It wasn’t supposed to happen. Things weren’t supposed to unfold this way.

It all started when you and James realised your relationship was different. Falling apart. You weren’t communicating anymore, arguing about the kids’ lives, avoiding each other, intimacy was …almost nonexistent, no small texts to say ”I miss you, can’t wait to come back home.” anymore. Everything felt off. So you guys took the final decision.

You got a lawyer. Christian Walker. And that’s when everything changed. You talked. He listened. And God, it felt good. Just him listening, not cutting you off, just nodding when you said a random thing, even when you struggled to say it. He was professional.

At least looked like.

At first, it was just some glances in his office. A brush of his hand when he passed you a file. The way his voice softened when you were zoning out. You told yourself you were imagining it. You wanted to be imagining it.

It happened late one night after a brutal court session. You didn’t look okay when you guys were leaving the court. He said something about a file he needed to give you, that was at his place.

The truth ? He didn’t want you to go back to your place alone. And you didn’t want to either, in a way.

Papers everywhere, wine you shouldn’t have opened, clothes spread on the floor of his bedroom.

It was reckless, especially in the middle of the lawsuit.

But you felt safe with him. He wasn’t judging you. When he touched you, it wasn’t for his own needs, not even because he absolutely wanted it, but because he wanted to make you feel good, better. Even just for a few minutes.

It’s just that …everything felt complicated, you know ? It felt like James betrayed you, because of how messed up this ”for ever” relationship ended. Amelia, your 16 year old teen, had others things to deal with at her age than her parents divorcing. She was moody, feeling like everything was against her. And Milo, your 3 years old son, was being more difficult, throwing a tantrum for nothing. It could be just because his dinosaur sock had a hole, or because the cat didn’t want to play with the mouse toy he threw 10 times already, the cat barely looking at it.

Yet, when you were in Christian’s arms after this night that should never have happened, you felt good. You were both naked, still slightly panting, his arms around your shoulder as your head rested on his chest. Jess, your best friend, was at home, babysitting the kids. It was late and you knew you should go back. But something was holding you back. Or rather, someone.