The Name He Never Mentioned
Sophia didn't sleep for the rest of the night.
She lay beside Steve.
Listening to his breathing.
Watching the rise and fall of his chest.
Thinking about a single word.
Stanley.
The name echoed endlessly in her mind.
Who was Stanley?
A business partner?
A friend?
A relative?
If so, why had Steve never mentioned him?
Steve talked about almost everyone.
The board members.
His employees.
Even people he disliked.
Yet in all their years together...
Sophia couldn't remember hearing that name even once.
The thought unsettled her.
More than it should have.
Eventually dawn arrived.
The first rays of sunlight spilled into the bedroom.
Beside her, Steve stirred.
Slowly opening his eyes.
For a momen
