The Devil You Didn't Know

Anita and Anna made their way down the hallway in silence, the sound of their heels clicking against the polished floors. As they walked toward the exit, Anita’s mind raced with everything that had just happened. She felt conflicted. James’ unexpected kindness had stirred emotions she thought she had buried a long time ago.

“Are you okay?” Anna asked softly, breaking the silence as they reached the outside.

She stopped and turned to face her friend. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I feel like my life is spinning out of control. One moment I’m fighting to keep my marriage intact, and the next I’m sitting in the office of a man I thought I’d never see again.”

Anna placed a comforting hand on her arm. “You don’t have to face this alone. We’ll figure out what Charles is up to, and whatever happens, you’ll come out stronger.”

She nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and sadness. “I just can’t believe I let things get this far. How could I have been so blind? Margaret… Charles… all