Arec’s Reflection

Arec's POV:

I stared at the empty room, the echo of the conversation with Ella still ringing in my ears. The tension that had crackled between us felt heavy, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I had never expected to be at odds with Ella like this, the whole thing had spiraled out of control so quickly.

I shouldn't have confronted Ella the way I did.

I sank into the leather chair by the window, running a hand through my hair. My friendship with Joanne had always been solid.

We had history, years of trust and shared moments. But the more I thought about it, the more I began to wonder: had Joanne misunderstood the situation with Ella?

Why would Ella feel uncomfortable around her? It made no sense.

Our marriage was contractual. It was clear, simple. Ella and I weren't supposed to have real feelings involved, just a mutually beneficial arrangement.