I Put The Cheating Wife In Her Place And Showed Her Who I Am

Thanks for being here. Subscribe to cheating stories best so you don't miss new stories. She sighed. Okay, but I think you're overreacting. Maybe I am, I said. We'll see. Bye, darling. Can I call you later? Maybe on Skype. Of course. I didn't return home until the end of the month. In the meantime, things gradually calmed down. We started chatting again over Skype and even brought back some light-hearted flirting and playful moments that had been missing. When I finally got home, it was incredible. Rose ran into my arms and we kissed deeply. "God, I'm so glad

you're back, honey." She whispered. I smiled. "It's good to be home. I missed you so much." We skipped dinner and went straight to the bedroom. Later that night, sometime after 11:00, she said, "Now I'm actually starving." We headed to the kitchen and made some toast with cheese. As the bread toasted in the oven, Rose turned to me. What did you mean when you said we might need to reconsider our relationship? Realizing it might not be the perfect time, I hesitated, then said quietly, "I just think we need to talk seriously about what we both want

from our marriage. I really hope we're still on the same page. My wishes haven't changed, Eddie." She said, "I love you. I still want the same thing we always wanted. I've always dreamed of a home, children, so we could be a real family," she said. traveling together, showing our kids the wonders of the world. Smiling softly, I whispered, "That's exactly what I want, too. I love you, but I'm struggling to understand how that fits with your desire to be intimate with other men, Eddie. It's not about me being with other men," she said gently. "This

is about us. It's meant to be something we share together as a couple, but I don't want that," I said. "And you do. That's the difference between us. Can you really be happy living like an ordinary couple?" because I can't accept anything else. She took the toast out of the oven and we sat down at the table. I pulled a couple of beers from the fridge and we began to eat in silence for a few moments. While we were eating, she admitted, "I was upset that night. It felt like you were really enjoying yourself with

Tony and Clare. I saw you dancing with her. You liked it. And then suddenly you got upset and distant and we just left. You say you don't want that kind of life," she added. But you haven't even tried. Finishing my beer, I replied more sharply than I meant to. Rose, I tried to explain it to you. I wasn't upset because of Claire. I was angry because of how Tony was acting toward you. I felt jealous, protective. I was afraid I'd lose control and do something I'd regret. I can't live like that. I won't. We finished

our meal and went back to bed. She curled up next to me, her head resting gently on my shoulder. What if it happened somewhere else? she asked quietly in another room. If you hadn't seen it, would it feel different? I don't know, I said. Honestly. I don't think so. Just the thought of it hurts. I'm scared that if it ever really happened, the jealousy would completely consume me. That I'd have to walk away. What do you mean? She whispered, her voice trembling. I mean, that night I was ready to pack my things and go home,

to leave everything behind, even the car. You would give up our marriage over this? She asked, stunned. Frustrated by what felt like a lack of understanding? I replied, "That's exactly what I'm trying to say. You're calling this just an experience or just fun with friends, but it's not. To me, it's serious. It would be breaking the vows we made to each other. But it wouldn't be betrayal," she said softly. "We'd both be in it together. It wouldn't just be me. It would include you, too." "No, it would only be you," I said. "Because I'm not

interested in that kind of relationship." She looked down. But that night, it didn't seem that way. It was the alcohol, I said. I'm sorry I let myself get carried away. I shouldn't have danced with her like that. It won't happen again. She frowned, clearly frustrated. But I want it to happen again. I sighed deeply as she gently kissed my shoulder. That's the problem, I murmured. We want different things, I said firmly. If you ever sleep with someone else, no matter who it is, I will leave and never come back. She frowned. And then what? What

if we just agree that it was a one-time thing and move on? Continue living our life together happily. No, I replied. If it happens, I will leave. That's how I see it. When she didn't respond, I added gently. The choice is yours, Rose. I love you. I want to spend my life with you just like we always planned. But I won't accept betrayal. She opened her mouth to speak, but I softly pressed my fingers to her lips and said, "Don't say anything yet. Just decide. Choose what you want. Me or that other life full of

risky encounters and late night adventures. There was no hesitation. No question, she said. I choose you underscore_. The next day, we were cleaning the apartment when there was a knock at the door. It opened and Clare called out cheerfully. "Hey, sweetheart, are you ready?" Rose muttered under her breath. "Oh no." She looked at me with a touch of guilt in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I completely forgot. We had plans to go shopping." Clare walked in, hugged Rose, and kissed her on the cheek. She gave me a warm smile, and said, "So, the traveler has returned."

