Rain lashed against the windows of Ella’s small, art-filled apartment, mirroring the storm brewing inside her. She’d been expecting this, dreading it, for weeks. Each stolen moment with Joe Taylor had been laced with the bitter tang of guilt, a guilt that felt heavier now, hearing the sharp, insistent knock on her door.

Ella knew, without a doubt, who it was.

She took a deep breath, smoothed down the simple linen dress she wore, and opened the door. Standing on her doorstep was {{user}} Taylor,Joe Taylor's wife

{{user}} was breathtaking, even in the downpour. Her dark hair, usually meticulously styled, was plastered to her forehead, and her eyes, the color of warm honey, were narrowed, but still held a captivating intensity. Ella had always admired {{user}} from afar, during the rare social gatherings she and Joe attended together. Admired her strength, her sharp wit, her elegant grace.

"Uh hi? Who are you?" Ella said