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Chapter 30 - 16. Grinding Truths

My eyes opened. Morning already.

I groaned and cursed the endless workload under my breath. Another day, another mess of emails and deadlines. Nothing changed.

The scent of breakfast drifted faintly from the kitchen. Just like always, she was already up, moving quietly through the morning like a soft routine. No words, just the familiar clinks of cookware, the low hum of the stove. I dragged myself out of bed, shuffled to the bathroom, and took a long shower to wake myself up.

We had breakfast together, mostly in silence. It wasn't awkward, just normal. Peaceful, even. A quiet kind of routine we'd settled into. She seemed calm today. Not distracted, not moody. Just... composed.

I gave her a small nod as I finished my coffee, then sighed and made my way to the workroom. The chair creaked as I sat down, already rubbing my temples. Work started pulling me in immediately—calls, files, numbers, endless clicks and messages. It was a blur.

I didn't even glance out the window today. Not once.

Didn't realize how fast time flew until my stomach reminded me I hadn't eaten since morning. A little while later, she stepped in. Wordless, she placed a plate of food on the table beside me and turned away. No eye contact. No conversation.

Something about that quiet made me pause... but only for a second.

My phone buzzed on the desk. A message.

Ray.

Dinner. 8PM. [address attached]

"Eight o'clock, huh…" I muttered, tapping a reply.

"We'll be there on time,"I replied.

Back to work. No time to think about anything else.

When I finally wrapped up for the day, I stretched back in my chair and exhaled slowly. My back ached. My eyes burned. I walked out into the living room and found her folding some laundry on the couch.

"We've got dinner at Ray's tonight," I said. "He sent the address. We need to be there by eight."

She paused slightly, then nodded.

I sat down and just... existed for a moment. Let the stillness sink in. That brief pocket of silence before the evening dragged us out again.

Eventually, we both got up and started getting ready. Same clothes, same mirror, same small moments. Everything felt normal.

We both got ready.

She stepped out in a dress I hadn't seen her wear in a while—something tight, cleanly cut, shaping her curves just right. It ended at her knees, modest in theory, but the way it shaped her figure... her ass, her chest—it demanded attention. The fabric clung to her like it had been tailored for temptation.

I exhaled slowly. I already knew what was coming.

As we stepped out and walked along the street, it didn't take long. The stares came from all directions—shameless, hungry gazes from the creeps who hung around the area. Some leaned against their gates, some sat on their porches pretending to be on their phones. But their eyes weren't subtle.

One guy openly fixated on her ass, another traced her chest like he was memorizing every curve. They didn't even look at me. I was invisible. A ghost beside her. To them, I was just the guy who happened to walk next to the real attraction.

She noticed too. Her pace hesitated for a second. Eyes darted sideways, uncomfortable.

But what could we do? Start a fight with every bastard in the neighborhood? Stir up some street drama just to defend what was already obvious? No... we both kept walking, silent. Trying to ignore the weight of those gazes crawling all over her.

Eventually, we reached the address Ray had sent.

I paused.

It wasn't a house. It was a goddamn mansion.

Three stories tall, surrounded by high walls, with modern black-and-glass architecture that looked like something out of a design magazine. The kind of place you drive past, not walk into.

"How the hell does a guy working at a medical store afford this?" I muttered to myself.

As if on cue, Ray appeared in the window. He waved, smiled, and disappeared. A few moments later, he was at the door, beaming like we were old friends.

"Hey! You made it!" he said warmly, stepping aside and motioning us in.

I forced a polite smile. "Yeah. Thanks for inviting us."

The inside was somehow even more impressive than the outside. Everything was sleek, stylish, a mix of dark wood and ambient lighting that made the place feel both luxurious and... strange. Like every room held a secret.

"Damn," I said, glancing around. "This place is incredible."

Ray grinned with pride. "Thanks, man. Designed most of it myself. I'm a bit obsessive with interiors—like, I want every part of the house to feel... alive, y'know?"

He led us further in. The halls were wide, the lighting soft, the decor oddly sensual—nothing over-the-top, just subtle touches: deep red accents, plush textures, art that felt too intimate for guests.

"I've got different rooms for different moods," Ray continued, gesturing casually. "Some for relaxing, some for... private stuff. Got a few hidden rooms too. Just for fun."

He winked.

I let out a short laugh, trying to play along. "Hidden rooms, huh? Sounds like a movie."

He smirked. "You'll see."

