After scanning through the selections, they placed their orders. Reagan ordered a premium Wagyu dish, while Lara opted for seared salmon with truffle mashed potatoes. They also settled on a shared appetizer and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to complement their meal.As the waiter left, Lara relaxed into her seat, half-expecting silence to stretch between them. After all, she and Reagan were barely acquaintances. She wasn’t sure what to say to him—or if she should say anything at all.But surprisingly, Reagan was the one to break the silence first.“How was work?” he asked, casually swirling the water in his glass.Lara blinked at the unexpected question before answering, “Oh. It was… good. The kids kept me busy.”“You work at a preschool, right?”She nodded. “Yes. It’s a small private school, but I love it there.”Reagan hummed, as if considering her words carefully. “Not many people have the patience for children.”Lara smiled slightly. “They’re easier to understand than most adults
When her card was returned, they left the restaurant and stepped out onto the bustling city street. The evening air was cool, and the sound of the city filled the space around them—the distant hum of traffic, occasional laughter from people passing by, the rhythmic clicking of Lara’s heels against the pavement. Despite the silence between them, it wasn’t uncomfortable. Reagan walked at a steady pace beside her, his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed. After a few minutes, they arrived at a nearby park nestled between high-rise buildings. The lamplights cast a soft glow over the cobblestone paths, and a gentle breeze stirred the trees, rustling their leaves in a quiet symphony. Lara shivered slightly, realizing too late that she had nothing to shield her from the cool air. Before she could react, she felt something warm drape over her shoulders. Startled, she glanced down and saw a familiar black coat. She looked up at Reagan, eyes wide. “Oh. You don’t have—” “You looked c
Lara pulled into the driveway, cutting the engine as she let out a slow breath. The warm glow of the living room lights seeped through the curtains, confirming what she already suspected.Lucas was home.The happiness she had felt earlier—the lightness from her evening with Reagan—slowly dissipated, replaced by an unsettling unease. There was no reason to feel guilty. She hadn’t done anything wrong. And yet, a strange nervousness settled in her chest.Taking a steadying breath, she grabbed her bag and draped Reagan’s coat over her arm before stepping out of the car. The sound of her heels clicking against the garage floor echoed faintly as she walked toward the front door.As soon as she entered the house, she caught sight of Lucas in the living room. He was sitting on the couch, dressed comfortably in a plain white shirt and gray sweatpants, his laptop open on the coffee table in front of him. His fingers moved across the keyboard before he suddenly stopped, looking up as if sensing
The next morning, Lara slipped into her routine as if nothing had changed.She showered, dressed in comfortable clothes, and headed downstairs to the kitchen. The house was quiet—just as it always was in the mornings.She tied her hair up into a loose ponytail and got to work, preparing a simple breakfast. Pancakes, fried eggs, and freshly brewed coffee. It was almost automatic now, the way her hands moved—measuring, flipping, plating. She wasn’t even sure if Lucas would eat, but she made enough for both of them anyway.She had just set the table and was pouring coffee into two mugs when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning slightly, she saw Lucas entering the kitchen. Dressed in a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, black slacks, and a neatly knotted tie, he looked every bit the man she had married.For a fleeting moment, her gaze lingered. It was an old habit, one she hadn’t quite shaken. But just as quickly, she pulled herself back to reality.“Good
After her last class, Lara decided to stop by the mall to buy a birthday gift for Lucas’s mother.Evelyn—her mother-in-law, had always loved designer bags. Lara had seen her collection over the years—luxurious, timeless pieces, each carefully chosen. Wanting to give her something she would genuinely like, Lara spent the next hour browsing high-end boutiques, examining different styles, colors, and materials before finally settling on a white Hermès Birkin. It was a safe choice—sophisticated and understated. Something Evelyn would appreciate.Without hesitation, she took it to the counter, paid for it, and waited as the staff carefully wrapped the bag in its signature orange box. Once the transaction was complete, she took the shopping bag in hand and made her way toward the exit.But just as she turned to leave, something across the walkway caught her eye. Lara slowed her steps, her heart hammering against her ribs as she took a closer look.And then her feet stopped altogether.It’s
Lara drove home in a daze, her grip on the steering wheel weak, her mind clouded with thoughts she couldn’t silence. The pain still lingered like a fresh wound, throbbing in her chest with every breath. By the time she pulled into the driveway, exhaustion had settled deep in her bones, her face still damp from the silent tears she had shed during the drive. Her eyes were swollen, her heart heavy.That night, she made a decision.She wouldn’t run anymore. She wouldn’t stay silent.For so long, she had been avoiding the inevitable, afraid of the answers she might receive. But tonight, she was done pretending that everything was fine. She was done hoping for something that would never come.She was going to talk to Lucas.She wanted answers. A real conversation. A chance to finally lay everything out in the open.Lara sat on the couch, waiting. The ticking of the clock was the only sound that filled the empty house. Every passing minute chipped away at the last fragments of her patience.
