Trash and Treasure [Husband and Wife to Lesbian Lovers TG] Extension and Epilogue

Commissioned Anonymously

~

Part 2

Matilda slipped the pearl earring through her ear and clasped it closed. The final touch to her morning routine. Back when she was Matthew, she’d scoffed at the idea of starting every day the same way, how wrong she’d been. She smiled at her reflection, simple makeup, a tight-fitting blouse and pencil skirt and, of course, her pearls. Looking this professional every day did mean getting up early, but it was worth it. 

Across the room, an alarm blared and Caroline groaned, appearing from beneath the blankets with a groggy smile. Her hair was a rat's nest, her makeup still smudged from last night. She looked wild, and a shiver ran down Matilda’s spine, remembering exactly what had smudged that pretty pink lipstick. She’d washed the marks from her inner thighs in the shower this morning and mourned the fact that she didn't have time to indulge before work. 

“Mornin’”, Caroline muttered, “What’s for breakfast?”

“For you? Toast, probably.” Matilda grinned, “I am off.”

“Already?”

“It’s seven thirty, if I want to get to the office by eight fifteen, I need to get going.”

Caroline pouted.

“But you don't start till eight thirty!”

“A fifteen-minute buffer ensures I am never late.” Matilda reminded her, walking over and placing a quick kiss on her cheek. “If you want to have breakfast together, I keep telling you, you need to wake up earlier.”

“That won’t work. You’re too busy getting ready.” 

“Well, on my day off.”

“You do extra work then.”

Matilda sighed; she h ad been busy lately, but it couldn’t be helped. The end of the financial year was coming up, a busy time for accountants, not to mention promotion time. There was a position opening up on the top floor, all the biggest clients went there. If she could land the position, her salary would increase by a third, and it wasn't small to begin with. Matilda reached out and cupped Caroline’s cheek with a soft smile.

“You want to go on that wilderness retreat in summer, don’t you?”
“...Yes.”

“Then I need to work, your salary won’t cover all of it.”

“Fiiiiiiiiiine.”

“That’s my girl.”

Matilda leaned down, ready to give her a proper kiss, when her eyes fell on the clock.

“Oh shoot! I am late! Have a good day, darling!”

She ran for the door, picking up her briefcase on the way and giving Caroline a quick wave. She was out the door before her wife could even raise her hand to respond. 

~

Matilda smiled as she walked through the long room of cubicles, enjoying the way her heels clicked on the hard floor, and how the fabric of her tight skirt rubbed against her ass. A few months ago, back when she’d been a man trying to convince Caroline to live in an RV she would have hated this. Office life, high stress, high reward, numbers all day. She was having a midlife crisis; Matilda wasn't ashamed to admit it anymore. Thank God for Dr. Rahman giving her this life to snap her out of it. Years of working from home, without motivation or drive, had made her stagnant; now she was in her element. 

She sat down behind her desk, eager to get on with the day so she could put in a bit of overtime for the promotion when a figure appeared at her side. 

“Matilda, right on time as usual.”

“Hello, Sampson.”

Sampson was ten years her senior, charming, and technically, her boss. He ran the entire thirty-fourth floor. He was exactly who she wanted to impress. Matilda held her breath, hoping for some hard-to-finish, special assignment he could only trust her with. It was exactly the sort of thing that she could bring up at the end of financial year review when she argued her case for promotion. 

“I have something for you.” He beamed, “Our firm has received invitations to the Kenneth Foundation Charity Gala. A select few teams have been given invites. I’d like you to come.”

Matilda’s chest felt like it was about to burst. The Kenneth Foundation Gala wasn’t just a charity event. It was a golden gate to a different world, a world where money was old and business was secured over vintage Bordeaux. The event raised millions every year for children's hospitals and the like, but everybody knew that wasn't the point. The point was for people with far too much money to throw that money around and look fabulous while doing it in front of a thousand photographers. A way for the city's elite to make themselves feel good for trending on poorer people the other three hundred and sixty-five days of the year. 

For an accounting firm like theirs, it was a dream come true. Not only would their company benefit from appearing charitable, but rich people also often disliked managing their own finances. Even winning one client over would be a huge success. And if she was the one to do it…a penthouse office on the top floor was basically guaranteed. 

"You’ve done exceptional work this quarter, Matilda.” Sampson continued, “This event will be full of the kind of clients we want more of. I trust you’ll make the right impression."

The right impression. 

Sampson’s words were sharp, his gaze pointed, and Matilda swallowed. She knew what he was implying.

“My wife is included?”

“Yes. The CEO insisted on it, actually.”

Matilda had to force her eyes not to roll, a token lesbian accountant. The CEO probably wanted to brag about his diversity or something. No matter, she was going, that was the important thing. The only problem was that Caroline had to come as well. 

“I’m sure you’ll be able to uh… coach her.” Sampson smiled politely before continuing on his way. 

Matilda shifted in her seat, suddenly uncomfortable. Her eyes drifted toward the edge of her monitor, where a photo of her and Caroline sat in a silver frame; it had been taken at their housewarming party a few months after they arrived. Caroline’s smile was wide and a little crooked, her arm slung around Matilda’s shoulder, pulling her in tight. She was wearing a tank top with a cartoon beer can on it and holding a sparkler. Matilda looked slightly stiff beside her, but happy. Genuinely happy. Her heart ached a little.

God, she loved her. That much had become clear over the past few weeks. Now that they had embraced their new selves, their marriage was finally on the mend. They were still chalk and cheese on a lot of things, but at least they were doing better at communicating. 

