AWAKENED BY BETRAYAL

The clock had just struck midnight when I dragged my suitcase through the doorway. The trip with my brother, Leo—the CEO of Sterling Empire—had drained every ounce of strength from my body. I was tired, but deep down I was just happy to finally be home. The house was dark. Too dark. I frowned. Usually, a few lights stayed on, or at least the faint hum of the television filled the silence. Tonight, there was nothing but still air. I sighed. He’s out again. That’s what I told myself, even though the thought carried a bitter taste. Richard, my husband, had a habit of disappearing into the night. I had long stopped asking where he went, some questions hurt more than their answers. Still, I went upstairs, heels clicking softly against the marble floor. Each step echoed louder than the last, like the house itself was whispering secrets I wasn’t ready to hear. When I reached our bedroom, I noticed the door was slightly open. A faint strip of light spilled into the hallway. My heartbeat quickened, part fear, part instinct. I reached for the handle. My hand trembled. And then I pushed the door wider. My breath caught in my throat. I didn’t move. I didn’t speak. The moment froze, like time itself decided to spare me a few extra seconds before everything I knew shattered.