"How was your business trip?" "Busy," I replied with a sigh. She frowned sympathetically. "Oh, poor thing. Then it's a good thing I'm taking your beautiful wife away for a bit of retail therapy, right? She turned to Rose and smiled. Come on, let's go have a little fun. Thank you, darling. Rose said to me, "Could you make Clare a cup of tea while I get changed?" "Of course," I nodded, heading to the kitchen to boil the kettle. As I set out the cups, I asked, "How have you been, Clare?" She paused for a moment and gave

me a searching look. Am I interrupting anything important? Not at all, I assured her. We were just doing some cleaning. Rose must have forgotten about your plans. Oh, good, she said with a laugh. I was worried I was getting in the way. Tony's away at a conference and Rose offered to join me today. Just a relaxing day out. Nothing serious. They left the apartment together, laughing and chatting as they climbed into Clare's sleek Mercedes. I watched them go, then thought to myself, "Forget cleaning," and collapsed onto the couch. They returned late, their arms full of

shopping bags, clearly having had a great time. I tried to ignore the commotion, but the noise of their arrival was too much. Rose came up to me, gently shook my shoulder, and said playfully, "Wake up, sleepy head. Where have you two been?" I asked, "It's already past 6." Through her laughter, she said, "Sorry, honey." We got carried away. It was such a fun day. Sitting up, I asked, "So, what's for dinner?" She winced. Sorry, we ate while we were in town, Rose said. We tried calling to see if you wanted to join us, but you

didn't answer. I stood up, stretched, and walked into the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, I stared inside for a moment. Nothing looked good. With frustration, I slammed the door shut. I think I'll go to the pub and get something to eat, I said flatly. If you leave now, you'll miss our fashion show, she said, a disappointed look in her eyes. I'm hungry. I guess that means I'm out of luck, huh? I grabbed my jacket and walked toward the door. Rose reached out and gently took my hand. Darling, please don't go. We had something special we wanted

to show you. Show me tomorrow. Right now, I need food. Eddie, we really wanted to surprise you. Clare has something amazing she wants to show you. You won't regret it, she said, her smile forced and her face clearly tints. If it was really that important, you wouldn't have spent the whole day out and had dinner without me, I replied, unable to hide my frustration. We could have spent this day together. Without another word, I opened the door and left, slamming it behind me. I was genuinely upset. I had driven all the way back from Scotland,

and she couldn't even adjust her plans to spend time with me. I ended up meeting some old friends at a local pub. We had a few beers, grabbed something to eat, and watched a bit of football. By the time I returned home, it was late. I was still angry, and the alcohol had only made it worse. Thankfully, Clare's car was gone. Inside, Rose was curled up on the couch watching TV. When she saw me, her expression quickly changed to anger. Where have you been? Do you even know what time it is? I glanced at my

watch and gave a dry smile. I've been out for less time than you were. You were gone all day, remember? So, don't act surprised. She looked like she wanted to say something, but stopped herself. As I hung up my jacket, she whispered quietly. "I'm sorry. It was thoughtless. We didn't mean to hurt you. We didn't mean to stay out that long. We just got a little carried away," Rose said. "Yes, me, too," I replied sharply. She gently patted the sofa next to her. "We were planning something special for you." Clare bought this beautiful night gown

and matching lingerie. "Honestly, it's stunning." I frowned. "And why do you think I'd be interested in that? Let her show it to her husband or someone from those parties she attends. Don't be like that, sweetheart. You would have loved it. I even got something, too. I could have done a little show for you. You can show me in bed when we go to sleep, I said coldly. She leaned back on the sofa, clearly exhausted. I'm sorry for staying out so late. Yeah, I muttered, but I had heard the apology. We held on to each other,

and gradually our argument faded into a long, tender kiss. That kiss led to more intimacy, and although we eventually made it to bed, it was too late for anything else. We simply held each other tightly and fell asleep. underscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore next morning greeted me with the smell of bacon as I wiped the sleep from my eyes I saw breakfast already waiting for me rose smiled softly. "I didn't want to wake you.

