Missed Calls: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Embark on a gripping tale of love, suspicion, and unexpected twists in this riveting story. Meet Amanda, a woman anxiously awaiting her husband Mark's return on their anniversary, only to be met with a series of mysterious events that unravel before her eyes.

As the clock ticks away, Amanda's concern grows, leading her to a rollercoaster of emotions. A seemingly innocent call turns into a web of doubt, tears, and unsettling revelations. The story unfolds with a tense phone call that reveals Mark's late-night escapades, leaving Amanda questioning the very foundation of their relationship.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Amanda, torn between trust and suspicion, uncovers a secret that shakes the core of her marriage. The tension builds as Amanda navigates the complexities of her emotions, seeking solace in her friend Doris, who offers sage advice and a plan to confront Mark.

The suspense heightens when Amanda decides to confront Mark at his workplace, armed with evidence that could shatter the illusion of their perfect life. The story is a captivating blend of drama and intrigue, with each revelation pushing Amanda to the brink of uncertainty.

As Amanda grapples with her emotions and fears, readers are taken on a journey through the intricacies of relationships, trust, and the delicate balance between love and betrayal. The characters come to life with vivid descriptions, allowing readers to feel the depth of Amanda's pain and uncertainty.

Will Amanda's confrontation bring clarity to her tumultuous situation, or will it unravel even more secrets? Find out as the story unfolds, taking you on a gripping ride through the highs and lows of Amanda's quest for truth in the face of deception.

This tale is a compelling narrative that explores the fragility of trust, the complexities of love, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unexpected challenges. Brace yourself for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn in Amanda's journey of self-discovery and resilience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223962830

Book preview

Table of Contents

Missed Calls (contos, #1)

Something's keeping my husband, Amanda picked up her phone and checked the call log.

She had called her husband an hour ago, and he said he would be coming home soon.

Amanda sighed heavily and tried to push away negative thoughts.

I hope nothing happened to him on the way, she muttered, spitting three times over her

left shoulder.

Everything will be fine.

Mark will arrive soon.

They'll sit together at the table and celebrate their anniversary.

But an hour passed, then two, then three, and her husband still didn't come home.

Amanda kept dialing her husband's number, but a harsh voice on the other end said,

the subscriber is temporarily unavailable.

During the wait, Amanda managed to cry, get divorced, kill, and bury her husband in her

thoughts.

She heard the sound of an incoming message.

The subscriber's number is available for a call.

Mark picked up the phone on the third attempt.

Why are you calling me?

Forty-two missed calls, he grumbled in response to the incoming call.

Mark, I was really worried, Amanda started to justify herself.

Mark arrived home in the early morning.

He smelled of women's perfume, his tie was hanging out of his trousers pocket, and on

the shoulder of his jacket, she discovered a faint trace of lipstick.

Where have you been?

Amanda asked her husband, almost crying from her fantasies.

Amanda, Mark furrowed his brow.

Let's talk in the morning.

I'm very tired.

He gently pushed her aside and headed straight to the bedroom, where he fell on the bed and

instantly fell asleep.

Amanda looked at her husband, who spread out across the whole bed, wiped her tears away,

took a blanket, and went to sleep on the couch.

She suddenly didn't feel like lying in the same bed with her husband.

Thanks, husband, for the celebration.

That's how we celebrated our wedding anniversary, she sighed heavily.

In the morning, Amanda woke up to noise.

Mark was in a hurry for work, looking for a clean shirt, jacket, and trousers.

He pulled everything out of the wardrobe with a crash.

Mark, what time is it?

It's already late.

Get up, or you'll be late for work.

Aren't you going to drop me off?

Sweetheart, sorry, I can't give you a ride today.

I need to meet with a client urgently, I'm already running late.

Mark kissed Amanda and quickly rushed out of the apartment.

Some incomprehensible feeling of anxiety spread throughout Amanda's body.

Why am I worrying prematurely, she reassured herself.

If he rushed to the client in the morning, it means he was definitely with him in the

evening.

Probably a big contract came up and Mark grabbed the opportunity.

Amanda calmed herself with her thoughts and went to work.

Amanda, you seem different today.

Did your husband not let you sleep all night?

Doris, her colleague at work, winked at her.

If only that were the reason, Amanda closed her eyes and rested her head on the table.

I want to sleep.

I hardly slept all night.

My husband came home only in the early morning and he smelled of women's perfume.

Believe it or not, it's up to you.

And how did he explain it?

Doris asked in surprise.

He didn't explain anything.

In the morning, he just got ready silently and left for work.

Amanda began to massage her temples.

But, my dear, let me tell you a very good saying, trust but verify.

You can't trust men in general.

Don't follow my example.

My husband cheated on me for three years and I believed him all that time.

The whole town knew that my husband had a mistress and I was the only one who didn't

know until one day his friend, who was drunk, told me openly and pointed to his temple.

I don't think Mark could do that to me, Amanda replied, but a shadow of doubt crept into her

soul.

In the evening, Mark was delayed at work again.

Sweetie, I'm sorry, I got held up again.

But soon we'll fulfill the contract's conditions and I'll be coming home on time again, he

kissed Amanda on the cheek and went to sleep.

Where did they feed you?

Amanda asked him, sounding annoyed.

We had a snack at the office, we ordered delivery, Mark replied on the go.

He lay down on the bed and instantly fell asleep.

Amanda decided to check his phone, but her husband had changed the password.

She had to put some effort into it, rack her brains to enter the right combination of numbers

on his phone.

Amanda didn't find anything interesting.

All the messages were deleted and she didn't discover any contacts with unfamiliar girl's

names.

In the morning, Amanda woke up again to noise.

Mark was rushing for work.

Amanda, help me pick a shirt and tie my tie, I'm in a hurry, baby.

You'll have to make your way to work yourself again, he smiled guiltily and kissed her on

the cheek.

Alright, I'll go, Amanda sighed, feeling a mix of relief and suspicion.

Amanda only had time to see his back disappear behind the entrance door.

The melody