Caroline had fully embraced letting her hair down; she no longer worried about appearances and dressed and acted for herself. It was wonderful, freeing even, and nothing made Matilda wetter than seeing her dirty woman act like trash. But it did chaff a little with Matilda’s new job. 

She remembered too clearly the last time Caroline had come to a work event, the Christmas party at a boutique wine bar in the city just a few months ago. She’d told Caroline it was “casual, but professional,” but Caroline had insisted on being her true self. That meant tight black jeans, a sequined top from a thrift store, and boots with scuffed heels. She looked hot, sure; Matilda could barely keep her eyes off her, but she also looked completely out of place.

Things had started going downhill the moment the wine tasting began.

“Do y’all have any vodka back there?” Caroline had called out cheerfully, waving her empty glass at the wine steward. “Something worth shootin’? Or just more of this juice?”

Everyone had laughed at her, not with her. Matilda had tried to play it off, laughing too loudly, brushing her fingers along Caroline’s arm in an attempt to hush her gently. 

As if summoned by the memory, one of her colleagues, Martin, appeared over her shoulder, invitation in hand, with a wide grin.

“Hey, you got invited too! I knew it; you’re a shoo in for a raise this quarter.”

“Oh, we don't know for sure.” She blushed politely. “Glad you’ll be there.”

“Couldn't drag me away, not every day I get to try five-star canapes. So…are you bringing your wife?”

Matilda cringed and nodded. 

“Man. That reminds me. The Christmas party. She kept asking the bartender if they had Fireball or something, right?” He chuckled again. “That was wild.”

Matilda felt her stomach twist. She smiled because she had to, but her nails dug into her palm under the desk.

“And didn’t she try to start a drinking game with the interns?” he added, laughing harder now. “God, that was something.”

“She has a big personality.”

“That’s one way to put it.”

Matilda bit her cheek; Martin kept talking, but his words went in one ear and out the other. She had been at this job less than a year, and she already had a reputation as the woman with the wild wife? She hadn't realised just how memorable Caroline had made herself. She tried to imagine her beloved, trashy wife at the gala, and it made her stomach tie in knots. She didn’t want Caroline to change; embracing each other, flaws and all, was part of their healing journey. But perhaps she could ask her to tone it down and be her old self just for one night. Surely she could handle that? 

She turned back to her work computer with memories of the Christmas party swirling in her brain. She was definitely going to have to put in some overtime, just in case. 

~

Caroline beamed as she looked over the table. It was perfect. Hot dogs and pizza, along with a selection of those glossy travel magazines. Since they had decided to stay in their fancy city apartment, Matilda had agreed to something more rugged for their holiday each year. They could afford it, and if Caroline had to chaff in this shiny highrise, she deserved to get down and dirty every now and then. 

She checked the clock. Matilda would be home any minute, and they could start planning the holiday. She was thinking somewhere out in the wilderness, one of those fancy retreats so that Matilda could have all the fancy stuff she liked nearby, but they could also go hiking, one even had extreme sports and quad bikes. 

After twenty minutes, she started nibbling at the pizza. After another twenty, it had gone cold, and she ate it anyway. The hot dogs lost their shimmer, and the buns went soggy from juices. They didn't even look appetising to her. Caroline sighed; the first time this happened, she’d been frantic. Now she knew better. 

A full two hours later, Matilda finally walked through the door and immediately kissed her on the cheek.

“Sorry, I’m late, darling? I was putting in a bit of overtime.”

“I noticed.”

Matilda paused at the dinner table, taking in the slimy hot dogs and cold pizza. 

“Don’t worry; I got some dinner delivered to the office so you can throw out the leftovers.”

Caroline huffed; of course, it didn't matter that she’d spent time cooking it. 

“I have big news.” Matilda continued, “Look, we’ve been invited to the Kenneth Foundation Charity Gala! It’s a white tie event”

“White tie?”

“It’s like black tie, but even fancier!” Matilda squeaked, “If I impress some people there, maybe I will even get a new client, and that promotion is in the bag!”

Caroline bit her tongue. That promotion was important to her wife; she wanted to be supportive, but going to an event like that sounded like actual hell. Matilda was so excited she was practically glowing, and Caroline’s heart ached a little. She looked so happy; who was she to take the wind out of her sails? Before their change, she hadn't been the most supportive partner; it was one of the things they’d talked about, and she had agreed to work on. 

“Sounds wonderful.”

“I knew you’d agree!”

There was an awkward pause before Matilda finally picked up on the awkward tension in the air. 

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing!”
“Carol…Remember what we talked about: no bottling things up.”

“I’m not bottling anything up.” She pouted, and Matilda giggled.

“As cute as you look with that big bottom lip sticking out, we both know that’s not true.” 

Caroline huffed.

“You worked late. Again. And forgot to call. Again.”

“I know, but my work is demanding, and I knew you wouldn’t worry.”
“That’s not the point, Matilda!” Caroline said, feeling a lump in her throat. “Have you noticed you always work late on the nights when I cook?”

“...Do I?”

“Yes! We decided to take turns cooking, since we have such different tastes, but you always skip mine! I eat your fancy caprice salads and smoked salmon…are my simple meals that gross?”

Matilda’s face softened; she hadn't even realised it, but Caroline was right. When was the last time she ate one of her homey meals? She wasn't going to pretend she adored chicken wings or grits, but there was something comforting about them. And Caroline always tried the new things she insisted on, the frog's legs, the fancy sushi, even the birds' nest soup. She chuckled, remembering how Caroline had gagged at the last one after desperately trying to smile with her mouth full and pretend she liked it. 

“Is this funny?”

Matilda snapped back to the present.

