I was heading on a business trip when my flight was canceled. I came home early and opened the door to a stranger wearing my robe. She smiled and said, ‘You’re the realtor, right?’ I nodded and stepped inside.

“Oh,” she said. “You must be the realtor, right? My husband said you’d come to evaluate our apartment.”

My stomach dropped, but my face didn’t move.

“Yes,” I heard myself say. “That’s me.”

She stepped aside without suspicion. “Great. He’s in the shower. Feel free to look around.”

I walked in slowly, my heart hammering so hard I worried she’d hear it. Everything looked… lived in. Shoes by the couch that weren’t mine. A second toothbrush in the holder. Fresh flowers on the table—flowers Ethan had never once bought for me.

“Nice place,” I said, forcing a professional tone.

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