Sophia's eyes followed Ethan as he left the dinner table, her mind numb. She'd grown accustomed to his indifference, but tonight felt different. Tonight, she felt like she was drowning.
As she cleared the table, Sophia's thoughts drifted to her childhood. She'd always been the obedient daughter, never questioning her parents' wishes. When they'd arranged her marriage to Ethan, she'd complied, hoping for a loving partnership.
But love had never been part of their equation.
Sophia's hands trembled as she loaded the dishwasher. She couldn't shake the feeling that Ethan was hiding something. His late nights, the whispered phone calls, the way he'd glance at his phone with a mixture of guilt and desire...
A shiver ran down her spine. Was he cheating on her?
The possibility wasn't new, but the pain still felt fresh. Sophia had tried to convince herself that she didn't care, that their marriage was just a business arrangement. But deep down, she yearned for connection, for love.
As she finished cleaning up, Sophia noticed a piece of paper on the counter. Ethan's phone bill. Her heart racing, she scanned the list of numbers. One name stood out: Rachel Lee.
Sophia's vision blurred. Rachel Lee. The name echoed in her mind like a curse.
With trembling hands, Sophia dialed the number.
"Hello?" a sultry voice answered.
Sophia's world crumbled.
"Who is this?" Rachel asked, her tone cautious.
Sophia hung up, her heart shattered.