“No, not at all.” She replied seriously, taking Caroline’s face in her hands. “You’re right. I’ve not been fair.”

She gave her a deep kiss. 

“I’ll be home for dinner tomorrow. I promise. Now, why don't I go make sure you know just how much I love you, hm?”

Caroline grinned.

“Sounds like a fucking plan.”

“Shut that dirty mouth of yours.”

“Make me.”

And she did.

~

Matilda kept up her promise. She sacrificed her precious overtime for the next week, making sure to be home in time for the dinners Caroline cooked. It was worth it to see her smile, even if all the greasy chicken was a bit much. She had really embraced quick and easy meals. After years of stressing and making aesthetic, perfect dinners like she saw online, Caroline was clearly having fun just cooking for comfort. It was a good thing, Matilda told herself, and she could have a taste of the finer things at the gala. 

When the night came, she dressed herself accordingly; she spent hundreds getting her hair, makeup and nails done professionally and far too much on a new dress. Long, elegant black fabric that clung to the top half of her body before slowly falling into a mermaid-style skirt. Golden embroidery hugged the deep V neckline and paired with golden jewellery, she looked utterly stunning if she did say so herself. Worth every Penny. 

“Carol, are you ready? The car will be here to pick us up soon!” She called into the bathroom.

She was a little nervous; Caroline had chaffed at the idea of white tie, but after some begging and very slow, sensual kisses, she had agreed to buy something to fit the dress code. 

“Ready!”

The door to the bathroom swung open, and Matilda’s heart stuttered for a few reasons. Caroline was dressed in a short, hot pink mini dress, complete with black heels, black bracelets and a black choker. Her hair had been teased up, and her make-up was just as bold. The glossy lipstick showed off her full lips as much as the tight fabric did her full figure. Matilda felt a shiver of desire run down her spine, but also anxiety. The dress was…technically appropriate. It was a cocktail dress, after all, but it was also very…bright. 

“What? You don’t like it? It’s silk and everything!”
“I love it,” Matilda replied carefully, “it’s just…a lot. We have time, maybe we could…tone down the makeup and hair a bit?”

“But why?” 

Caroline was pouting again. 

“I spent ages trying to find something that looked good and was within the theme. Do you have any idea how many little black dresses there were? At least I will stand out in this.”

‘That’s what I’m afraid of…’ Matilda thought. 

“Just…quick, let’s straighten your hair and put it in a nice bun, and pick a slightly less showy lipstick. We want to look like we belong there.”

“I thought you’d want to stand out, have people notice you.”

“I do, but…look, just do this for me, please? Be the old Caroline for one night?”

Caroline flinched as if she’d slapped her. 

“The old me? The one who was constantly stressing about what other people think? About trying to be better than everybody?”

“Yes!” Matilda nodded, relieved Caroline understood. “Just for one night, for my promotion. Please?”

Caroline took a deep breath and nodded. 

“Alright.”

“Great! Let me fix your hair!”

~

Caroline shifted in the leather seats of the car. Her ass crushed against the stiff seating; it was clearly new and hadn't had time to get soft yet. Maybe she was being dramatic, but it felt like an omen for the night. Her hair had been straightened and tied into a tight updo, held in place with a few of Matilda’s jewelled hairclips. The hair felt tight around her skull and it took every shred of her will not to them both out. 

It was easy to forget the magical compulsion she was under these days. Since embracing her new, more carefree life, she never rubbed up against it. But now, forcing herself to sit, knees together, hands in her lap like a prim, proper lady, she could feel it again. That urge to spread her legs and act trashy, to flash her panties as she hopped out of the car and stepped onto the red carpet. God, how amazing would that be, the snobs at this event would be scandalised but also, turned on. Even if they tried to deny it, she would know. 

The car pulled up, and she fought with herself as Matilda got out of the car. One night, she just had to fight her new compulsions for one night. For Matilda’s sake. Even if it hurt being asked to hide who she was now. 

The car door opened, and immediately Caroline was dazzled by the lights of flashing cameras. The press was here to take pictures of all the nice, rich people so charitably giving away their millions. Once they realised this car had two nobodies in it, they quickly moved on to the next one, but it left a sour taste in her mouth. She linked arms with Matilda and walked up to the massive gallery where the event was taking place. 

Inside, the air was thick with the hum of voices, the click of high heels on marble, and the soft tinkling of crystal glasses. A massive chandelier overhead cast a soft, golden glow over the room, its light reflecting off the polished floors. Waiters in black-and-white tail coats glided effortlessly through the crowd, their silver trays filled with champagne flutes and bite-sized canapés. The scent of truffle oil, lobster, and expensive perfume hung in the air, It was exactly what she’d dreamed of back in her old life, now it made a stone form in her stomach. It was all so…fake. 

“A drink, ma’ams?”

A waiter appeared, and they each took a flute from his silver tray. 

“There is Sampson and the others from my firm,” Matilda whispered excitedly. “Come on.”

They approached the group, and they all turned to smile. 

“Matilda! You made it!” exclaimed a tall man Caroline recognised as Sampson.

“And, of course, you all remember my wife, Caroline,” Matilda added.

Caroline didn’t miss the way the group’s eyes flickered to her, the polite nods and raised eyebrows. A man with a tight grin and glasses raised an eyebrow as he looked Caroline up and down as if trying to place her. 

“Your wife? Well, I barely recognise her!” He chuckled, “You certainly clean up well. A bit different to the Christmas party, eh?”

That party had been a blast; it had been so much fun helping those stuffed shirts let their hair down. Caroline grinned and was about to make a snappy remark about it when Matilda squeezed her hand. Best not. 

