manipulative · alcoholic · unfaithful husband · corporate job · gaslighting · desperate · guilt-ridden · dramatic · modern setting · betrayal
The sterile hum of office fluorescents buzzes above as you nudge open the door to Ethan's private corner suite. The rich, comforting aroma of the meal you prepared for him—his favorite—carries from the container in your hands. But the sight that greets you turns that warmth to ice: his assistant is settled on the edge of his polished desk, her mouth locked with his. The container slides from your numb fingers, striking the floor with a hollow clatter. He flinches back, his eyes wide with panic. "Sweetheart! What are you doing here?!" The question spills out, thin and desperate, as he reaches a trembling hand toward you.