The day passed by in a blur, and before Lara knew it, Friday had arrived.She was in the faculty room, gathering her things after her last class, when her phone buzzed with a message.Lucas: I’ll pick you up at 6.She stared at the screen for a moment, then locked her phone without responding. What was the point? He was merely informing her, not asking. There was no room for discussion.“Heading home already?” one of her co-teachers asked as she slung her bag over her shoulder.“Yeah, I have an event to go to tonight.” she said, managing a small smile. “I'll see you all on Monday. Have a good weekend.”They exchanged quick goodbyes before she made her way to the parking lot, sliding into her car and driving home.As soon as she arrived, she headed straight to her bedroom. The dress she had set aside that morning hung neatly inside her closet. She reached for it and let out a slow breath.Tonight was going to be difficult.She pushed the thought aside and slipped into the dress—a simpl
As Lara stepped outside, she made sure to lock both the main door and the gate. When she turned, she found Lucas standing beside his car, his hands in his pockets.She hesitated for a moment.Why was he just standing there?Lucas had never waited for her before. Had never once shown any concern about whether she got in the car first or not. Usually, he would already be seated inside, engine running, as if eager to be anywhere but near her.Brushing the thought aside, Lara reached for the passenger door handle. Just as her fingers curled around it, another hand landed on the handle at the same time. The unexpected contact sent an involuntary jolt through her, and for a moment, she stilled. She looked up at him, her brows knitting together in confusion.What is he doing?Lucas met her gaze, something unreadable flashing in his dark eyes before he silently withdrew his hand. It was as if he had been about to open the door for her.Lara swallowed the lump in her throat, composing herself.
Once they were away from prying eyes, she finally gathered the courage to glare up at him. “You can put me down now. No one’s watching.” she muttered. Lucas didn’t listen. Instead, he carried her all the way upstairs, straight to his room. Only then did he finally set her down on the bed. Lara immediately scooted away, putting distance between them. “Thanks. You can leave now.” Silence. For a moment, she thought he would simply walk out. But instead, his voice broke through the quiet. “Are you feeling okay?” Lara almost scoffed. Of all the things he could ask, he chose that? She lifted her gaze to him, searching his face for any trace of sincerity. But she couldn’t find it. Was this still part of his act? Did he actually care… or was he just pretending again? A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head. “Why are you asking, Lucas?” she said, voice laced with quiet pain. “It’s not like you actually care.” Lucas’ jaw tightened. He didn’t answer, but the flicker in
The party was an intimate affair, filled with close family and friends. Lara was pleasantly surprised to find her own parents there, already seated at one of the tables. She made her way toward them, settling beside her mother, while Lucas followed suit, taking the seat beside her, but they barely spoke. It was easy enough to avoid each other with so many people around, and for that, Lara was grateful.And despite the ache in her chest, she found herself enjoying the celebration. The simple gathering, the laughter, the casual conversations—it was nice.At some point, Lily dragged her away to join their cousins and friends at a separate table. The group was lively, taking turns singing karaoke and clinking their glasses together in celebration.“You’re drinking with us tonight,” Lily declared with a mischievous grin.Lara hesitated. “I don’t think—”“Please, Ate Lara. Just one drink!”Lara had really no intention of drinking, but after much persuasion from Lily and the others, she fina
As Lara stepped outside, she made sure to lock both the main door and the gate. When she turned, she found Lucas standing beside his car, his hands in his pockets.She hesitated for a moment.Why was he just standing there?Lucas had never waited for her before. Had never once shown any concern about whether she got in the car first or not. Usually, he would already be seated inside, engine running, as if eager to be anywhere but near her.Brushing the thought aside, Lara reached for the passenger door handle. Just as her fingers curled around it, another hand landed on the handle at the same time. The unexpected contact sent an involuntary jolt through her, and for a moment, she stilled. She looked up at him, her brows knitting together in confusion.What is he doing?Lucas met her gaze, something unreadable flashing in his dark eyes before he silently withdrew his hand. It was as if he had been about to open the door for her.Lara swallowed the lump in her throat, composing herself.
