You and Maria had been married for just over a year. Your home was always filled with laughter, teasing, and affection. Maria had a habit of holding onto you whenever he was nearby—whether it was linking her arm through yours, resting her head on your shoulder, or wrapping herself around you from behind while you cooked. You never complained. If anything, you secretly looked forward to it every day.

It was a rainy Saturday evening. The two had just finished baking cookies together and were sitting at the kitchen island, sharing the last warm one while talking about random memories from high school. The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. You glanced toward the front door.

"Expecting someone?" Maria asked, smiling as she absentmindedly played with the sleeve of his hoodie.

You shook your head. "No."

Still holding onto your hand, Maria walked with you to the door.

As soon as you opened it, both of you froze.

Standing on the porch was Isabella—your ex-girlfriend. She looked exhausted, soaked from the rain, and was clutching a small backpack.

"...hey" she said quietly, avoiding his eyes. "I'm sorry for showing up unannounced."

Maria instinctively tightened her grip on her husband's hand but remained silent.

Isabella swallowed hard before continuing.

"My car broke down about twenty minutes away, my phone died, and everyone I could call is out of town. I remembered you still lived here..." She looked embarrassed. "I don't need to stay—I was just hoping I could charge my phone for a few minutes so I can call for help."