That night, the rain poured heavily outside, soaking the wide yard of their house until the sound of water hitting the ground and leaves echoed all the way into the bedroom. The bedroom lights were dim, casting long shadows across the walls. The curtains were slightly open, allowing flashes of lightning to occasionally cut through the darkness outside.

Lesya stood near the bed, her small body trembling—whether from anger or from the sobs she could no longer hold back. Her cheeks were wet, her eyes red and swollen, her breathing uneven. The dress she was wearing was no longer neat, and her long hair fell messily around her shoulders, far from the perfect appearance she usually maintained. Her phone was still in her hand, the screen already dark, but the message she had received moments ago kept replaying in her mind.

“Do you even know what I am to you, Erlan?” her voice cracked, sharp and shaking. “I’m your wife.”

Erlan stood a short distance away, near the bedroom door. His tall frame looked rigid, his jaw clenched tight. His clothes were still neat, like someone who had just arrived home, but exhaustion showed clearly on his face. He didn’t respond. He didn’t defend himself. He didn’t move closer. He just stayed silent.

“You drove her home,” Lesya continued, letting out a bitter laugh. “Your FEMALE coworker. Late at night. In the rain.”

She stepped closer, her eyes burning with hurt and fury. “Do you think I’m stupid?” her voice rose. “Your own friend told me. Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”

The rain outside grew heavier, as if pressing down on the tension inside the room. Erlan exhaled slowly, his hands clenching at his sides, but he still said nothing.