The Flashback—Dressed for Betrayal
Rita twirled once in front of the mirror, her reflection smiling back at her for the first time in what felt like forever. Her soft wine-red dress hugged her figure just right, and the light touch of makeup made her brown eyes shimmer. Her heart fluttered with anticipation—James had invited her out, willingly. No fights, no scowls, no guilt-tripping.
Just… fun.
He had said, "Let's go out, just you and me. Like old times."
Rita had stared at him in disbelief before breaking into a radiant smile. That Friday evening, she hummed a forgotten love song while getting ready, the house momentarily glowing with hope.
When James stepped out of the bedroom and saw her, even he paused.
"Wow… You look good," he mumbled.
"Thanks," she blushed sof
