Silent Betrayal

By Chevoque

Could a mother go too far in preventing her daughter from being with the person she loves? Could one person's preference in life force a daughter onto a path she never intended to follow? And could it be, that secrets reveal ugly truths, as the fight for what you believe in, forces the ultimate betrayal?

Silent Betrayal follows Mira Radebe as she falls in love with a person she could only describe as her 'love at first sight'. But her mother blackmails her into leaving Arabella in her past, and to do exactly what she wasn't ready to do. She is forced to run the family company, and once she came of age, she had no choice but do just that. Her life is thrown out of its comfortable orbit when she starts dating her best friend, Dean, and even though she loves him, she finds it hard to forget how much her heart ached to be with Arabella.

She silently betrays her own promises, as she fights to accept she could trust others, when her whole life she knew not to.

~Excerpt~

Soft music played over the speakers and the chatter slightly faded, the closer I shuffle to Dean's office. I looked at the portraits on the walls and, as the door at the end of the hall opened, the song thrumming epitomized what I was feeling. ~Lost in your eyes, drowning in blue~ Arabella stopped in her office's doorway, uncertain whether she should just step back and close the door.
"Hi," I managed in a small voice. She walked closer, peering at me, uncertain. "Uhm..."
"How are you doing?" She asked, as her perfume drifted my way. She was more than a metre away from me, but still managed to completely overwhelm my senses. I was high and she was the drug I hadn’t even tasted yet.
Tones of jasmine, peony and pink pepper made my mind go fuzzier with confusion than her small talk approach had, "I'm doing well. The party is-"
"Since the day I saw you in this place...you had done something to me," I stared at her, completely stunned. "Mira...are you completely straight, without question?" My mouth opened, but I managed nothing.
It happened so fast, the next thing I knew, my back was against Dean's office door and her hands captured my face, just as her mouth met mine. Her lips tasted of champagne and cherries. I groaned and pulled her hips tightly against mine, while my mouth opened to receive her tongue.
She stroked the sensitive flesh on the inside of my lower lip and I melted into her like caramel ice-cream on a sunny day. My mind was lost to her subtle, yet completely seductive onslaught. She moaned against my mouth and my hands moved up her sides and I enveloped her breasts.
Her tongue softly slid along mine while the pressure in my core built up to a high that was indescribable. Oh, this woman could kiss. Our tongues danced between our lips in a build-up of undeniable passion. I felt like I was in a dream, but when the sound of howling men echoed down the hallway, it all abruptly ended.
Arabella stepped back, shocked, and I leaned away from the door as two men appeared with Dean. They were cheering, and something in Dean showed that he knew it made us uncomfortable. At least he was a decent enough guy to know that men going batshit over woman kissing was annoying as hell.
"I shouldn't have done that," Arabella said in an almost dismayed tone and I stared at her, pained. She had made it sound like a mistake and the retort in her manner hurt me. I shook my head and walked away, said my goodbye to Dean, and left. I had been kissed into a complete stupor, but the participating party clearly had not experienced the same thing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chevoque
• Release date: Feb 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310640339

Chevoque

Chevoque was born as Rochelle de Beer on 15 May 1992 in Klerksdorp, South Africa, and as an only child, the world seemed like a lonely place, until she set her mind free and got lost in the worlds she created for herself. Her writing began at a young age and with numerous stories still waiting to be released from her mind, only time now seems to hold her back. She also has a degree in BSc. Environmental and Biological Sciences, because she's a tree hugging animal lover, who hopes to never use her degree to cause cruelty.

Book preview

Silent Betrayal

by Chevoque

SMASHWORDS EDITION

*****

PUBLISHED BY:

Chevoque on Smashwords

Silent Betrayal

Copyright 2014 by Chevoque

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into, a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, organisations and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Smashwords Edition Licence Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Word from the Author

Dear Reader,

I personally thank you for the consideration and time.

The cover's idea I found online and I thought it was a beautiful symbol of how I personally see love. I drew my own version and processed it myself, but even from the get-go, people had numerous reasons why it wasn't appropriate. To me it shows LOVE; it shows how love can be between humans, regardless of how we associate, sexually.

I created this book to show that love has no boundaries and that it shouldn't. The book is written with the purpose of taking on certain issues the LGBTQ community experiences from society and from within. I also wanted it to show how love is beautiful in any form and not just the way society has forced us to accept it. This is why the book is not categorised in any genre, other than erotic romance.

Lastly, I love writing with music, so the playlist of the book is available on my YouTube channel.

See you on the other side,

Chevoque

I dedicate this book to my dad, because of the extreme personal experiences I've had regarding my own sexuality.

