Chapter 005

Elena's fingers tightened around the steering wheel as she navigated the familiar route home. The rhythmic hum of the engine did little to soothe the cacophony of thoughts clashing in her mind. The evening with Mara had been intended as a distraction, a brief respite from the storm brewing within her. Yet, as she approached the driveway of her home, the weight of her internal conflict pressed down heavier than ever.

The porch light cast a warm glow, illuminating the path to the front door. Taking a deep breath, Elena stepped out of the car, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. She paused momentarily, gathering herself before turning the key in the lock and stepping inside.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted her, mingling with the subtle scent of cedarwood from the diffuser Nathan favored. The living room was bathed in a soft, amber light, the result of Nathan's penchant for dimming the lights in the evening—a habit he claimed promoted relaxation.

Nathan sat on the plush gray sofa, his reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose as he perused the day's newspaper. At the sound of the door, he looked up, a gentle smile spreading across his face.

"Hey there," he greeted, folding the newspaper and setting it aside. "How was your evening with Mara?"

Elena forced a smile, her earlier resolve to mask her turmoil wavering under Nathan's earnest gaze. "It was good," she replied, slipping off her shoes and padding over to him. She leaned down, their lips meeting in a brief, familiar kiss that lacked the depth it once held.

Nathan's brow furrowed ever so slightly as he studied her face. "You sure everything's okay? You seem... distant."

Elena's heart clenched. How could she explain the tempest raging within her without unraveling the life they'd built together? She settled beside him, tucking her legs beneath her and resting her head on his shoulder.

"Just tired," she murmured, tracing patterns on his arm with her fingertips. "Work's been hectic, and I guess it's all catching up to me."

Nathan wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. "I get it. Just don't forget to take care of yourself, okay? We can't have you burning out on me."

She nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I won't. Promise."

They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the ticking of the wall clock the only sound filling the room. Elena's mind drifted, unbidden, to the events of the past days—the unexpected encounter with Daniel, the resurgence of emotions she thought she'd buried, and the gnawing guilt that accompanied them.

"How's Mara doing?" Nathan's voice pulled her from her reverie.

"She's good," Elena replied, grateful for the distraction. "Still head over heels for Richard. It's sweet, really."

Nathan chuckled. "Those two are like teenagers in love. It's nice to see."

Elena forced a laugh, though the comparison sent a pang through her chest. She remembered a time when she and Nathan had been like that—inseparable, consumed by passion and the thrill of new love. When had things changed? When had the fire between them dimmed to this comfortable, yet lackluster, glow?

Pushing the thoughts aside, Elena shifted, planting a kiss on Nathan's cheek. "I'm going to take a shower and head to bed. You coming?"

"In a bit," he replied, squeezing her hand. "I want to finish this article first."

She nodded, rising from the sofa and making her way to the bedroom. The familiar surroundings offered little comfort as she undressed, the cool air prickling her skin. Stepping into the ensuite bathroom, she turned on the shower, allowing the steam to envelop her.

As the hot water cascaded over her, Elena pressed her palms against the tiled wall, her head bowed. The events of the past week played on a loop in her mind—the chance meeting with Daniel, the lingering touches, the unspoken words that hung heavy between them.

Why couldn't she shake him from her thoughts? Why did the mere mention of his name send her heart into a frenzy? She had moved on, built a life with Nathan—a good man who loved her deeply. Yet, the pull toward Daniel was undeniable, a magnetic force she couldn't resist.

Frustration bubbled within her, mingling with the guilt that gnawed at her conscience. She had to let go, to sever the ties that bound her to a past that no longer served her. But how?

Emerging from the shower, Elena wrapped herself in a plush towel, wiping the condensation from the mirror to reveal her reflection. The woman staring back at her seemed a stranger—eyes shadowed with uncertainty, lips pressed into a thin line of discontent.

She dressed in comfortable pajamas, the soft fabric a stark contrast to the turmoil within. Slipping under the covers, she waited for Nathan, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

When he finally joined her, sliding into bed and wrapping an arm around her waist, Elena forced herself to relax, to sink into the warmth of his embrace. She closed her eyes, willing sleep to claim her and silence the thoughts that threatened to consume her.

But as the minutes ticked by, she remained awake, staring into the darkness, haunted by the ghost of a love she couldn't forget.

The following morning dawned gray and overcast, mirroring Elena's mood. She moved through her routine mechanically, the motions familiar yet devoid of meaning. Nathan noticed her subdued demeanor but chose not to press, offering her a reassuring smile as he left for work.

Alone in the house, Elena wandered from room to room, her thoughts a tangled mess. She paused by the bookshelf, fingers trailing over the spines of novels she had once devoured with enthusiasm. Now, they seemed like relics from another life.

Her phone buzzed, jolting her from her musings. It was a message from Mara.

"Hey, just checking in. How are you holding up?"

Elena stared at the screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. How was she holding up? She wasn't sure she knew the answer herself.

After a moment, she typed a brief response. "I'm okay. Thanks for last night."

Mara's reply was swift. "Anytime, love. Remember, I'm here if you need to talk."

Elena's chest tightened with gratitude and guilt. She appreciated Mara's concern but couldn't bring herself to divulge the full extent of her inner turmoil. Not yet.

Setting the phone aside, she resolved to distract herself. Cleaning had always been a therapeutic activity for her—a way to impose order on chaos. She started in the kitchen, scrubbing surfaces until they gleamed, then moved to the living room, fluffing cushions and dusting shelves.

As she worked, her mind wandered back to the conversation with Mara. The way her friend's eyes had sparkled when she spoke of Richard, the genuine affection in her voice—it was a stark contrast to the hollow exchanges Elena had with Nathan.

When had they stopped truly connecting? Was it gradual, a slow erosion of intimacy over time? Or had there been a specific moment when the chasm between them had formed?

Lost in thought, Elena didn't hear the doorbell at first. It was only when the sound repeated, more insistent this time, that she snapped back to reality. Wiping her hands on a dish towel before making her way to the front door.