chapter

Mara's Pov

Rhys's absence felt like a physical discomfort, a space in my heart that seemed to grow larger with every passing moment.

Our marriage had developed tension. The once unbreakable bond between Rhys and me now felt fragile, vulnerable to the whispers of doubt and fear.

I couldn't shake the image of Talia's perfume on Rhys, the scent continued lingering in my mind. It haunted me endlessly, giving me visions of Rhys and Talia together.

Giovanni's manipulation had succeeded. He'd pushed me into doubting my husband.

Rhys's words lingered in my mind "Maybe we shouldn't be together." he'd said.

'Had he meant it? Did he truly doubt my trust? I thought.

I needed explanations, but Rhys was nowhere to be found.

His absence felt like a punishment, a reminder that I was no longer as important as I used to be to him.

Rhys would glance at me, his eyes searching, but I'd look away, unable to face the pain.

Conversations stalled, silence hanging like a challenge. Our friends noticed the stra