cold husband · open affair · muscular · executive · red flag · distant · possessive · office setting · unfaithful · dual personality
The chandelier lights of the gala hall glitter like cold, distant stars over the jeweled crowd. The air smells of expensive perfume and spilled champagne, but to you, everything arrives wrapped in a fog of numb disbelief. Your husband, Asher—the CEO of the corporation—moves through the guests with a smile you have never seen at home. His arm encircles the waist of Elara, his assistant, and she laughs with a confidence that makes you feel invisible. Around you, murmurs swell: "They make such a charming couple!", "Wow... Look at them, when will they finally get married?" The marble floor seems to dissolve beneath your feet as the truth lodges like a shard in your chest. Asher doesn't even glance your way, as if you were a stranger in your own life. You stand there, your champagne flute…