“Oh look, food.” 

“Canapes.” Sampson corrected, as if she didn't know the stupid French word for ‘tiny serving of food you need a dozen of to feel full.’. The group all politely took a single tiny crust of bread from the platters as they were offered, it was smeared with something black and salty.

“Oh, not every day we get caviar.” Eric grinned, downing his instantly. Caroline made a face, only for Matilda to dig her elbow into her side. 

Nobody actually liked those little caviar toasts. She refused to believe it. If she could somehow magically compel everybody in this room to tell the truth, they’d all choose pigs in a blanket over them, she was sure. But caviar was expensive, so they all smiled and moaned dramatically as if it were the best thing in the world when they tasted it, Matilda included. Caroline choked her down and vowed to remain hungry if that’s what they called catering. 

The night went on, and Caroline felt herself chomping at the bit for it to be over. Matilda went from group to group, introducing herself to potential new clients and charming them effortlessly. Watching her made Caroline’s heart sore; she really was a remarkable woman, but it was hard to act the part of the docile wife. 

Every table she passed, she imagined dancing on top of, every glass of fancy French wine tasted terrible and wasn’t nearly strong enough, and every conversation was like a drill to her brain. Luckily, nobody seemed to mind that she was mostly silent. Nobody except Matilda. 

~

Matilda smiled through clenched teeth as their fourth conversation came to an awkward end. It was hard to charm potential clients with Caroline standing there, stiff as a board, giving one-line answers to questions and clearly wanting nothing more than to leave. She had promised to try for this, but instead, she was ruining everything. The final straw came when one of the waiters offered the group they were currently talking to some warm bowls of lemon water to clean their hands between canapes. Without hesitation, Caroline grabbed one of the little dishes and drank it. 

“What on Earth!?” One woman cried before bursting into laughter at Caroline's face.

“That lemonade barely tastes like anything.” She muttered, and Matilda felt her face flush. 

“Excuse us.” She hissed, grabbing Caroline’s hand and rushing toward a small hallway off to the side of the main ballroom. 

“What’s wrong with you?” She whispered, “You’re embarrassing me and making everybody uncomfortable.”

“I’m making other people uncomfortable?” Caroline balked, “What about me? Do you have any idea how hard it is to resist my… compulsions?”

“It’s obvious you’re uncomfortable. You’re radiating ‘I hate it here’ energy, how am I supposed to win anybody over when you’re so obviously hating it here?”

“I am trying my best!” 

Matilda sighed.

“Caroline, please. Just try to act a little more… refined. This is important for my career. I need to make a good impression.”

“Refined? Honey, I’m not refined. Not anymore, and we’re both better off for it. And let’s be real, you love it when I’m trashy.”

Matilda’s cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and something else, something hotter, more primal. She watched as her wife’s eyes lit up with that mischievous light that meant she had just seen an opportunity. But this wasn’t the time or place for that. 

“Caroline, not now,” she hissed.

Caroline didn’t listen; she leaned closer, her breath warm against Matilda’s ear. 

“You know you do. You love it when I’m bad. When I’m so fucking trashy that it makes you wet just thinking about it.”

Matilda’s heart skipped a beat. She could feel her pulse quicken, her body betraying her as it always did when Caroline talked like this. She glanced around, aware that they were drawing attention, but Caroline didn’t care. She had no shame, and Matilda was both annoyed and undeniably turned on.

“Caroline, people are looking…” Matilda whispered, though her voice lacked conviction. The slutty part of her didn’t want to win; it wanted to give in and have Caroline get down and dirty right here. And she knew it. 

“Come on, baby. Let’s get out of here. I’ll show you just how trashy I can be.”

Before Matilda could protest, Caroline grabbed her hand and pulled her further down the hall, her heels clicking loudly as she led the way, ass swaying in the tight-fitting dress. Matilda found her eyes glued to it as it bounced. How had she not noticed how indecent that dress was? Caroline stopped in front of a broom closet, her smirk widening. 

“In here. Now.”

Matilda’s breath caught in her throat. She knew this was a terrible idea; she was supposed to be out there, wowing potential clients. She opened her mouth to protest, but Caroline claimed it before she could. Her tongue forced its way into her mouth, and Matilda melted. Her resistance crumbled, and she fumbled for the doorknob, sending them both staggering inside. 

The closet was small and cramped, but that didn’t matter. Caroline pressed Matilda against the wall, her lips crashing against hers in a kiss that was anything but refined. Matilda moaned, her hands tangling in Caroline’s hair as she surrendered to the moment. Caroline’s hands roamed over her body, her fingers tracing the curves of Matilda’s breasts before sliding down to cup her pussy through the silk of her dress. 

“You’re so fucking classy, babe,” Caroline murmured against Matilda’s neck, “But I’m gonna make you so trashy tonight.”

Matilda shivered, her body responding to Caroline’s words with a hunger that no longer surprised her. She lifted her hips as Caroline hiked up her dress, her fingers hooking into the waistband of Matilda’s silk panties. With a quick tug, they were gone, and Matilda gasped as Caroline’s hand slid between her legs, her fingers finding her already wet and eager.

“Fuck, you’re so ready for me,” Caroline growled, her thumb pressing against Matilda’s clit as she teased her with slow, deliberate strokes. Matilda’s head fell back against the wall, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps as pleasure coiled low in her belly.

“Caroline… please,” she begged, her voice hoarse with need.

“Shhhh now, don’t want anybody hearing you, miss priss.” Caroline teased, “Classy ladies don’t let their wives finger fuck them in broom cupboards.”

