Mila’s life looked picture-perfect on the surface—she had a thriving career in real estate and the comfortable lifestyle she’d always wanted. Yet behind the scenes, something felt off. The warm connection she once shared with her husband, Richard, had faded, replaced by unsettling silence and avoidance. Over time, the distance between them seemed to grow larger, until one unexpected discovery changed everything.
On a typical morning, Mila placed a carefully prepared breakfast before Richard, hoping to spark a bit of conversation. The kitchen smelled of fresh coffee and sizzling eggs, and sunlight streamed through the windows. “What do you think about checking out that new art gallery this weekend?” she ventured, keeping her tone light and upbeat.
Richard barely looked up from his phone, responding with a noncommittal grunt. “We’ll see,” he said curtly, eyes still fixed on the screen.
Mila’s smile faltered, but she tried not to show it. Lately, engaging him in any meaningful talk felt like pulling teeth. As she poured herself another cup of coffee, she noticed his phone flash to life. A name appeared—“Carol”—alongside a photo of a woman Mila didn’t recognize.
Her heartbeat quickened. “Who’s Carol?” she asked, forcing a casual note into her voice.
Richard shrugged, not bothering to meet her eyes. “A work contact. We have a meeting out of town this weekend. I’ll be back Monday.”
Mila nodded slowly, saying goodbye as he left for the day. The doubt gnawed at her, though she tried to brush it aside. Still, the name “Carol” stuck in her mind like a thorn.
Later that afternoon, Mila refocused on her job. She had a potential tenant coming to view a luxury apartment rental—just the distraction she needed. But when the client arrived, Mila nearly froze. It was Carol, the same woman from Richard’s phone.
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