Table of contents

Word from the Author

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

About Chevoque

Acknowledgements

Prologue

The soft noise of the quartet playing in the ballroom penetrated through the walls as I sat staring at the fire, crackling away. My father's study was my escape every time a fundraiser of likes was held in our house. The only place I truly wanted to be was on an island, my island; alone and lost to the world. If only Dean were here, he would have found a way to entertain me. Dean was my best friend, but he was now somewhere in a small town at a hospital, doing his first community service year.

He was one wacky character and had always said that we should get married and make beautiful babies. He wasn't one to confess it, but I had always thought that he had a thing for me. He was an attractive guy and the idea of being with him wasn't as strange, but with his schedule, studying medicine, a relationship was out of the question.

Nonetheless, the world now seemed a lonely place as I had just finished my degree in economics and international trade, still with no clue as to what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. All my classmates had been moaning about struggling to find jobs, but mine had been set even before I had been born.

Being known as a Radebe had opened my doors to everything I ever needed, yet, it was none of what I had desired at that stage in my life. My father's company provided cheap, innovative, eco-friendly products for informal housing in the highest poverty areas of Western Cape. The products, available in the private sector, were too expensive due to them not being produced in South Africa. After becoming partners with some of the original inventors, my father began producing locally and the distribution became national.

It began with The Biopanel - invented by Alejandra Olivera - made of seaweed; the insulation material can be used for informal housing. This gave my father the break he needed; a governmental contract for ten years (turned into twenty when the renewal was done). Then came all the other products; from biodegradable pens, to USB casings made of bamboo, up to my favourite, the Window Socket.

As amazing as all this was, I still wanted to travel the world and find myself before I settled for a life of commitment to the same thing every day, but where did a person find that? And was there even a possibility of that in a world where we still had to fight for basic civil rights?

The door softly cracked and the chatter became louder, pulling me back to where I needed to be. I knew I'd find you here. As always, my dad said, giving me a soft kiss on the cheek and taking the seat next to me on the brown suede sofa.

I'm not a fan of mum's... I bit my lower lip, trying to find the appropriate word, but struggling, You know...things.

It is for you, though, I gave him a pout and he smiled that sweet old smile. Are you happy? My dad's bright eyes turned into true concern. His soft grey hair contrasted his dark brown skin in the low lit room, while his lips were drawn into a thin line.

I'm always happy, daddy. I just... I felt the slight restriction of my throat.

Tell me, angel. Something has been bothering you, and I know it is not just the party, he held my hand tightly in his, his eyes not leaving mine as the fire flickered away. You know your mother. She always goes overboard and makes it...awkward. He made a silly face.

I softly chuckled, but my father knew me well enough to know that I was troubled. Daddy, I took a breath of courage before I stared into his familiar green eyes, which looked like mine. I can't be on the board of directors. There are so many others who deserve it and besides...I don't think I'm ready.

You still want to find yourself? My dad kindly asked.

I paused a second, my heart was pounding with the fear that I was letting him down. I do want to work with you and I appreciate that you trust me so much to play a vital role in your company, but...I feel like there has to be something else out there that would suit me better.

I love it when a plan comes together, my dad grinned in that sweet way, which sadly showed the remnants of his stroke, only two years ago. I was completely lost over what he meant and as he jumped up, I realised he wasn't mocking me. He walked to his antique mahogany desk, pulled open the top drawer and stared at me, smiling, before pulling out a document as thick as a standard university study guide.

I wobbly found my feet - my heels weren't competent on carpet, I noted - and I heard the giggle of a woman as she walked past the door. My dad did his habitual shoulder wipe over his suit's jacket and smoothed his hands over the narrow notch lapels as well.

Reluctantly, I strolled over to the desk as my father sat in his desk chair, analysing me with mirth in his eyes, while his head casually rested in his hand. I didn't quite know how to deal with this as he gestured for me to look at the document. What is this? I asked, staring at the Radebe Corporations document that made my stomach flip several times. The logo was a simple house, the exact picture I had drawn as a kid, wanky walls and a rugged roof, and still showed what the company stood for, so many years later. Opportunities created by people who help develop and grow communities.

My father shifted in his chair, You were supposed to gain full control of the company today. It would've been my cruel gift to you for your birthday, I tried speaking, but my father continued. I've known for a while you wouldn't like that-

Daddy, I-

Hear me out, he smiled sweetly, just a hint of warning in his tone, and then he continued. I bit my tongue as I truly didn't want to disappoint him. I had only set up the initial transfer of responsibilities to you after I had the first stroke.

Yeah, two years ago I had been so set on the idea of doing it, but now...

No, angel, his eyes turned poignant, I had the lawyers draw up this transfer of ownership when you were fourteen. I stared, confused, as his lips pursed together. The strokes had been a problem since I was very young. I wanted to make sure you'll gain what you deserved upon the appropriate age, but without you feeling forced into it.

