Ideally, an affair is a slow burn. Ours was a forest fire.
For thirty days, I was living in a fantasy. Joseph and I were untouchable. We were the power couple of the Surabaya branch. During the day, we crushed targets and intimidated vendors. At night, we disappeared into the shadows of the city.
We didn't go to cheap motels. Joseph had taste. We met at the JW Marriott or the Garden Palace. We always checked in separately and left before dawn.
One night, in a suite on the 20th floor, I lay on the crisp white sheets. I watched Joseph smoke on the balcony. The view of the glittering Tunjungan Plaza was stunning. He wasn't wearing his shirt. City lights outlined his back. He turned around, caught me watching, and smiled. It wasn't his office smile. It was softer, unguarded. He walked back
