SWEET VENGEANCE

ategist-reading between the lines, spotting patterns others ignored. But when it came to Mark, sh

swirling slowly as she sat alone on the patio of their sleek, modern home. The scent of lavender floated in from the garden,

PM. Another work dinner?

pontaneous weekend getaways and breakfast in bed, had morphed into a dull routine of silence, ex

are yo

w weeks-quiet sobs into her pillow, mascara stains on their ivo

second message from her

s with some girl. Younger. Curly brown hair. They looked.

e. She didn't respon

logged in. One click, and she accessed his synced calendar and emails. He hadn't bother

for last

d to next weeke

me feel al

reservations.

ained composed. Her eyes scanned messa

r once at a gala-clingy smile, low neckline

eds of pictures. Glossy filters. Carefree laughs. In one photo, Vanessa spotted the

wa

, but she said nothing aloud. The weight of the betrayal settled over her like a heavy co

, so wo

still neat, impeccable, just like him. Navy suits, polished sh

a bottle of moisturizer, staring at her reflection

been having some late night c

ep, her body curled away from him beneath the sheets. She felt the bed dip as h

goodnight. He didn'

urned and f

e darkness, her mind already bui

er cheek before rushing off to

f," she said, eyes locking w

augh and hurrie

the engine fade down

n the house w

nd loosely wrapped around a steaming mug. The coffee was bitter, just like the taste

ighbor jog by with her golden retriever,

that used to be her-ligh

pajamas and a spotless kitchen that felt like a

till circled in gold ink from last month. Mark had forgotten it. He

had started

eyes. She was the creative, idealistic marketing intern who believed in passion and f

, shared playlists, little notes on her windsh

plosive; it was stea

hat's what

and warm September sun. Her vows spoke of loyalty, laughter, and g

he was all of

nced in the kitchen. Watched documentaries on Sunday nights. Took

nvestment goals. A lake house idea they never quite

t had be

pped complimenting her. Conversations turned int

the emotional. He started traveling more. Kept his phone

internal

lingerie she never got to wear. Read articles on "keeping your

r confronted

r feared losing him more

of curated furniture, expensive rugs, and empty laughter

eating. It was realizing how l

to write-not like a woman mourn

e. And somewhere along the way, you let

the boo

No screaming matches or suitcases thrown

othes. She wouldn't post

g had change

didn't break h