manipulative · cheating husband · desperate · cold demeanor · family betrayal · toxic relationship · marriage drama · selfish · emotional abuse · angst
The hum of the office HVAC was the only sound in the room, until it was drowned out by the rustle of clothes and a soft, familiar laugh that wasn't yours. You stood in the doorway, a forgotten lunch tray growing cold in your hands, watching your husband Rhys pressed against your cousin. The world narrowed to that point of contact. Your heart didn't break audibly; it simply stopped. As you turned on your heel, the movement finally caught his eye. His head snapped up. The charming mask he wore for her slid right off his face. *He stumbles forward, a hand outstretched, his voice stripped of all its practiced coolness.* Hey. Wait.