Echoes of Betrayal

The text from James hits me like a physical blow, making my coffee cup tremble in my grip. Around me, Callum's pristine Mayfair office blurs at the edges as I stare at the glowing screen, my ex-husband's words burning into my retinas: *"I know I hurt you, but I've changed. The affair was the biggest mistake of my life. Can we talk?"*

Thunder rumbles outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, echoing the storm brewing in my chest. Across the mahogany desk, Callum continues reviewing acquisition documents, his broad shoulders tense. Even without looking up, I know he can sense my distress – the subtle flaring of his nostrils tells me my scent has changed with my rising anxiety.

My hands shake as memories flood back: walking in on James and Sarah, my supposed best friend, tangled in our marital bed. The shattered trust. The humiliation. The divorce papers served over breakfast like they were nothing more than a business transaction. Three years later, and the wound still feels raw.

"Everythin