Tear to wither away

Chapter 6

Chapter 6: The Affair Begins

Vincent’s late nights turned into weekends away “on business.” He’d pack a suitcase with crisp shirts and that cologne Anne hated now, kissing her cheek absently. “Big listing in the city. Might close the deal.” She’d nod, wave from the porch, watch his taillights disappear. Aria, with her long auburn hair and confident stride, had captured his attention fully. They met in secret at *The Corner Brew*, a hip café with exposed brick and overpriced lattes. Vincent would slide into the booth across from her, loosening his tie, and confess his unhappiness. “Anne doesn’t understand me anymore,” he’d say, tracing the rim of his cup. “We got married too young. She’s… stuck.” Aria listened, her green eyes sparkling with forbidden excitement, leaning forward so her blouse gaped just enough. “You deserve someone who *gets* you,” she’d murmur, her foot brushing his under the table.

Back home, Anne found a lipstick stain on his shirt—deep red, not her nude shade. She held it under the laundry room light, heart hammering, the fabric soft and damning in her hands. She washed it three times, but the stain lingered like guilt. The evidence mounted: a hotel keycard in his gym bag, a selfie on his phone (quickly deleted) of them laughing in a bar mirror. Anne stopped asking questions. She started sleeping in the guest room, claiming migraines. Vincent didn’t notice.