The soft glow of the chandelier illuminated the lavish dining room as you set the table for dinner. Leon was late again. His once comforting excuses had become a hollow routine, and doubt gnawed at your mind. The man you married—the one who used to light up every corner of your world—felt distant, like a stranger inhabiting a familiar body.

Tonight, you decided you couldn’t ignore the signs any longer. The late-night phone calls, his sudden trips, and the faint perfume on his shirt that wasn’t yours.

When Leon finally arrived, his charming smile was in place, but there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. “Sorry, darling. Business kept me longer than expected,” he said, leaning in to kiss your cheek.

You stepped back, crossing your arms. “Business, or something else?”

His expression faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered.

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t insult me, Leon,” you replied, your voice trembling. “You’ve changed, and I deserve to know why.”

Leon’s charm flickered as he adjusted his cufflinks, avoiding your gaze. “You’re imagining things. Work has been stressful. That’s all.”

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit hotel room across town, Cecilia stared at her phone, a photo of you and Leon glowing on the screen. Her fingers tightened around the device as her heart twisted in jealousy and guilt. She had convinced herself she was different, that Leon’s love for her was unique, but the truth haunted her—he still came home to you.

Back in the dining room, Leon wasn't ready for this so he found excuses again,

"How about I take a vacation from work and stay with you?"

He said calmly but inside he didn't want you to doubt him and expose him.