into the back of the shop and out of view.

I felt like I could feel my heartbeat in my ears, it was pounding that hard. I was utterly shocked by the sight of Isla with another man. I had so many questions all vying for attention at the forefront of my brain. Was she on a date? Had she moved on so quickly? Who was he? Was he taking advantage of her? Was she doing this to punish me?

I needed to speak to Isla. This foolishness could not go on any longer: we were still legally married. She is still my wife and the fact she will not talk to me is unacceptable. Near 10pm I straightened up in my seat as the two exited the bakery together.

I watched as the man hovered over her, walking her to her car. I ground my teeth together as I studied how closely they were standing to each other. He helped her into the car, treating her with immense care, like she was precious.

How dare he touch what's mine? How dare she move on before giving me the chance to make things right. Fury ran through me causing my vision to blur. The man waited as Isla drove away and I was torn between following him or her.

After a minute's hesitation I decided to follow Isla. To make sure she got to this new apartment she insisted on renting. I refused to call it her home. Regardless, I would make sure she got to thatplacesafely, and more importantly,alone.

Alyssa

Jonathanhad to take his car into the shop after work due to some issue. Since I knew he would be gone for a good amount of time I took the opportunity to use the keys Isla had left behind to get personally acquainted with her things.Well, with the things she left behind at least. I could never understand her, she cleaned out the kitchen but left almost everything else.

I walked through the rooms quickly heading for the bedroom. When Isla left, she had taken most of her personal belongings but for some reason left a handful of clothing and jewelry behind. The clothes she took were her everyday items; jeans, leggings and her variety of shirts with that stupid Sugar & Spice logo on them.

Meanwhile, in her closet she left hanging thousands of dollars of designer clothes, jackets, purses, belts and shoes. I wasn't sure of the reason behind it, except for the wedding dress. I guess I could understand why she wouldn't want to takethat.

I headed to the back of the closet and pulled out the dress in question. I quickly dismissed any hesitations I may have had and stripped out of my clothes. I stepped into Isla's wedding gown and went to study myself in a full-length mirror. I clutched the dress to my chest and admired how lovely it was.

An A-line silhouette with a strapless sweetheart neckline, the corset-style top had built in boning and satin covered buttons down the back.The luxurious crepe fabric draped effortlessly to the floor. It was elegant and classy. I spun around admiring myself in the mirror. While I was there, I grabbed Isla's perfume and sprayed it in the air before walking through the mist. I did one final look in the mirror before returning the dress to its spot.

When Jonathan and I married I would find a dress equally stunning. I stopped. No, no more settling for Isla's leftovers, I deserved more. My dress wouldn't be equal; it would be better. This dress was boring, it was plain. Mine would be covered from top to bottom in real crystals and it would have a huge cathedral train so no one could walk too close behind me.

With that in mind, I went back to her closet and helped myself to a few of her purses and pieces of jewelry she left behind. I also took a magnificent red coatwith the tags still on it. With my Louboutin heels and the large designer bag I was taking from Isla's closet as well, I had all the right accessories to ensure I had the perfect look for the office party.

I already had a dress picked out at home, it was brand new, and I was sure it would have Jonathan salivating. It had a deep V in the front almost to my belly button and was tight across the stomach and ass. The dark lace over the nude lining made it look risqué while I remained covered, somewhat.

I had an appointment to get my hair done at the salon Isla frequented as well as a full day at the spa for mani, pedi, waxing the whole works. I would look phenomenal; I would be unforgettable. Despite Jonathan's insistence we keep our relationship private, I knew I needed to lay claim to my spot now. I needed to leave a mark on the partners and board members. If they could tolerate Isla, I'm sure I could hold their attention.

With those plans in mind, I gathered up my goodies and headed back to the apartment. Tomorrow, I'll go to the store to stock up on some new lingerie as well. I was determined to keep things in the bedroom as exciting as possible. As much as I told myself that I was the better match for a man like Jonathan, that there was no way Isla could understand or appreciate him the way I do, I was still concerned.

Years of watching Isla chosen over me had left me completely unconfident where she was involved. That tickle of insecurity sparked some sort of survival instinct in me, and I finally remembered the camera I had hidden in the bedroom before Isla caught us. Making my way back inside, I popped back into the bedroom and quickly pocketed the SD card. More leverage, something I knew would come in handy down the line.

With Jonathan, my biggest fear was as soon as we stopped having sex, there would no longer be any connection between us. With a frown, I realized I was reverting back to that college girl, who was only able to find acceptance in the form of sex. I dismissed that train of thought and left the house, making sure to lock the door behind me. I double checked that my goodies were laying properly in the back seat then headed to the salon. It was time to get ready for my big debut.

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