He Cheated I Rose Making Him Regret Everything (Chloe and Arthur) novel Chapter 323

**A Promise Hidden in the Quiet Rain by Adrian Hale**
**Chapter 323: Dangerous Liaisons**

白

65

Finished

The moment Monique heard Ernesto’s tone, a knot of concern twisted in her stomach. She instinctively stepped closer, her voice laced with tension. “Ernesto, are you alright?”

“If I weren’t, I’d probably be dead by now,” Ernesto shot back, his words laced with a defensive edge as he deliberately sidestepped her attempt to touch him. He maintained an expression of indignation, but inside, a storm of panic brewed. He had stashed his current lover away in a hidden compartment he had crafted just recently—a secret space in the master bedroom that had originally been designed for cash storage. Who would have thought it would become a hiding spot for a person?

What on earth was Monique thinking, arriving at such an early hour? Did she somehow discover the existence of the other woman? Was she here to catch him in the act of betrayal?

A wave of irritation washed over Ernesto, but he fought to keep his displeasure masked. “Your birthday is just around the corner. Aren’t you excited about the gift I got you?”

“Of course I am, Ernesto,” Monique replied, her voice softening, revealing a hint of vulnerability. “You know you’re the only one in my heart. Every time I have to face that old fool Scott, I wish it were you by my side instead.” She lowered her gaze, pretending to be hurt, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Ernesto, I’ve waited so long for the day you’ll marry me.”

“Be good now. I’ve already prepared your birthday present,” Ernesto said, his tone shifting as he pulled her into his arms, a feigned warmth enveloping them. “I’m giving you myself—how about that?”

“I…” Monique’s heart raced at his words, a flutter of excitement igniting within her. Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, all her earlier questions about the high heels evaporating into thin air.

If Ernesto said they were meant for her, then they were undoubtedly for her.

“Ernesto, I… love you. I only love you!” Monique poured her heart out, her voice trembling with sincerity.

“I love you too!” Ernesto responded, his voice a mixture of affection and urgency. Suddenly, he swept her off her feet, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. The unexpected motion made Monique cling tightly to his neck. “Ernesto, not so fast—you’re scaring me!”

“Will you be asking me to go faster later?” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes as he carried her toward the bed.

Monique landed on the mattress with a soft thud, her mind spinning in a whirlwind of emotions. Before she could collect her thoughts, Ernesto was on top of her, his hands exploring her body with an unmistakable hunger.

“Ernesto, slow down… I…”

Monique could hardly comprehend the situation. Was he trying to be daring, to push boundaries?

But this level of intensity was suffocating.

It felt as though she were unraveling at the seams.

Frustration and resentment swirled within Ernesto as he poured all his dissatisfaction into the act. Who did she think she was, showing up unannounced and ruining his time with his other lover? This disobedient woman—couldn’t she have called ahead?

His other lover knew precisely how to please him, effortlessly surrendering to his desires. But Monique? She was past her prime, and his interest had dwindled long ago. If she hadn’t still held some utility in his life, he would have severed ties long before now.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ernesto reached his climax. Monique lay there, utterly still, the only sound in the room being the heavy rhythm of her breath.

“Ernesto, today you…”

“Was it good?” he asked, a smirk playing on his lips as he rose and lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around him. “I read online that women appreciate it when their man takes charge like that. I wasn’t sure if you’d be into it.” He leaned back, a casual nonchalance in his posture. “So what did you come here so early for?”