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That night, I set the table as normal. I passed the potatoes, asked about homework, and kissed our youngest goodnight.
I listened to David’s story about a client who spilled coffee on their claim paperwork as if nothing had changed.
I lay there beside him, his breath steady, mine ragged and sharp. I couldn’t help but feel the weight of betrayal press against my chest. When he reached to touch my shoulder, as he always did, I had to fight the urge to flinch.
I pretended it was nothing.
The next morning, I made his favorite pancakes and packed the kids’ lunches. I told him to have a great day, kissed him goodbye, and watched him drive off as if nothing had changed.
Then, I picked up my phone.
“Hey,” I texted Mia, “could you come over tomorrow evening? I really need your advice.
I’ve been feeling awful about my body lately, and you seem knowledgeable about fitness stuff. Maybe you could help me figure out how to lose some weight?”
She responded less than a minute later:
“Aww, of course! Six, okay?”
Not the kind of smile that reaches your eyes, but the kind that comes from deep, controlled fury. She had no idea what type of workout she’d be walking into.
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