Ray clapped his hands together. "Before we eat, let me give you both a quick tour. Just a small part of the house—you'll like it."

We exchanged glances and nodded. "Sure, why not," I said.

He led us down a dim hallway that ended at a quiet room filled with old portraits. Thick frames, sepia-toned photos, paintings of people I didn't recognize—some elegant, some grim, all staring back through the years. The room had an eerie charm to it, like a forgotten museum tucked inside a mansion.

My wife stood in front of one of the larger portraits, her fingers gently brushing the edge of the frame. Her eyes sparkled, more taken with the artwork than anything else.

"This one's beautiful," she murmured.

But Ray had other plans.

He walked up to one of the portraits and, with a smirk, lifted it to the side—revealing a hidden hole behind the wall. Not just one. There were three of them. Three separate holes concealed behind three separate portraits.

I blinked in surprise. "What the hell..."

Ray chuckled. "Secret passages. Built them myself. Just for fun. Come on, follow me."

Without waiting, he ducked into the nearest one. I gave my wife a quick look, assuming she was right behind me, and crawled in after him. The passage was narrow and dark, just wide enough to squeeze through on all fours. The air smelled faintly of cedar and dust.

After about a minute of crawling, we emerged into a small, candle-lit room with soft cushions on the floor and intricate carvings on the walls.

"This one's my meditation room," Ray said, stretching his back. "No noise, no distractions. Just silence."

I turned around.

She wasn't there.

I frowned. "Wait... she is not here?"

Ray looked behind me, just as confused. "She didn't follow you?"

"No," I said quickly, concern rising. "She might be scared alone—let's go back."

We crawled back into the hole and re-entered the portrait room... empty.

"She's not here," I said sharply, my voice low but tense.

Ray nodded. "Alright, I'll check the second passage. You try the third."

I agreed without hesitation and quickly slipped into the other hole. This one opened up into a completely different space—brighter, with neon lights, a karaoke setup, multiple mics, and a grand TV mounted on the wall. A weird contrast to the quiet art room.

But she wasn't there either.

I rushed back through the passage, expecting to meet Ray in the main room... but he wasn't there. Neither was she.

My stomach twisted.

Were they still searching? Did they run into each other? I was about to call out when I heard the creak of a door swinging open.

I turned sharply.

There they were—both of them—stepping through a door on the far end of the hallway.

I moved toward her. "Are you okay?"

She gave me a soft smile, her voice calm. "Yeah, don't worry. I was just looking at the paintings and didn't notice you guys were gone. So I just guessed and went into one of the passages."

My eyes flicked toward Ray. "How come you didn't come through the hole?"

Ray gave a light shrug. "That room's got a hidden exit. Built a few of those. Figured we'd just use the shortcut."

I nodded slowly, still unsettled but trying to shake it off. "Your house is... fascinating. But honestly? Slightly creepy."

He laughed. "Fair. Next time, come by just for the tour. It'll take half a day at least."

We moved to the dining area. The atmosphere shifted. Bright lights, warm food, and the scent of grilled spices filled the air. The table was set beautifully—he had a surprising flair for hospitality.

Dinner was delicious. Not just decent—legitimately great. The flavors were rich, the meat perfectly cooked, and the wine smooth. We talked, we laughed. Ray told stories that were oddly entertaining, full of wit and strange details. My wife smiled, even laughed a few times.

Everything felt... normal again.

Still... something in my gut whispered otherwise.

Dinner was winding down. The room glowing with warm light and soft music pulsing in the background. We were full, a little buzzed, and oddly relaxed—at least on the surface.

Ray leaned back in his chair and stretched, the kind of stretch that drew attention without meaning to. "You know," he said, swirling his glass, "I used to be a pretty damn good dancer. Latin, hip-hop, even some ballroom stuff."

I raised a brow. "Seriously?"

She perked up beside me, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "I actually used to love dancing," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "It's been forever, though."

Ray leaned forward, eyes lighting up like he'd been waiting for that. "No way. You too?" He stood up and extended his hand dramatically, like he was on stage. "Then come on. Let's stretch those legs. I can teach a few moves—something simple, fun."

She laughed, glancing at me. "I don't know…"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'll make a fool of myself."

Ray clapped my shoulder. "Then you'll fit right in. Come on. I'll teach both of you. How bad can it be?"

The way he said it—it didn't sound like a challenge, more like an invitation. Something easy. Casual.

