9

I haven't slept all night, unable to sleep a wink next to my wife, whom I kept gazing at, so serene and beautiful.

Her exposed body, her beaming face, her disheveled hair and her sighs of pleasure haunted me painfully.

That same voluptuous body straddling that other man, her lips swollen from his kisses, her skin quivering under his touch... no, I couldn't fall asleep.

I felt oppressed, I had this unpleasant impression of being alongside a complete stranger.

This same woman for whom I gave her all my love and my trust, who was so perfect in my eyes and who despite everything wanted to see elsewhere.

No longer taking these unpleasant thoughts that keep invading me, I take refuge in the bathroom and contemplate my tormented reflection. My muscles are tense, my jaw tight and my face contorted with disgust, contempt and disappointment.

I take a deep breath, an urge to smash everything gnaws at me, eager to blur my rage and pain. I need yet another boxing session to let off steam differently and as quickly as possible.

My heart skips a beat when I hear a thud followed by a complaint coming from the bedroom. I rush to join Camille, I find her on the ground at the foot of the bed, holding her plaintive leg.

I crouch down to his height, circle his face expressing his pain and ask him what is going on.

- I..I wanted to get myself a glass of water and I..oh tripped..it hurt.

- Let me see.

I examine her ankle, she winces at my simple touch.

- Come here.

I lift her without further ado, install her on the bed extending her legs. I go immediately to get him a bottle of water, bring an ice pack that I place on his ankle for a few minutes and then an ointment that I spread gently afterwards. I apply myself by massaging her slowly, I cross for the first time her brilliant eyes which thank me silently.

A few minutes earlier, I felt a deep hatred for her and hearing her cry of distress I ran without hesitation to then take care of her carefully and with tenderness.

I'm a weakling for always worrying so much for her, for being so benevolent and still so in love when she doesn't deserve it.

This woman makes me vulnerable, she has always been my half that I have cherished so much, my soul mate, a sweet best friend and the mother of my daughter.

Keep in mind that she betrayed you in the worst way Azel. Above all, don't flinch, his act is unforgivable.

- What would I have done without you my love?

You would have run to your doctor as you know how to do so well and I despise you so much for that.

Once finished and having made sure that there is nothing serious, I get up wanting to leave this oppressive room but she pulls me by the neck to take me affectionately in her arms. I tense up at this contact that I love so much, she strokes my hair and kisses my neck.

- I love you Azel.

I close my eyes following his words, you can't do this to me, you can't tell me this by offering yourself to another Camille...

No fucking shit you can't you dirty manipulator!

- Go back to sleep now.

I place a kiss on her forehead caress her silky hair, a smile stretches her lips.

Take advantage of his moments of fullness my love.

..........

A few days later

- So does she have a boyfriend? Who are his friends?

I wait impatiently for Sanchez, who opens his black satchel too slowly for my taste.

- She has no friends, comrades that she rubbed shoulders with in high school and...

- Men or women?

He frowns not appreciating my interrupting him.

- Women. Two young women, Andréa and Alizée.

- Women. Two young women, Andréa and Alizée.

- Alright. Carry on.

- She doesn't have a boyfriend, not even someone who can interest her.

I don't know much about my sister-in-law's romantic relationships, but really?

- One-night stands I imagine, I throw in a bad tone.

- I don't believe sir, no men she invites into her apartment or joins. She only goes out to go to her place of work, to the store, or to the gym, short walks and horseback riding. No evening with friends. In short, a solitary little good woman, he concludes.

I remain skeptical following her words, it is true that Ellyn seems to be a rather wise young woman, but I don't think she can be so innocent and I intend to check it for myself.

- On the other hand, there is a young man who runs after him in his workplace.

This is information that I find interesting. Leaning on my desk, I lean towards him.

- The name ?

- Johan Larson, 27-year-old chef. The young lady seems to enjoy his company, look they had lunch together this afternoon.

He hands me a photo of her and this man named Johan. A lean, unremarkable blond young man, Ellyn by his side, smiling at him. His eyes are evocative, this look does not deceive it seems to me that my sister-in-law pleases him.

- Very well, keep this vermin away from her, a small threat and he will run to take refuge in his mother's petticoats, I'm counting on you.

He purses his lips, tries to say something, my cold gaze dissuades him from keeping quiet but my detective dares to assert himself.

- If I can afford Sir, she's not doing anything wrong, why turn off the little social life that the young lady has?

I'm a little surprised at his audacity, who does this jerk think he is dictating my actions?

I stare at him coldly, irritated at his unwanted intervention.

- I'm not asking your opinion, take care of doing your job Sanchez, am I clear?

He clears his throat, jaw tense.

- Very clear.

I intimate him to dispose, he leaves as quickly as he appeared, leaving me alone with my dark thoughts. I stroke my beard with my gaze lost on the landscape.

I can't wait to make you suffer, Camille, but I must take my time so that you can better savor my delicious revenge.