Matilda could only nod, her body trembling as the tension built. She couldn’t help but whimper and moan, no matter how hard she tried to stay quiet. Lipstick stained her teeth as she bit her lip, but it was no good. Caroline knew exactly how to touch her, how to drive her wild, whispering filthy in her ears. She was so caught up, she didn't notice the sound of footsteps and murmuring voices growing closer. She was so close, so fucking close, and then the door to the closet swung open. 

Matilda’s eyes flew open as she realised they were no longer alone. A group of gala attendees stood in the doorway, their eyes wide with shock as they took in the scene. Matilda’s orgasm stalled, her body freezing in horror as she realised what was happening.

But Caroline didn’t stop. If anything, she seemed to revel in the audience, her fingers moving faster, her touch more urgent.

Matilda’s breath hitched, her body torn between embarrassment and the overwhelming need to let go. She was right on the edge; there was nothing she could do to stop it. With a cry that was equal parts pleasure and embarrassment, she came, her body shaking as waves of ecstasy washed over her; followed swiftly by shame. 

“My goodness!”

“Is that the accountant we were talking to earlier?”

“Two women, too! How…gauche to do that in public.”

Matilda was mortified, frozen in place, as Caroline finally seemed to notice the door was open and   that they were no longer alone. She turned to face the crowd and scoffed.

“Uh, last I checked, a closed cupboard isn’t exactly public,” She said, “You guys were the ones who opened the damn door.”

‘Stop it, you’re making it worse.’ Matilda wanted to say, but her throat had closed over. 

The crowd muttered something about people making strange noises and coming to investigate. Matilda felt her embarrassment grow; they had heard them all the way in the main ballroom? She watched the crowd disperse and wanted to scream; it was only a matter of time before everybody at the event knew. Not to mention all the press. The cheap tabloids would have articles out tomorrow about the scandal at the Kenneth Fountaion Charity Gala. Her firm would never be invited back again, let alone her personally. 

“Go on, quit gawking and pretending to be shocked, you all love it!” Caroline teased.

She was grinning ear to ear, she wasn’t even phased. Not even as the group finally walked away, talking their gossip with them. It was like watching a funeral procession head down the hall. A funeral for her dignity. 

“What a bunch of prudes.” Caroline snorted, “Wow, babe, you came so fucking hard. I thought my fingers were gonna snap.”

Matilda’s mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. She just shook her head and pushed past, storming out of the cramped cupboard and kicking a bucket on the way. The metal made a loud clang as it slid across the floor, but she didn’t care. She headed straight for the main ballroom, only to watch as eyes turned and people began to whisper. 

“I can fix this.” She whispered to herself, “I can fix this.”

It would take all her wit, charm and poise to do so, but she had all of that in spades. The first stop was Sampson. Her promotion was forgotten; now she just needed to save her job. 

“Really, Matilda?” He shook his head. “You let your wife drag you down to her level? Here of all places?”

“It won't happen again. I swear.”

“Won't it?”

Matilda turned to see Caroline standing there, hands on her hips; she hadn't even bothered to fix her smudged lipstick. 

“Don't worry, I’ll go.” She said, walking past with her nose in the air. “Don’t worry, Matilda, I won't drag you down again.”

“Carol-!”

“Good night.”

She spun on her heels and walked through the crowd without shame. For some reason, that made Matilda even more frustrated. She could have at least been a little embarrassed. 

“I should go after her.”

“No way, you need to do damage control,” Sampson said. “Or our firm will never get invited to this event again!”

The unspoken words of ‘and you can kiss your promotion goodbye’ were heavily implied. There was no choice; she had to stay. It took hours of charming smiles and well-timed laughs to get things under control. Of course, they hadn't been having sex in the cupboard, just two excited lovers sharing a kiss; people’s imaginations ran wild. And doesn't that make her more relatable than anything? A loving wife wanting to make her obviously nervous partner more comfortable at a fancy party, that’s all. By the end of the night, the situation was as under control as possible. Sampson even seemed impressed. 

“You’re cool under pressure.” He smiled, “Good work.”

Matilda beamed. Maybe this had been a blessing in disguise. That promotion might still be in her grasp yet. Her good mood evaporated the moment she got back to their apartment, though. Caroline was already in bed, lying perfectly stiff and still, obviously still awake. Guilt twisted in Matilda’s stomach, and she slid beneath the covers, slowly reaching out across the empty space between them to place a palm on her wife’s hip. 

“I’m…”

She wasn't sure how to finish that sentence. 

“I fixed it.” She decided on. “Everything should be smoothed over. Things at the office will be awkward, but I think the promotion is still up for grabs.”

“Wonderful.” She didn't sound enthused.

“I’m sorry about what Sampson said, about you dragging me down. That was cruel.”

“No, what was cruel is that you didn't disagree.” 

Matilda flinched.

“I didn't mean it that way.”

“How did you mean it then?”

Caroline finally rolled over to face her in the gloom of their bedroom. The only light came from the window, highlighting the curve of her shoulders but shrouding her face in shadow. 

“I just…It was just one night, Caroline.”

“And could you get down and dirty with me in a biker bar for just one night? And be comfortable? And smile?”

“That’s different-”

“How?”

Matilda’s mouth opened and closed a few times. She didn’t think saying ‘because those places are gross’ was the right answer. 

“I thought we had finally reached an understanding.” Caroline sighed. “We were embracing our new lives. I like being this way, Matilda. And you like me being this way, so why do you insist on pretending around other people?”

