3

Of our time

- It is an honor to do business with you Mr. Simon.

My partner rises elegantly, a satisfied smile on his face.

- Me too Mr Leroy, thank you for your trust, our project will go as planned. I say confidently and hold out my hand, which he squeezes limply in his wrinkled one.

After yet another satisfied smile, he takes his leave, leaving me alone in my office.

Hands in my pockets, I walk smoothly towards the huge bay window which gives me a glimpse of the beauty of the city and the play of light that reigns there.

Thirty-five-year-old man, only son, following the death of my father, I became the CEO of our company Dentalec, specializing in the design and production of electronic devices for dental use, the manufacture of consumable and ecological materials.

I have worked hard to get here and I am in no way disappointed with our international success.

I take a look at my watch, which indicates more than 6 p.m., I readjust my jacket and leave this room without delay, which can quickly become oppressive.

- See you tomorrow Angela, I greet my assistant warmly.

- Good evening sir.

I rush quickly into the elevator, press the button for the ground floor and look impatiently at the numbers scrolling too slowly for my taste. I can't wait to find my wife and my child.

Once in the parking lot, I climb into my Porsche and drive off at high speed. The fresh wind beats furiously against my face, messing up my hair, but I love this adrenaline.

After about ten minutes on the road, I pass the keys to my driver Albert who is waiting for me at the entrance and enters my huge residence where the usual calm reigns.

- Good day sir.

- Good evening Marta, where are they? I asked the governess.

- Madame hasn't come home yet and Audrey is in her room. Do you want dinner now?

- Thank you Marta it will be fine, you can have it, I said taking the stairs.

I head for my daughter's room where the door is ajar and enter without delay.

- What is my princess doing? I asked seeing her doodling energetically on a sheet of paper.

- Dad, you're finally home, she exclaims, jumping into my arms.

I twirl her through the air, her childish laughter echoing around the room, then put her back on her bed.

- I wanted to make a nice drawing for Tommy but I can't do it alone, she sulks.

- Don't worry, we'll do this fabulous drawing together, but it's already getting late.

You should go to bed like the wise little girl that you are, I breathe lovingly kissing her cheek.

- I'm five years old dad, I told you I'm not a little girl anymore, she corrects her eyebrows furrowed.

- For daddy you will always be, now in bed!

After a good half hour to get her to sleep, I join my suite.

I loosen my tie, take off my jacket and unbutton my gray shirt.

The bedroom door opens at this moment to close on Camille, my wife.

- Good evening my love, she breathes with a thin smile on her lips.

She puts her black bag on the bedside table and takes off her heels of the same color which give her beautiful legs.

I approach her and circle her waist affectionately, hugging her to my chest.

- I thought I'd meet you there, you've been late again, I noticed under my breath.

- I had to go see Sophie after work, she had some problems and needed support, she said.

- I see, I hope everything worked out with her. And Audrey often spends her time alone, I can't come home from work earlier, you know that. We should organize ourselves better, if you can make a little effort on your side...

- Yes of course my love, don't worry.

I encircle her face with my hands then kiss her tenderly.

I groan with satisfaction at this contact I've wanted since the morning, I deepen our kiss but she pushes me away slightly.

- Honey, I'm exhausted, I need to take a nice little bath.

- I can accompany you, I whispered sensually in the hollow of his ear.

She places her hands on my chest and pushes me away again.

- Azel, I'm really exhausted, I had a long day today, I would like to relax a bit.

I nod against my will, place a chaste kiss on her lips and free her from my grip.

She smiles weakly at me and turns her back to me. She takes off her dress which slides down her legs to find herself in her underwear, revealing to me her body which is still as captivating and magnificent to me despite the passing years.

She rushes into the bathroom not without swaying majestically. I would have liked to make her vibrate with my caresses in the shower, but apparently tonight she is not of the same opinion and I respect her.

While my wife is taking her bath, I take the opportunity to answer important emails that I haven't had time to read during the day.

A good handful of minutes later, I leave my device, take off my watch and place it on the chest of drawers. I gaze at my reflection in the mirror, I should think about trimming my beard and my somewhat visible dark circles are begging me for more sleep.

My phone near my watch lights up at this moment announcing the arrival of a message. And I realize that it is rather that of my wife and I manage to read the text which appears.

Florence:

"I just got home sorry. But how are you? It's been a while! With Sophie, we were wondering if you'd like a Friday night at our usual club, we miss you. You better accept this time, more 'excuse !"

I frown as I read. Lease ? And Sophia? What is this mess ?

A few days ago Camille told me she was with Florence, today she was with Sophie.

It can't be other people. Did she...? No, why would she?

I don't usually search on your phone, but this message takes me by surprise and pushes me to satisfy my curiosity.

I don't have time to think about checking more than my wife is already coming out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her body. I would have come very close to kissing his forehead but at this moment I feel disoriented.

Unaware of my confusion, she bypasses me to take a seat on the stool in front of her dressing table and begins her evening care routine. I observe her doings without really seeing her, the message comes back to me over and over. I nervously run a hand over my face and hair, lost.

She lied to me. Yes, my wife lied to me by looking me straight in the eye.

But why ?

Today, for the first time since our six years together, doubt is bitterly placed in my mind...