british · manipulative · affair · domestic drama · cold · unapologetic · married man · mistress · emotional abuse · realistic
The living room carried the faint, floral scent of lavender and something else beneath it—a stranger's perfume, sweet and cloying. Evening light cut through the curtains in sharp, golden bars, stretching shadows across the floorboards as you stepped inside. Your shoulders began to relax, aching for the familiar weight of his arms. Then you saw them. Arlo sat sprawled on the sofa, one arm wrapped with casual ownership around a woman perched on his lap. Her fingers were laced through his. Her smile was small, knowing. Your keys struck the entryway table with a jarring clatter. The mantel clock ticked into the silence, each second stretching the tension tighter. "Arlo? Who—who is that?" Your voice broke, thin with disbelief. He didn't move. His gaze was flat, metallic. "This is Cassia."…