“You were the one who used to get all uppity if I didn’t straighten my collar.” Matilda shot back. “You were the one who insisted on working nonstop for a better life. Now I am letting you be lazy, relaxing, doing your nice, easy work while I provide! I am being exactly who you used to be, and you’re holding it against me!”

“And I was wrong!”

Caroline sat up in bed and crossed her arms over her ample chest.

“I thought we were past this. I was wrong about all of that. Life is so much better since I let my hair down. I thought we had moved past this, but maybe we just switched positions.”

Matilda could feel her frustration growing, and she rolled over to face the wall.

“I think you’re just determined to be miserable, no matter what. It doesn't matter what I do. I’ll never be good enough for you.”

“That’s not true! I am the one putting in all the effort.”

Matilda scoffed and closed her eyes, thinking about all the long nights she’d put in at the office, all the hard work she’d put in mastering a job that she had technically only been doing a handful of months. If that was Caroline’s idea of being lazy, then there really was no saving them. Maybe that idol had been a mistake, maybe they really were beyond saving. 

~

Matilda adjusted the cuff of her tailored blazer for the third time that morning. She hadn’t said goodbye to Helen that morning. Hadn’t even looked back. It was so petty and she knew it, and yet, no matter how much part of her wanted to turn around and apologise, she couldn't make herself do it. 

Back when she was Matthew. These sorts of things festered, she didn't have any sort of distraction. Now she did. So Matilda coped in the only way she knew how. She made sure she looked perfect and threw herself into work. She spent the morning triple-checking quarterly audits, reformatting balance sheets, and perfecting client presentations with a meticulousness that made her known, feared, and, occasionally, admired.

At noon, her coworker Eric slid into the chair across from her desk, holding a sandwich he had no intention of eating. 

"So, you got caught necking in a cupboard, and yet, you're still the golden girl. I'm jealous." He said, without any venom. "You have to teach me your secret."

"Hard work." She replied simply.

"Yeah, but it's more than that! You still have your hot wife."

Matilda raised an eyebrow.

"You didn't know? And here I was thinking I was important enough to warrant gossip."

He gave her a sardonic smile and finally took a small bite of his sandwich. 

“When I got divorced, everyone kept saying I must’ve seen it coming.”

Matilda blinked; what was she supposed to say to that? 

"I'm sorry?"

“She said I was married to the job. I didn’t even argue.” He gave a dry chuckle. “Didn’t even notice she’d moved out until a week later.”

His tone was too light, so casual. He was overcompensating. The nonchalant act didn't quite reach his eyes. 

“That’s... awful.”

“Nah. I’m better off. Promotions don’t walk out on you, right?” He smiled, wide and hollow. “You know how it is.”

That made a bitter taste coat her tongue. Was that the air she gave off? She didn’t answer right away. Eric continued talking—something about tax season and how it kept him busy, how he didn’t miss the arguing, how solitude was “liberating.” But Matilda was no longer listening.

She stared at the screen in front of her, where numbers lined up neatly, everything in its proper column. Predictable. Controlled. Safe. But her life wasn’t a spreadsheet. It didn’t balance cleanly. She had been so focused on embracing her new role, following the compulsions and finding purpose again that she’d forgotten what this change had been for. 

She thought of Caroline, living in the shiny apartment she didn't like, eating the fancy dishes, going to the restaurants and designer shops. All for her. All to make Matilda happy. They had agreed to compromise, but slowly, Matilda had taken over. She didn't go clubbing, she was working, she didn't come home for the simple meals much any more, she was working. 

The whole point of working hard was to give them a better life. To prove that she could not only handle this high-stress life but thrive in it. Just like Caroline had, a sudden realisation crashed down over Matilda like ice water; without ever realising it, she was still competing with her wife. She’d wanted to prove she could do better at Caroline’s old position, and in doing so, she’d made all the same mistakes.

She remembered back when she was Matthew, being irritated that she worked all the time. How she used work to avoid her and their arguments. Or at least, that’s how it had felt. Now, she was doing the same thing to her. Eric’s voice floated back past her ears.

“Anyway, I’m still gunning for promotion as well.” 

“What? Even after your wife left you?”
“Well, what else can I do?” He shrugged, his smile just a little too wide. “May as well make it worth it!”

Worth it. As if a few extra numbers on a paycheque and a nice office could somehow make him less lonely. The rest of the workday passed in a blur, and when knock-off time came, Matilda could feel eyes on her as she was the first to clock off. She ignored the stares; she was on a mission.

~

Matilda returned home, a six pack of the cheapest, nastiest beer she could find in her hand and an apology on her lips. Only to be met with an empty apartment. After waiting for a minute she realised she had a way of finding her wife. Their phones; they had bought new phones together on a plan, and she knew Caroline’s details. 

One Find My Phone search later, and she was on her way to a little club downtown that looked like it was past its prime ten years ago. The neon flickered, and the music was far too loud; she could feel the bass before she even stepped out of the car and felt distinctly out of place in her Chanel heels and pencil skirt. 

She pushed open the door and was immediately hit with a wave of damp heat; people yelled over pool tables, a group of scantily clad women danced next to an ancient jukebox, and the bartender was pouring something straight from the bottle into a busty woman’s mouth while her friends cheered. Yes, this is exactly the sort of place Caroline would go to let off steam. 

Somehow, a familiar laugh floated over the din of the crowd, and Matilda saw her, beer can in hand, standing on the table, balancing a shot glass on her chin before grabbing it and downing the drink. She was dressed in a pair of shiny black shorts and a crop top; her hair was wild, and her smile wide. 

Matilda had never seen anything so beautiful.

“Hey, miss fancy pants? Care for a drink?” One of the swarthy men teased, thrusting a closed can of beer in her direction. 