You've been working so hard. You really need to slow down." "Not long now," I said. "The project's almost done." As I enjoyed the bacon and eggs, she asked gently. "Any news about the new job?" I shook my head. "Nothing yet." I've started sending out resumes. "I've been thinking too. Are there any leads?" she asked. She shook her head, but I noticed the way her eyes glanced away. "What is it?" I asked cautiously. She took a deep breath. I mentioned your situation to Tony. He said, "Carter, do you remember him from that party? He owns an

engineering company." Tony thinks it's worth giving him a call. He even said you can use his name as a reference. I laughed bitterly. Tony, huh? When did you talk to him? Rose hesitated. We had lunch the other day. Just the two of us. I happened to mention that you were starting to look for a new job. She paused, clearly waiting for my reaction. I continued eating in silence. Eventually, she broke the tension. "Well, what do you think? Will you call him?" "No, thank you. I'll find something on my own." "Come on, honey," she said gently.

"This is a great opportunity. Tony and Carter are old friends. It's a solid lead, one that could let you work from home and not be away so much." "I said I'll find something on my own. I'd rather go hungry than take a job from a man who clearly has an interest in my wife." "Eddie," she said, shocked. That's ridiculous. This has nothing to do with that party. Oh, yeah. If you had drawn Carter's keys from that ridiculous vase, would you have gone through with it? Darling, this is ridiculous. Nothing even happened. Just answer the question,

I said firmly. You wanted us to take part in those parties. I remember how you tried to pull the keys out of my hands so you could throw them into that vase. So, tell me, if you had taken Carter's keys, would you have slept with him? She shrugged, trying to appear casual. Yes, probably. I nodded and finished my breakfast. And you still want to go to these parties, right? You said so yourself. With a frustrated sigh, she muttered. Yes. So, what's next? At the next party, would you sleep with my boss, too? Oh, come on,

Eddie. Nothing happened. You even said you didn't want to be involved in that. Don't throw away a good opportunity over something that didn't even happen. How often do you have lunch with Tony? She frowned. What? Don't start making things up. We had lunch so I could give him a quick summary of your job situation. We're just friends, you know that. Sure, I said, but don't forget he still wants to sleep with you. She sighed in frustration. You're really starting to get on my nerves. Yes, yes, I said quietly. As you wish. for unerscore unerscore underscore

I took care of the housework, did the laundry, and even suggested we go to the pub for lunch before I left. The next week between us was tense and distant. I couldn't get the images of Clare out of my head. Every day, I blamed myself more and more. Eddie, you're a fool. I kept telling myself, "She's right. You could have been with Claire. Why not imagine it?" underscore_. By the end of the week, I had received two job offers, one in Wales, the other in Southampton. The Welsh offer seemed the best. project manager for a

demolition site at an old parking lot. It even included housing, which would help us save more for the home we'd both been dreaming of. We'd been saving for months, and this could push us closer to our goal. I sent a reply asking about a possible salary increase, hoping for a bit more. Now came the hard part, telling Rose, she had always insisted that I find a job closer to home, but there simply weren't any local opportunities that paid enough. That evening, I had a couple of pints of beer to steady my nerves, then gave her

a call. Our conversations that week had been short and distant. "Hi, Eddie," she answered. "Rose, we need to talk. Do you have a minute?" "Yes, sure. What's going on? I got a job offer." She hesitated. "Yeah, and where is it?" "Cardiff." "Oh, no. Please tell me you're joking." "I'm sorry, love. I'm not. I'll take a twoe break after this project, then head there to start." There was silence on the other end of the line. Then she asked, "Have you signed anything yet?" "No, not yet. I'm still negotiating for better terms. Can you wait? Just delay

