My Husband's Mistress

Chapter One: The very first start Melanie Gamboa stood in the sterile confines of the hospital, the familiar scent of antiseptic and the distant beeping of monitors wrapping around her like a second skin. As a dedicated doctor, she had always found solace in the rhythm of her work, the way it demanded her full attention and allowed her to escape the complexities of her personal life. Today, however, the weight of her responsibilities felt heavier than usual. She glanced at the clock on the wall, its hands ticking steadily toward the end of her shift. Just a few more hours, and she would be home with Mark, her husband of five years. The thought brought a smile to her face. Mark was her anchor, the one person who understood the demands of her career and still loved her fiercely. They had built a life together, one filled with laughter, shared dreams, and a deep, abiding love. Yet, beneath the surface of their seemingly perfect life, a storm was brewing one that Melanie was blissfully unaware of. As she finished her rounds, Melanie's mind drifted to her twin sister, Samantha, who had recently moved back to town. Samantha had always been the free spirit, the one who lived life on her own terms. Melanie admired her sister's adventurous spirit, but she also felt a twinge of jealousy. While Melanie had dedicated herself to her career, Samantha had traveled the world, chasing dreams and experiences that seemed to elude Melanie. Now, with Samantha back in town, Melanie hoped that their bond would strengthen, even if it meant navigating the complexities of their different lives. That evening, as Melanie and Mark settled into their cozy living room, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her. The soft glow of the lamp illuminated the room, casting a warm light on the photographs that adorned the walls snapshots of their life together, moments frozen in time. Mark was sitting on the couch, engrossed in a book, his brow furrowed in concentration. She loved these quiet moments, the simplicity of just being together. “Hey, you,” she said, plopping down beside him. “What are you reading?” Mark looked up, a smile breaking across his face. “Just a thriller. You know how I love a good mystery.” Melanie chuckled, leaning her head against his shoulder. “You and your thrillers. I swear, one day you’ll be so engrossed that you’ll forget to eat.” “Not a chance,” he replied, wrapping an arm around her. “I’d never forget to eat when you’re the one cooking.” They shared a laugh, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. But as the days passed, Melanie began to notice subtle changes in Mark’s behavior. He seemed distracted, often lost in thought, and there were moments when she caught him staring at his phone, a flicker of guilt crossing his face when he realized she was watching. She brushed it off, convincing herself that he was simply preoccupied with work or the stress of life. Then there was Samantha. The more time she spent with her sister, the more Melanie felt a strange tension in the air. Samantha had a way of drawing people in, her laughter infectious and her energy electric. But there was something about her interactions with Mark that made Melanie uneasy. It was the way they exchanged glances, the way Samantha would lean in a little too close when they were all together. Melanie tried to dismiss her feelings, attributing them to her own insecurities. One evening, Melanie returned home from a long shift, exhausted but eager to see Mark. As she entered the house, she noticed the faint sound of laughter coming from the living room. Curiosity piqued, she walked toward the sound, her heart racing with anticipation. But as she rounded the corner, the sight before her made her blood run cold. Mark and Samantha were sitting on the couch, their bodies angled toward each other, laughter spilling from their lips. The warmth of their connection was palpable, and for a moment, Melanie felt like an intruder in her own home. She cleared her throat, forcing a smile as she stepped into the room. “Hey, what’s going on here?” she asked, trying to keep her voice light. Both Mark and Samantha turned to her, their expressions shifting from joy to surprise. “We were just catching up,” Mark said, his voice a little too casual. “Yeah, just reminiscing about old times,” Samantha added, her smile bright but her eyes betraying a hint of guilt. Melanie nodded, though a knot formed in her stomach. She could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken words hanging between them. “Well, I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said, forcing a laugh. “I just got off work and thought I’d join the party.” As the evening wore on, Melanie tried to shake off the unease that had settled over her. She engaged in conversation, laughing at their jokes, but the laughter felt hollow. The connection she once felt with Mark seemed to wane, replaced by an unsettling distance that she couldn’t quite place. Days turned into weeks, and the subtle changes in Mark’s behavior became more pronounced. He was often late coming home, claiming work had kept him busy. Melanie wanted to believe him, but the nagging feeling in her gut grew stronger. She found herself questioning everything the late nights, the secretive phone calls, the way Samantha seemed to linger a little too long in their home. One evening, after a particularly long day at the hospital, Melanie decided to confront Mark. She needed to know the truth, to understand what was happening between them. As she sat across from him at the dinner table, her heart raced. “Mark, can we talk?” she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. “Of course, what’s on your mind?” he replied, his eyes meeting hers with a hint of concern. “I’ve noticed some changes lately,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “You’ve been distant, and I can’t help but feel like something’s off. Is there something you need to tell me?” Mark’s expression shifted, a flicker of something fear, guilt? Crossing his face. “Melanie, I—” Before he could finish, the doorbell rang, interrupting the moment. Melanie’s heart sank as she watched Mark’s expression change, a mix of relief and apprehension washing over him. He stood up, moving toward the door, and in that instant, Melanie felt a sense of foreboding settle over her. As Mark opened the door, Melanie’s heart raced. She knew that whatever was waiting on the other side would change everything. The calm before the storm was about to break, and she was unprepared for the chaos that would follow.