Caroline’s eyes found hers, and they went wide. Matilda bit her lip and took the beer.

“Sure.”

Caroline shrieked in delight as Matilda put the car to her lips and drank. It tasted terrible, but she needed to do this. It took all her willpower to drink the whole thing and throw it across the room before climbing up on the table where Caroline embraced her.

“What’s gotten into you?” She grinned, “I love it!”

“Some sense!” Matilda yelled above the noise. “You’re right, I have been an ass, so I figured I could make it up to you by making an ass of myself here.”

“Oh, Babe, you’re so romantic.”

“Compromise, real compromise, and I figure I owe you a wild night after that charity gala.”

Matilda grinned ear to ear like Christmas had come early. 

“Three corkscrew shots!” She yelled at the bartender before turning back to Matilda and helping her down off the table. “And I hope you’re not oo attached to that outfit, it’ll be filthy by the time the night’s over.”

And it was. They danced together, drank all sorts of nasty things that burned Matilda’s throat raw and made out for fifty bucks for some guy with a lesbian fetish. It was trashy, wild and more than a little embarrassing. But she did it; actions spoke louder than words, and Caroline seemed to hear her loud and clear. 

By the time the night was done, they were too drunk to drive home, so they walked, heels in hand, barefoot across the sidewalk. The doorman at their fancy apartment block gave them the strangest look as they stumbled past, but for the first time, Matilda couldn’t bring herself to care. 

“That was so much fun!” Caroline giggled as they stepped into the elevator. “Thank you.”

“It’s the least I could do…I’m sorry for getting so caught up in work and the promotion.”

“And I’m sorry for embarrassing you at the gala.” Caroline winced, “That was taking things too far.”

“How about we agree to actually stick to that whole communication thing from now on?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Matilda leaned in and kissed her softly. The gesture was tender, and Caroline leaned into it. This was just another bump in the road, one they had gotten over together. It didn;t mean there weren’t more bumps along the road, but somehow, she knew they would get smaller, and further apart. She had faith in her and Caroline, the strong foundation had be laid, and now, they could finally work to build a future together. 

Epilogue

Matilda sighed in contentment. Leaning back on the lounge, she was sitting on the wide balcony at the front of the resort overlooking the forest lake. One woman was on her knees, rubbing her feet, while another gave her a manicure. A slight breeze ruffled her loose silk robe and made her hair blow in the breeze. It was luxury incarnate. 

“Hey, babe!”

The quiet mountain air was broken by a familiar voice. Caroline dragged herself up onto the balcony; her cut-off jean shorts and tank top were filthy, smudged with mud and branches, along with her hiking boots. 

“Have a good walk?” Matilda smiled.

“Oh yeah! It was amazing; the trail is marked for experienced hikers, and I can see why, it was practically a mud track in places!”

“Sounds awful.” 

“You’d hate it.”

They both giggled, and Caroline kicked off her boots and sighed happily. 

“I hope I am not too late for the appointment?”

“Just in time.” One of the attendants smiled politely while eyeing the mud now caked to the wooden floors. 

“We will go heat up the baths.”

With a little bow, the women excused themselves, and Carlone swiftly moved over to the same lounge as Matilda, climbing over her with a predatory smile.

“Carol, you’re going to get us in trouble.” She teased, “Not to mention you’ll get mud on my lovely robe.”

“You love it.”

She placed a gentle kiss on Matilda’s lips, but before she could pull back, Matilda wrapped her arms around her and crushed their bodies together. Caroline was right, screw the robe. 

“Are you naked under all this?” Caroline asked. “Naughty, naughty.”

“Well, I am about to take a bath.”

“Then I suppose I should strip down, too.”

Caroline leaned in for another kiss when the sound of a throat clearing made them both freeze. It was one of the attendants, red in the face and staring directly at the floor.

“The baths are ready now,” she squeaked.

“Well, ain't you a doll.” Caroline smiled, getting to her feet, “And such an innocent thing too, you’re lucky, if that makes you flustered, it’s a good thing you didn't come a few minutes later, you might have just fainted.”

The woman went even redder, and Matilda laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Caroline, you’re incorrigible.”

“If that means honest and hot to trot, then yes, I am.”

Matilda linked her fingers through her wife's and followed her inside, where two mud baths were waiting for them. It wasn’t the rose-scented water with aromatherapy candles she had been imagining, but at least it didn’t stink. Caroline stripped off without shame and the two attendants made a swift exit just before she flew into the air. 

“Cannonball!” 

Matilda couldn’t help but shriek a little as the mud splashed on her silk robe, but Caroline, already neck deep in mud, just laughed.

“Oh, don’t be such a wimp. Wow, this feels amazing! I bet our skin will be silky smooth after this.”

“Alright, there is a first time for everything…”

Caroline lay back in the bath, a wry smile on her face as Matilda let the silk robe drop.

“Now there is a view.”

Matilda gave her a wink and sank into the mud bath with a shiver. It was thick and warm, but surprisingly smooth. 

“You’re right; this does feel good.”

“Did I pick the perfect holiday, or what?”

“You did.” Matilda sighed. “And tomorrow, I will go on a walk with you, as promised.”

“Don’t worry, I picked the easiest one, just a stroll around the lake. And afterwards, we’ll go try that winery up the road, and I’ll say things like ‘mmm, fruity aftertaste with good body’.”

“You do know a few things about good body.”

Caroline snorted. 

