Unfaithful: Web Of Betrayal

The silence was deafening. The clock on the dashboard said 3. 30 AM. They had probably been cleaning since 12 AM. She could still smell the blood though she couldn’t pinpoint where it originated. She scrubbed herself clean almost to the point where she scratched off the first layer of her skin. But the scent remained.

They drove for almost an hour when Declan pulled to a construction site. She took a glance at the sign as they entered the area. It was one of his company’s ongoing projects. They were building a factory.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Heavy equipment was parked all over the site. The land was dug up in the middle. She started to get the idea of what Declan was planning on doing.

“They’re scheduled to dump the soil in the morning … they had done the inspection yesterday. I’ll dig a shallow grave, and they’ll cover it up with tons and tons of soil in the morning,” he sounded confident.

She looked at him with an empty stare, still unsure about everything they were doing. He paused momentarily before kissing her lips as if he needed it for good luck.

He told her to be on the lookout while he took care of the body. There was no one around. She stood behind the trunk and hugged herself. The chill didn’t just come from the wind at the coming of dawn. She kept looking at the time. God forbid if they had to be there still when the sun rises.

She could hear the shovel digging and Declan’s heavy grunt occasionally. He emerged from the giant hole a little over 5 AM. No words were exchanged, but they were moving as if they both knew what their next step would be.

They got into the car and drove out of the site. They stopped in the middle of their journey home to burn their clothes and cleaning equipment in a remote area by the highway. They stared into the fire soullessly. They’ve never been that tired before in their lives.

The sun was up when they went back home. Birds were chirping. Early morning people were jogging on the sidewalk. They entered their home, which was now a crime scene. And life was moving like nothing had happened.

She locked the door behind her to shut the world outside. The smell of bleach was still potent, even from the stairs. Declan hit the shower again. She didn’t join him this time. None of them will be able to sleep.

She sat in her usual spot by the window. Her eyes couldn’t stop glancing at where the body was only hours before. She tried to remember every detail. Did they miss anything? She played every possible scenario in her head where this can go wrong.

When Declan was done showering, he took his time in the bedroom. She was observing his every move. How could he be so calm after all this? How could anybody be calm after knowing they have taken another person’s life, especially a complete stranger? That man’s family must be waiting for him to come home.

Olivia watched Declan as he finally walked out of the bedroom. He sat on the sofa. His head was down. He looked like an unexpected tragedy had hit him. She was baffled by his demeanor. But one thing was leading up to another, and she was figuring things out in her head.

“You knew that person … didn’t you?” she asked.

He didn’t respond. He furrowed his brows. He was in pain.

“What have you got ourselves into, Declan? Who was he? Why was he at our house?”

He clasped his head between his hands. He wanted to scream, but he held it inside.

Declan was always good with words. His silence worries her.

She trembled, “Declan … what’s going on? Who was that man?” her voice weakened.

His eyes were bloodshot when he looked up. Teary and desperate, “Olivia … I think you need to sit down.”