it for a week. Give me a chance to find something for you here." Rose, I've already looked. There are openings, but they pay next to nothing. Just give me a chance, love. All I ask is a week. Reluctantly, I side. Okay. Okay. But if they tell me it's now or never, I'm signing. Just give me a little time, please. All right, fine. How are things going with home care? I'm really busy, she said. I've got some major contracts going on. Since I made a deal with Tony, I've signed several more large ones. I can't even

believe it. Well done, I said. That's incredible. You're doing amazing. And how about you, love? You're still finishing up on Friday, right? Yes. I'll be home right on schedule. underscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore over the next few days called me constantly with questions and updates about jobs and potential opportunities it was clear that she was putting in a lot of effort. Meanwhile, I kept getting emails from employers in Wales who were growing anxious about my lack of commitment.

They sent an improved offer with a higher salary, and it was becoming more and more tempting. I started getting nervous, afraid I might miss out on a great opportunity. I called Rose. Sweetheart, I just received a very generous offer from Wales. I think I'm going to take it. It's too good to turn down. You promised me a week, she said sternly. Don't give up now. I've got a few leads and I'm waiting for a response from one of them any minute. What about the salary? It's better than the one in Wales. Plus, they're offering a

signing bonus if you accept. All right, I said. Send it to me as soon as possible. When she didn't respond, I asked, "Who is the offer from Thompson? What kind of position is it?" "Project manager," she replied. "It's for the decommissioning of an old pumping station. You'd be in charge of dismantling the equipment, arranging for its sale, and overseeing the demolition of the buildings afterward. The contract is for 24 months with the possibility of an extension if both sides are satisfied. Thompson, can you give me the details so I can look them up and learn

more about the company? I can't yet. It's confidential. Don't be ridiculous. I'm your husband. You still need to send it to me so I can sign it. I'm sorry, love, but I can't disclose the details of the contract until some formalities are completed. Frustrated, I snapped. They're from Birmingham, aren't they? Yes, my love. I ended the call without another word. I was upset, frustrated, and annoyed that she was trying to control the direction of my career. I immediately opened Google and began searching for asset management and dismantling companies named Thompson and Birmingham. A few results

came up, but none of them seemed large enough to be managing such a major project. Then I searched for information on the pumping station and came across a public infrastructure project. It was substantial, clearly an important job. I even found the Tinder documents on the city council's website. But none of the companies listed were affiliated with anyone named Thompson. She had lied to me. But why? That was the question that kept repeating in my mind. I waited for her to call later that evening. When she finally did, she sounded cheerful and optimistic. "Hi, love. Good

news. They promised to send the contract tomorrow morning. I should be able to send it to you by 10:00." "Who exactly is they?" I asked. There was a noticeable pause. I looked into it. I continued. There's no mention of any company named Thompson in the council's documents. According to the information I found, only two companies are currently bidding for the project. Yes, I know, she said, her voice a bit quieter. The council will announce the winner tomorrow. The company I've been speaking with is very confident they'll be awarded the contract, but they're waiting for official

confirmation. That's why I couldn't name them. Then why lie to me? I asked. I'm under a non-disclosure agreement. I really couldn't share the details. But why not just tell me that instead of making something up? Because I was afraid you'd react badly before I had something concrete to show you. So lying to me felt like the easier option than just having an honest conversation. I know it was wrong, she admitted. I just needed time. These negotiations are really delicate. Please just trust me. You're asking for my trust, but then you lied to me and think

that's acceptable. No, it's not. I understand that now. It wasn't right to lie, but I couldn't share the real information yet. And I panicked. Rose, this whole thing makes me uncomfortable. Has it really become so easy for you to lie? What else are you not being honest about? Nothing. Love, I know this was wrong, and I'm truly sorry. Tomorrow, you'll receive the contract and see for yourself what an incredible opportunity this is. All I'm asking is to know a bit more about the company. I won't sign anything until I know exactly who I'm entering into

