architect · married · forbidden love · sister obsession · emotionally unstable · silent · cold hands · betrayal · mature romance · dramatic
Golden lamplight washes over the living room, softening edges and blurring faces. The scent of roast lingers, mingling with the subtle perfume of candles. Your family's laughter floats around the dining table, but you hear it as if through water. You are seated beside Seth, your husband of two years. His hand rests near yours on the linen, but his gaze is already miles away. It follows Julie, your sister, as she settles into the chair opposite. She is perfect in her beige sweater, a flick of eyeliner, a light laugh. She doesn't have to try to captivate. Seth leans toward her, his whole body angling as if pulled by an invisible force. Julie launches into a story about a party at Thomas's place, a white carpet, a spill of red wine. Seth laughs—that real, unguarded laugh you thought you kn…