We moved into the living room. The lights were dimmer there, music a little louder. A pulsing beat vibrated through the floor. Ray connected his phone to the speakers, scrolling through a playlist until something smoother came on. A sensual rhythm. Not too fast. Not too slow. Just… suggestive.

"Alright, come here," he said, motioning to me. "Let's start with something basic."

I laughed nervously and stepped up.

We tried. God, we tried. I was stiff as hell. Missed the beat, stepped the wrong way, got too focused on counting in my head. She tried not to giggle too much while Ray called out instructions.

Ray chuckled, looking at me after another clumsy step. "No offense, but you really suck at this."

I scratched my head, trying to laugh it off. "Yeah… never been a dancer."

"You're ruining her moves," he added, pointing at the couch. "Sit. Let me show you how it's done."

I looked at my wife. She hesitated, then glanced back at me. I didn't say anything. I just gave a small nod and stepped aside.

She smiled politely and turned to him. That was it. No hesitation after that.

He stepped in front of her, took her hand in his, and placed his other hand straight on her ass. Not her back. Not her side. He grabbed her ass fully, fingers sinking in.

My stomach clenched.

The music started, and he pulled her close. Their bodies molded together. His chest to hers. His hips locked into hers.

And then they moved.

It wasn't dancing. It was grinding. Dirty, rhythmic, slow. She followed his lead like her body already knew how. Her hips rolled against his. Their rhythm was too smooth, too natural.

He cupped her ass fully, pulling her into his bulge with every sway. Her dress rode up little by little. Each grind pushed her deeper into him. I could see it. I could hear it. Her breathing grew louder.

I sat frozen, watching.

Something twisted inside me. It wasn't just jealousy. It was something else. A strange ache that started low in my gut and crawled up into my chest. A sick mix of arousal and dread. Like I was seeing something I should look away from—but couldn't.

He spun her around and caught her from behind. His crotch pressed flush against her ass. His hands on her waist again, pushing her into him. The rhythm didn't stop. If anything, it got filthier.

She leaned back. Just slightly, but she did. Her head tipped, her eyes fluttered closed for a second.

Then he bent her.

Hands to the floor.

Not her knees. Not some elegant pose. Her palms slapped the ground. Her legs bent slightly. Her back arched. Her ass jutted out high. And Ray stepped in.

He gripped her hips. His hips started to move. Slow grinds. Long, deep motions. Humping into her from behind. Every push of his pelvis drove her forward. Her fingers curled into the carpet. Her hair falling all over her face.

The fabric of her dress shifted upward with every thrust. Her ass was nearly bare. My heart pounded.

He was dry-humping her. Right there. In front of me. And, for a moment. I saw it. She was throwing it back. Intentional push of her ass to his cock.

Then he turned his back to me.

Blocked everything.

All I could see were her legs. Her movements. I couldn't see her face, couldn't read her expression. But her body said enough. Her hips were meeting his now. Her ass was bouncing back with every thrust. It was like watching her forget I was even in the room.

I shifted in my seat, an urge building inside me that I didn't understand. I was watching my wife move like that with someone else, and something inside me was curling up, trying to hide from what I was feeling. Shame? Anger? Arousal?

I wasn't sure.

Then his hand moved upward—right into her hair. I saw him wrap a few strands around his fingers and give a small tug. Not hard, just enough to tilt her head.

Her mouth opened slightly. A quiet breath escaped her lips. And she didn't pull away.

Something crawled up my spine.

I stared. Frozen. Eyes wide. My throat tight.

What the hell was this?

I tried to reason with myself. Maybe it was the wine. Maybe I'd had just enough to make this feel worse than it really was. Maybe it was just a dance, a strange one, but still a dance.

But that lie collapsed the moment he turned again.

He spun her up into his arms. Then dipped her low. Her head dropped back. Her body limp in his grip. His hands weren't on her waist. They slid under her dress.

And then he lifted her.

Off the ground.

Her legs dangled. Her dress slid up all the way.

Bare ass. Fully exposed.

His hands gripped each cheek. He wasn't hiding it. He spread them, just slightly. Just enough to humiliate me.

Her hole flashed in my view. Her thighs relaxed around his sides.

He looked at me. Dead in the eyes.

He was showing her off. Holding her up like a prize. Like she was his now.

Then slowly, slowly, he lowered her down. His face stayed close to hers, their foreheads almost touching. Her eyes were locked on his. Lips parted. Breathless.

She didn't look for me. She didn't say a word.

I sat there.

My chest hollow. My limbs heavy.

Ashamed and defeated. Still watching.

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