an agreement with. If you can't give me something concrete, I'll accept the offer from the Welsh company. Oh, please don't be so stubborn. Everything will be ready tomorrow. I really can't talk right now. Clare will be home soon and we're going out to dinner. I promise everything will be in place tomorrow. She hung up, leaving my frustrated words floating in silence. I sighed and sat back down at my computer. The two companies bidding for the project were Patterson and another called Triac Engineering. Both had professional websites and I was able to learn a bit more

about them. Patterson looked reliable with several recent projects and strong reviews. I was impressed by their portfolio and hoped they were the ones Rose was working with. Then I visited Triac's website. It was very well-designed and their project history looked even more impressive. They had clearly handled major contracts and their offices and production facilities appeared top tier. Now, I was hoping Triac was the company she met. Just as I was about to close the page, I saw a photo of the CEO and suddenly I understood why he seemed so familiar. I looked deeper and found

a list of executives. One name stood out. Carter Jones. I recognized him. He was Tony's friend from that party. That's why Rose didn't want to tell me the company name. She knew I'd put the pieces together. Frustrated and confused, I went for a walk to clear my mind. What was I supposed to do now? The idea of working from home appealed to me. Not just because I wanted to spend more time with Rose, but also because I was tired of living in cheap rooms, constantly traveling, and spending too much time away from the life I

actually wanted. But her dishonesty, her attempts at manipulation, they unsettled me deeply. I didn't know how to handle it. The next day arrived. I didn't call her. I waited for her to reach out. Eventually, she did. Hi, sweetheart. I sent you the contract. Check your email. Everything you need is there. I'm so happy that soon you'll be working from home. I smiled slightly. You sound pretty confident. What's the name of the company? There was a pause. The company is called Triac. They're major players, sweetheart. I mean, these guys are really established. Just read the contract.

The conditions are excellent. Triacs, huh? That's interesting. I'm surprised I hadn't heard of them before. Who's their CEO? Her voice faltered. I'm not sure. I've only been in contact with the project coordinator and HR. Please just read the contract. We don't have a lot of time. I paused, then said, "Now that I know who I'm dealing with. I'll do some research. I need to be sure who I'm entering into business with. I don't work for just anyone." She started reading off a list of their completed projects. I could tell she had pulled up their website.

"That's all great," I said, "but I need more than that. I need to understand who they are and what their long-term goals are. I need real details." She sounded frustrated now. Eddie, trust me. The salary is 35% higher than what you're earning now. It's a 2-year contract with an option to extend. This means we'll be together again, living under the same roof, sleeping in the same bed every night. Yes, I like that part. I'll do my research and get back to you tomorrow. Tomorrow? She exclaimed. They want you to start right away. If we delay,

we might lose the opportunity. Then ask them to increase the offer by another 10%. You must be joking, Eddie. It's already a great offer, much better than your current one. Yes, but it's still less than what the Welsh company is offering. I've already negotiated improved terms with them. I heard her mumble something under her breath. Before she could respond, I said calmly but firmly, "Remember, you work for me, not for them. I want better terms. If they can't offer more, I have another option. And by the way, a performance bonus for meeting KPIs wouldn't hurt

either." Before she could argue, I ended the call. I sat quietly, thinking it all over. I had already renegotiated both contracts. The Welsh offer included a higher base salary, free accommodation, and bonus incentives based on performance. The only downside was the long separation from home. I left Rose to reflect on everything while I finished up some work. Later that afternoon, an email from Rose landed in my inbox. It included a revised contract with an increased salary, now 30% of it tied to key performance indicators, KPIs. Half an hour later, she called again. Did you receive

the new contract? Yes, I'm reading it now. Well, what do you think? It's not bad, but the base rate hasn't changed. They've just shifted more of the pay to depend on results. I'm still researching the company. Luckily, I know a few engineers there, and I'm waiting to hear back from them. And yes, I'm certain I've met the CEO before. Jones, do you know him? There was a tense pause on the other end. No, she replied. I didn't communicate with him. I told you I was working with the project coordinator. Okay, I said, still skeptical. But

