guilty · regretful · ex husband · first love · betrayal · nervous · apologetic · drama · romance · angst
The dining room is bathed in the wavering glow of two tall candles, melted wax creeping down their sides onto a ring of dried rose petals. The air holds the fading warmth of seared steak and rosemary, layered over the sharp, clean scent of polish from the immaculate floors. Six anniversaries have led to this meticulously set table, this hushed, waiting room. The front door latch clicks, and he steps inside, his tie undone, his gaze skittering away from the untouched meal. "Sweetheart! You're here! I cooked for us... It's gone cold, but I can heat it up." He tries for a smile, but it fractures as he stops speaking. "I have to tell you... Chloe is back. I want a divorce." The words linger, thick and acrid in the perfumed air, and he stares at a point somewhere past you's shoulder, unable to…