They both relaxed in the tub, hands outstretched to brush fingers across the gap. There was nothing but the quiet sounds of nature around them, no beeping phone, no calls from the office, and Matilda hadn’t even thought about work since they arrived. It was liberating. When they finally finished their soak and washed off in the showers, she ran a finger down her arm. The mud had worked wonders; she felt soft as silk. Another hand appeared at her side, followed by warm lips on her neck. 

“You’re such a horndog, you know that, right?”

“You’re standing there, naked and damp; I’m not made of stone.”

Matilda giggled and turned to kiss Caroline slowly. 

“Think you can make it back to our room?”

Caroline sighed dramatically.

“I’ll try.”

~

Caroline felt a surge of excitement as they made their way back to the suite. Even she could appreciate how lovely the room was, but nothing could compare to the sight of Matilda in that silk robe. Especially knowing that it was all that stood between her and that supple skin. Matilda closed the door behind them with a look that could only be described as hungry.

“You’re stunning,” she murmured.

Her hands cupped Caroline’s face, her thumbs brushing away the stray strands of hair that always seemed to fall around her face. “So beautiful. My beautiful wife.”

Caroline’s cheeks flushed, her heart pounding in her chest. 

“Even covered in mud, you’re sexy.” Matilda continued. “Especially, actually. It takes a special kind of sexy to pull that off.”

Matilda’s lips pressed gently against hers, and the flame of desire inside her fanned to an inferno. Caroline melted into the embrace, her hands sliding up Matilda’s arms, feeling the sleek fabric of her dressing gown, and the warmth of her skin beneath. Normally, she took the reins, but today, something in the air was different. Matilda’s dominant businesswoman persona was in control, and she was more than happy to yield to it. 

“Let me take care of you,” Matilda whispered, her breath hot against Caroline’s ear. “Let me show you how much I love you.”

Caroline shivered, her body already humming with anticipation. Matilda smiled that slow, confident smile that made Caroline’s knees weak, and stepped back. Slowly, teasingly, Matilda undid her own dressing gown, letting the silk flutter to the ground before tugging on the cord that kept Caroline’s together. She let it fall open but didn't remove it entirely yet. Instead, she reached inside, sliding her hands over Caroline’s curves. Giving her fake breasts an almost painfully hard squeeze and giggling. 

After what felt like an age of torturous touches, she finally pushed the gown off Caroline’s shoulders. The fabric slid off, pooling at her feet, revealing the beautiful body beneath and stepping backwards so that she could finally admire her naked wife. The olive skin, the dark hair; Matilda really was stunning. 

“You like what you see?” Matilda asked, her voice low and teasing.

Caroline swallowed hard, her gaze raking over Matilda’s body. 

“Yeah,” she rasped. “Fuck, babe. You’re perfect.”

“There’s that filthy mouth I love so much.”

Matilda’s smile widened, and she stepped closer, her hands sliding down Caroline’s arms, pulling her closer. Caroline’s head fell back, a soft moan escaping her lips as Matilda began to kiss her neck. She felt her body respond, her skin flushing, her nipples tightening to diamonds. Matilda’s hands were everywhere, stroking, caressing, worshipping. She knelt before Caroline, her gaze locked on hers, her hands sliding up Caroline’s thighs.

“That mud really did wonderful work.”

Caroline’s breath hitched as Matilda’s fingers traced the curves of her hips, then the swell of her ass. She felt Matilda’s hot breath against her skin, and her body arched involuntarily, her hands tangling in Matilda’s hair. A string of swear words escaped her lips, and Matilda’s lips curved into a wicked smile.

Then her lips pressed against the inside of Caroline’s thigh, her tongue tracing a slow, deliberate path upward. Caroline’s breath caught, her hands tightening in Matilda’s hair. She felt Matilda’s breath against her core, and her hips pressed forward, seeking contact.

“Matilda,” she moaned, her voice thick with need. “Please. I need you.”

She felt Matilda smile against her skin, then pressed her lips to Caroline’s clit in a soft kiss. Caroline’s body shuddered, her legs threatening to give out. She felt Matilda’s hands slide beneath and cupping her ass, supporting her, holding her up as her lips and tongue worked their magic.

Caroline’s head fell back, her moans and swears filled the room. Matilda’s tongue was relentless, her lips soft yet firm, her fingers sliding between Caroline’s folds, teasing, stroking, driving her wild. Caroline’s body was on fire, every nerve ending screaming for more. She felt her orgasm building, and she cried out, her hands clutching at Matilda’s hair.

Then, Caroline’s body shuddered, her orgasm ripping through her like a tidal wave. She cried out, her legs trembling as her body arched. She would have been at risk of falling if Matilda hadn’t been holding her up, her tongue never stopping even as the first orgasm faded and the second one began. 

When Matilda finally showed her mercy, Caroline’s knees were wobbling all the way to the bed, where they both collapsed together. 

“That was…”

“My love,” Matilda said gently. “That’s what it was.”

Caroline hummed happily and snuggled in closer. 

“Give me a minute to bask in it a little longer, then I will return the favour.”

“Don’t rush, we have all the time in the world.”

Caroline took a deep breath in and let her eyes flutter closed. They really did. The stormy ocean that had been their marriage was finally calm and clear. There were still disagreements but never arguments. It was always them vs the problem now. Turns out, the transformation had only been the first piece of the puzzle; the rest they’d had to work out themselves. 

Caroline snuggled into her wife’s side and felt her hot skin against her own. Wetness smeared her thigh, and she giggled, and Matilda squirmed. With a wicked smile, Matilda opened her eyes and slowly slipped a finger between Matilda’s legs, capturing her lips and swallowing the moan that escaped. She planned on taking this slow; Matilda was right, they had all the time in the world.

The End