I'm sure I've seen him somewhere before. And look, if they want me to accept a salary structure that carries this much risk, it needs to increase by another 10%. I've sent you the Welsh contract as a comparison. That's it for now. I have to go. I couldn't shake the feeling that she was not being fully honest. I was almost certain she had contacted Jones directly and possibly even used Tony as a go-between. Given what I knew, there was no way I was going to work for that man. 10 minutes later, she called again. Her voice

sounded nervous and uncertain. Okay, Eddie. I spoke to them and they agreed to raise the salary as you requested, but the higher the offer goes, the more it's tied to performance. They're now offering an additional 15%, but 30% of that total will be performance-based. I can live with that, I replied. But I need to see the exact performance indicators. I must have control over what I'm being measured on. I won't accept metrics tied to the company's overall success, only those that are directly tied to my responsibilities. The KPIs are included in the contract, she said.

I haven't reviewed them closely. I'm not even sure what to look for. Send them to me, I said. I'll go through them myself. I sighed, still uneasy. I'm certain I know this CEO Jones. I've definitely seen him before. We ended the call. A few minutes later, the contract appeared in my email inbox. It was a solid offer. The base salary was competitive and most of the performance indicators were indeed specific to individual contributions. Only one related to workplace safety was broader in scope and it accounted for just 5% of the performance-based component. It was a

tempting offer. Still, I returned to my desk and sent a formal acceptance to the Welsh project instead. Despite everything, I had made up my mind. That evening, Rose called several times. I let every call go to voicemail. The day was full of turmoil. Only 2 days remained until the project was completed, and the tension was palpable. Everyone felt it. Rose called early in the morning, sounding excited. Eddie, where have you been? I tried calling you all night. Sorry, Rose, I replied. I was speaking with the team in Wales. I decided to sign the contract with

them. What? She exclaimed, her voice rising. Eddie, no. Why would you do that? I didn't have much of a choice. It was the only offer that aligned with what I needed. What about the offer from Trixs? She asked, clearly frustrated. It wasn't an option anymore. As soon as I remembered where I'd seen their CEO before, I knew I couldn't continue. There was a long silence. Why didn't you just tell me the truth? She asked quietly. Because I knew exactly how you would react. Listen, Eddie, I talked to Tony. I cut her off. You seem to

talk to him a lot. Don't be ridiculous, she said quickly. He was just helping. When I told him I was searching for a job for you, he offered to arrange a meeting with Carter. When we met, Carter reviewed your resume and was genuinely impressed. He really wanted to bring you on board. That's strange, I replied. Because when I asked you about him yesterday, you said you didn't know who he was. Okay, fine. You caught me, she admitted. But after your comments about not wanting to work for someone who might be interested in me, I realized

I couldn't tell you who it was. I was afraid of your reaction. So, you were hoping I just blindly signed the contract, I said, and only find out later who I was actually working for. No, I was hoping that once you met Carter, you'd realize what a decent person he is. Eddie, he really is a good man, right? A good man doing a favor for a friend so he can get close to my wife. No, thank you, Rose. Eddie, please. She said, "This is a great opportunity." After I spoke to Carter and Tony, I knew

this company had a strong future. You could have a significant role there. Don't throw this away. Throw it away? Sorry, Rose. I prefer to work with people who have principles. What's next? How long before I'm asked to look the other way while he gets closer to you? Oh my goodness, Eddie. You're acting so irrationally. I haven't done anything wrong. Carter simply wants you to work for him. It's already done, I said calmly. I've signed the contract with the Welsh firm. I'll be back home in a few days and then we can talk about what comes

next. There was a pause before I continued. Rose, I need to be honest. I'm increasingly concerned about our marriage. I clearly told you I didn't want to work for this man and you went behind my back and tried to deceive me. You lied and now I am not even sure if our relationship is built on honesty. Eddie, you misunderstood everything. Rose said quietly. I only said all that because I wanted you to see the contract as a great opportunity. Yes, but how can I trust that you're not lying now? I asked calmly. Do you see,

Rose? One lie leads to mistrust. And now I will always have doubts about whether you're telling me the truth. Oh, Eddie, I was just trying to help, she said, her voice cracking. I'm tired of living alone, sleeping in an empty bed while you're always in Scotland. You're never around, and I feel like I have to figure everything out on my own. I just wanted a normal life. If you have been honest with me from the beginning and told me how much this was affecting you, things might have turned out differently. Why didn't you say anything?

