CHAPTER 12: THE DOUBLE LIFE

Monday Morning - Victoria’s Office

Margaret knocked on Victoria’s office door, coffee in one hand, agenda in the other. Same routine as always.

When Victoria looked up from her laptop, Margaret actually stopped walking.

"Mrs. Blackwood?" Margaret blinked. "You look... wow. Have you been getting more sleep?"

Victoria felt her cheeks warm up. Was it that obvious? "I’ve been taking better care of myself lately."

It wasn’t a lie. Time with Alex had changed everything. Her skin looked healthier than any expensive cream had ever made it. Her eyes had this spark that had been missing for years.

Even the way she sat was different,straighter, more confident. Like she was finally comfortable being herself.

"Well, whatever you’re doing, keep it up," Margaret said, smiling. "You look ten years younger."

After Margaret left, Victoria caught herself in the office window reflection. The woman staring back was someone she always aspired to be. Gone was that tired, hollow-eyed executive who’d been just going through the motions. This woman looked alive.

Her phone buzzed.

Victoria’s heart jumped. Maybe it was Alex. She grabbed the phone quickly, then felt her stomach drop.

’Reminder: Car service appointment at 3 PM today.’

Just her calendar app. Of course.

She stared at the screen, remembering their agreement. No texts. No calls. Nothing that could leave a trail. They’d been so careful about that. It was the smart thing to do, the safe thing.

But God, she wanted to hear from him.

Victoria shook her head and tried to focus on work. She had that big presentation in an hour.

____

The Boardroom

"...and that’s why I believe Southeast Asia represents our most promising expansion opportunity."

Victoria clicked to her final slide, then looked around the boardroom table. For few seconds, nobody said anything.

Then David Bennett started clapping.

"That was brilliant," he said. "The market analysis, the risk assessment, the timeline...Victoria, this is some of your best work."

"I’ll second that," Claudia said, crossing one leg over the other. "You’re sharper than I’ve seen you in months. Whatever lit this fire...I’m officially jealous."

Victoria felt that rush of pride she’d almost forgotten existed. The presentation had just flowed out of her. Ideas came easily now, her mind sharper than it had been in months.

"So we’re all on board with moving forward?" Victoria asked.

"Absolutely," David said. "Though I do think we need to be careful about the regulatory landscape in Malaysia specifically."

"Good point," Victoria nodded. "What are your main concerns there?"

"Well, their new foreign investment laws are still pretty unclear. We might want to bring in a local consultant before we commit to anything major."

Claudia leaned forward. "Funny timing...I’ve been circling this with Goldman already. Their guy in Kuala Lumpur is solid. Want me to loop him in?"

"That would be great," Victoria said. "What about Thailand? Any similar issues there?"

"Thailand’s actually much cleaner," David replied. "Their new government has been pretty business-friendly. I think we could move faster there."

The discussion continued for another twenty minutes, but Victoria’s mind kept drifting. For the first time in years, she wasn’t just going through the motions at work. She actually cared about the outcome.

It was amazing what feeling alive could do for everything else.

Later that evening, Victoria found herself humming while reviewing quarterly reports. When was the last time she’d felt this light?

She’d started paying attention to her appearance again. Not just the professional armor she wore to work, but actually caring how she looked. Tonight she had on a silk blouse in deep emerald that brought out her eyes. She’d even put on makeup just to sit at home.

Not for James...he wouldn’t notice if she wore a garbage bag. But for herself.

Her reflection in the hallway mirror caught her attention. This woman looked nothing like the tired, frustrated wife who’d been sleepwalking through life a month ago. This woman looked like she had secrets.

Good ones.

The house felt different too. She’d opened windows, bought fresh flowers, even rearranged her study furniture. Small changes, but they made everything feel like hers again.

Victoria glanced at her phone sitting on the desk. Still nothing from Alex. She knew there wouldn’t be.

But that didn’t stop her from wanting it.

____

Victoria had become an expert scheduler. Every meeting with Alex required careful planning, clearing her calendar, telling Margaret about the "mentorship sessions," making sure James would be tied up with campaign stuff.

She lived for those moments now. The anticipation started building days before, this constant hum of excitement under her professional mask. During boring conference calls, her mind would drift to Alex’s hands, his voice, the way he looked at her like she was the most interesting woman alive.

She’d catch herself checking mirrors, wondering what Alex would think. She bought new lingerie...not the practical stuff she’d worn for years, but beautiful pieces that made her feel like herself again. She started working out, not to impress anyone, but to remember her body still belonged to her.

The guilt she’d expected never came. Instead, she felt like she deserved this. After twenty years of putting everyone else first, this was her time.

____

That night, James came home late from campaign meetings, barely looking at her as he headed for his office.

"How was your day?" Victoria asked out of habit.

"Busy. Henderson thinks we need to change our healthcare position. Gonna be a long night."

He disappeared without asking about her day, her work, or noticing that she looked more radiant than she had in years.

Twenty minutes later, Sophia called.

"Mom, I need five hundred thousand dollars. There’s this amazing brand collaboration opportunity, but I need professional photos first."

"Sophia, we talked about this...."

"Please? You know I’m good for it. This could really boost my follower count."

Victoria sighed, already opening her banking app. "Fine. But this is the last time this month."

"You’re the best! Love you, bye!"

The call ended without Sophia asking one question about Victoria’s life.

Victoria stared at her phone, amazed. She was living the most intense experience of her adult life, and the two people closest to her had no idea.

Maybe that told her everything she needed to know.

She set the phone aside, knowing Alex was thinking about her even if he couldn’t say so. That knowledge was enough.

At least someone saw her. Really saw her.

She fell asleep that night thinking about when she’d see Alex again, completely unaware that her perfect secret was about to become much more complicated.