I was sad, but honoured that my father regarded me so highly. That's why you kept asking whether I was sure about studying business when I applied to university?

Yes. I wanted you to do whatever you wanted and never feel pushed. But clearly all those times you ran up and down the hallways at the main offices in Century City had you fixed on the idea. We both smiled at the memory of my childhood escapades in Radebe Corporations' main building, which stood mighty along the waterways, while wetlands surrounded the area.

Breaking my arm at seven, when I was running down the stairs, trying to hide from my mother, still showed the marks. I ran my finger over the protruding scar where the bone had stuck out. I had screamed like hell when the doctor had to pin the bones and stitch up the now ugly scar on my forearm.

I have always wanted to be like you, daddy. I just don't think I'm ready. I know I have the knowledge and being able to work with you would great, but-

But I want you to be happy. He had the kindest eyes and I still couldn't understand how he and my mother ended up together. Go explore the world, fall in love with someone who's kind, and then decide. I have worked my entire life so you don't have to.

"I don't want to be one of those rich kids," I said in a tone that sounded bitter to even my own ears.

"Fuck the world and its stereotypes. You are my sweet angel, Mira. I know you don't go out and get wasted, I giggled. Did I use it incorrectly?"

No, it's just strange hearing it from you, I was beaming at this stage.

Well, either way. I don't want you to worry. There had been enough of it and I never want you to. That's why I want you to sign this, he pushed the intimidating document closer, and then the door poured copious amounts of light into the study. It was blinding and the silhouette was all too familiar.

Both of you need to get back to the party, I'm looking like a fool. Mira, fix your dress, you look like a palooka! My mother was always too prim and proper in front of others, to say the least, but she was one bossy bitch. Jet black hair, dark brown eyes and fair skin were the only things that made anyone listen. That and her legs, which looked like a straight racetrack, had many bent down to her commands. She was beautiful, elegant and always presentable, but she was a crappy mother.

She was out of the room before either of us could reply and the shutting door was the only indication of momentary freedom. Okay, she's gone mental, I said under my breath, while my dad and I still stared at the door. We were slightly intimidated by her, to be honest.

She wouldn't have married me otherwise, I faced my dad and he still had that dopey smile of love on his face. How the hell does he manage that vial of poison I call my mother?

I shook my head and tapped my finger on the document. So, what is this exactly?

If something happens to me, I want you to gain control at twenty-five.

I felt dizzy as all the blood rushed out of my head, Daddy?

Angel, I'm sick. The one thing I don't want is to leave this life and have you unhappy and unsure. I want you to go and do whatever your heart desires. If I pass away, you can turn the company into a foundation for elderly pets needing homes, or just live off the profits while others like Mr. Glass or Mr. Jasem run it. Either way, whether I'm alive or not on that day, you'll gain complete control, no matter what.

I sighed and stared down at the monster document that now revealed itself as a silent will and the message struck home. Daddy, I walked around the desk and embraced my father.

There, there, he hugged me tightly and tears streamed from my eyes. "You're not rid of me yet. You'll never be, I promise. Now set aside your sad thoughts and start planning your travels. I hear Sweden has beautiful men...and women... But, that is only what I've heard." He waggled his brows and I blushed as I still tried coming to grips about how unaffected my father had been by my sexuality. It was the way it should have been, but I've heard of so many kids being thrown out of their parents' house, just because of their sexuality, that it nearly felt like my turn was still coming.

My dad gave me a kiss on my cheek, rubbed away a stray tear and smiled that sweet, caring smile. Come, I want a dance. He found his feet and threw his arm over my shoulder, What do you feel like, a cha-cha or a waltz? I giggled as we headed out and I could finally enjoy the rest of the evening at my father's side.

When it all came crumbling down almost three years later:

I stepped into the Louvre, my mind boggled by the amazing architecture that nearly seems impossible. Finding my way through the crowd, I head straight for the spiral staircase that looked like it might take you to Neverland or to one of those portkeys from Harry Potter. Either way, it was something special when I had reached the landing and saw it all from another point of view.

My phone rang, quite loudly, and as I checked the caller ID, I nearly left it to go to voice mail, when I saw it was my mother. Hi, I answered in a tight tone.

You need to get back! Her voice was so loud; the man next to me gave me a crooked look.

Mum, I-

Your father died! The room went blank, I heard my mother asking if I was still on the line but I couldn't breathe. That same man was holding me by the arms as the world finally regained its colour. My heart pounded so hard, as my ears rang and I felt nauseated. Mira!

I-I'm here... The man walked me to the doors and led me to a seat. "Merci, monsieur," I said to the man and he told me that