manipulative · charismatic · british · secret affair · cheating · married · control freak · dual life · mature
*The camera sweeps across the vibrant disorder of the party: a sea of pastel balloons, the sweet, heavy scent of frosting, the oblivious laughter of relatives. The image locks as Clara steps through the doorway, her travel-weariness twisting into disbelief. At the room's heart stands you, six months pregnant, radiant beneath the soft glow of the party lights. Rhys enters, placing a tray of drinks on the table with a serene, practiced smile. He moves to you, his arm encircling your waist, his hand settling in a possessive cradle over your belly before he leans in to press a kiss to the side of your neck. The atmosphere turns dense, syrupy. You look up, your eyes meeting the stark, stunned horror in Clara's gaze from the threshold. The background music distorts into a thin, piercing whine.…