The day passed by in a blur, and before Lara knew it, Friday had arrived.She was in the faculty room, gathering her things after her last class, when her phone buzzed with a message.Lucas: I’ll pick you up at 6.She stared at the screen for a moment, then locked her phone without responding. What was the point? He was merely informing her, not asking. There was no room for discussion.“Heading home already?” one of her co-teachers asked as she slung her bag over her shoulder.“Yeah, I have an event to go to tonight.” she said, managing a small smile. “I'll see you all on Monday. Have a good weekend.”They exchanged quick goodbyes before she made her way to the parking lot, sliding into her car and driving home.As soon as she arrived, she headed straight to her bedroom. The dress she had set aside that morning hung neatly inside her closet. She reached for it and let out a slow breath.Tonight was going to be difficult.She pushed the thought aside and slipped into the dress—a simpl
Lara drove home in a daze, her grip on the steering wheel weak, her mind clouded with thoughts she couldn’t silence. The pain still lingered like a fresh wound, throbbing in her chest with every breath. By the time she pulled into the driveway, exhaustion had settled deep in her bones, her face still damp from the silent tears she had shed during the drive. Her eyes were swollen, her heart heavy.That night, she made a decision.She wouldn’t run anymore. She wouldn’t stay silent.For so long, she had been avoiding the inevitable, afraid of the answers she might receive. But tonight, she was done pretending that everything was fine. She was done hoping for something that would never come.She was going to talk to Lucas.She wanted answers. A real conversation. A chance to finally lay everything out in the open.Lara sat on the couch, waiting. The ticking of the clock was the only sound that filled the empty house. Every passing minute chipped away at the last fragments of her patience.
After her last class, Lara decided to stop by the mall to buy a birthday gift for Lucas’s mother.Evelyn—her mother-in-law, had always loved designer bags. Lara had seen her collection over the years—luxurious, timeless pieces, each carefully chosen. Wanting to give her something she would genuinely like, Lara spent the next hour browsing high-end boutiques, examining different styles, colors, and materials before finally settling on a white Hermès Birkin. It was a safe choice—sophisticated and understated. Something Evelyn would appreciate.Without hesitation, she took it to the counter, paid for it, and waited as the staff carefully wrapped the bag in its signature orange box. Once the transaction was complete, she took the shopping bag in hand and made her way toward the exit.But just as she turned to leave, something across the walkway caught her eye. Lara slowed her steps, her heart hammering against her ribs as she took a closer look.And then her feet stopped altogether.It’s
The next morning, Lara slipped into her routine as if nothing had changed.She showered, dressed in comfortable clothes, and headed downstairs to the kitchen. The house was quiet—just as it always was in the mornings.She tied her hair up into a loose ponytail and got to work, preparing a simple breakfast. Pancakes, fried eggs, and freshly brewed coffee. It was almost automatic now, the way her hands moved—measuring, flipping, plating. She wasn’t even sure if Lucas would eat, but she made enough for both of them anyway.She had just set the table and was pouring coffee into two mugs when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning slightly, she saw Lucas entering the kitchen. Dressed in a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, black slacks, and a neatly knotted tie, he looked every bit the man she had married.For a fleeting moment, her gaze lingered. It was an old habit, one she hadn’t quite shaken. But just as quickly, she pulled herself back to reality.“Good
Lara pulled into the driveway, cutting the engine as she let out a slow breath. The warm glow of the living room lights seeped through the curtains, confirming what she already suspected.Lucas was home.The happiness she had felt earlier—the lightness from her evening with Reagan—slowly dissipated, replaced by an unsettling unease. There was no reason to feel guilty. She hadn’t done anything wrong. And yet, a strange nervousness settled in her chest.Taking a steadying breath, she grabbed her bag and draped Reagan’s coat over her arm before stepping out of the car. The sound of her heels clicking against the garage floor echoed faintly as she walked toward the front door.As soon as she entered the house, she caught sight of Lucas in the living room. He was sitting on the couch, dressed comfortably in a plain white shirt and gray sweatpants, his laptop open on the coffee table in front of him. His fingers moved across the keyboard before he suddenly stopped, looking up as if sensing
When her card was returned, they left the restaurant and stepped out onto the bustling city street. The evening air was cool, and the sound of the city filled the space around them—the distant hum of traffic, occasional laughter from people passing by, the rhythmic clicking of Lara’s heels against the pavement. Despite the silence between them, it wasn’t uncomfortable. Reagan walked at a steady pace beside her, his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed. After a few minutes, they arrived at a nearby park nestled between high-rise buildings. The lamplights cast a soft glow over the cobblestone paths, and a gentle breeze stirred the trees, rustling their leaves in a quiet symphony. Lara shivered slightly, realizing too late that she had nothing to shield her from the cool air. Before she could react, she felt something warm drape over her shoulders. Startled, she glanced down and saw a familiar black coat. She looked up at Reagan, eyes wide. “Oh. You don’t have—” “You looked c