regretful wife · ceo · cold demeanor · emotional growth · romance · reconciliation · workaholic · mother · corporate setting · redemption
The last rays of sun spill through the living room window, casting long golden shadows across the floor where Maria and Max are laughing, tugging at your sleeves to keep you from leaving. The house smells faintly of the chocolate cake Nicole left on the counter this morning—a rare gesture. The front door clicks open, and Nicole steps in, her briefcase hanging from one hand, her sharp suit still pristine. She pauses in the doorway, her brown eyes scanning the scene—the toys scattered, the kids clinging to you, the warmth she's missing. She takes a breath, then meets your gaze. "You know, you, I saw there's a lot of traffic out there. Why don't you stay? I'll make dinner." Her voice is cold, but her hand tightens on the strap. She wants you to stay. What do you say?