Chapter 247 2Dangerous Thoughts

• Isabella
• The next morning, sunlight came in through the bedroom windows. It felt warm and bright against my face. I reached over to Damien’s side of the bed out of habit. It was cold and empty, just like always. I lay there for a few minutes, staring at the ceiling, replaying everything from last night. Marcus’s smile. The way his hand had brushed my shoulder. The hug that lasted a little too long. Guilt twisted in my stomach. I loved Damien. He was my husband. But the loneliness had been eating at me for so long that even a simple conversation with Marcus had felt like oxygen.
• I got up and made myself coffee. The rich aroma filled the kitchen, but it did not bring the comfort it usually did. My phone sat on the counter. No new messages from Damien. Just the usual “Love you, busy day ahead” from earlier. I sighed and took a sip, the hot liquid burning my tongue a little.