I didn't want to hold you back, she admitted. I wanted you to have your own adventures, chase your goals. I kept it to myself because I knew how important your career was to you. The conversation fell into silence. Then I heard her begin to cry softly on the other end of the line. I'm sorry, Eddie. I messed everything up, she whispered. But I just wanted you to come home. Rose, there are hundreds of companies right here in our city. If I had known how hard this was for you, I would have looked for a job

nearby a long time ago. Why did you have to involve them? Because Tony said it would be a great opportunity for you and Carter truly does care about his employees. I checked and he wasn't lying. So instead, you lied to me. Yes, I know. I made a mistake and I'm sorry. I should have told you the truth from the start. Would you reconsider your decision? She asked, her voice fragile. It's too late. I've already signed the contract. There's no turning back now. To say the mood had shifted would be an understatement. I could feel her

disappointment, maybe even resentment. She hung up. After that, there were no more calls until the project was completed. It ended up taking a few days longer than planned. Finally, on Sunday, I pulled up to our house. When I stepped into the apartment, Rose was on the phone. She looked up and her expression changed. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Clearly, we had both been anticipating this meeting, each of us carrying a storm of emotions. Okay, dear. I'll call you back later. Why? She said into the phone, then hung up. She stood up, walked toward me, and gave

me a kiss on the cheek. A cold kiss. Normally, it would have been filled with warmth. "Where have you been?" she asked, her tone guarded. The project dragged on for a couple more days. "Why didn't you call?" she asked. I shrugged. "Why didn't you call?" she sighed, then quietly walked into the kitchen. "Would you like some tea?" she asked. "Yes, that would be great." We sat at the table, both clasping hot mugs in our hands. For a long while, neither of us spoke. Finally, Rose broke the silence. Can we talk, dear? Yes, I said. I

think that would be good. What happens next? She asked. They'll have a twoe break and then I'll go to Cardiff. I'll use this time to study the project documents. They'll start paying me on Monday. She sighed deeply. I meant us. Okay, I said. Go ahead. Say what's on your mind. I don't understand. she began, her voice shaky. I'm angry. I found you a great job at a reputable company, and you turn it down. Our eyes met for a brief moment before she looked away again, barely whispering, "Don't you want to live with me? Do you

actually prefer being away from home?" I took a long sip of tea before answering. "I do want to be here. I love you, and of course, I'd rather work for a local company. I'm tired of hotel rooms, of living out of a suitcase." But then why on earth didn't you accept Carter's offer? I've already explained. I made it clear that I didn't feel comfortable working for him. She shook her head in disbelief. I don't want to sound arrogant, but I'm an attractive woman. It's natural that some men might be interested. Yeah, I said, but Carter

was at that party. You even said you wanted to attend it someday. And after all the lies, I'm not sure what to believe anymore. Eddie, she said gently but firmly. I've already told you. I would never betray you. Yes, I'm curious about certain things in life, but only if you're part of them. I would never cross that line. I still question his ethics, I said quietly. If he's involved in this kind of situation, who knows what else he might be capable of. She finished her tea and put the mug down. So, now you're leaving again?

She asked. Yes. How long will this contract last? Another year, maybe longer. And what about our dreams? A home? a family. That's why I'm doing this. I still want those things. Well, I'm tired of living like I'm alone, she said. I want my husband in our bed every night. I want to build something together, not just wait around for you to visit once a month. And what do you expect me to do? I asked, trying to stay calm. I wanted you to be practical, to accept the opportunity that was right in front of you. And

I was hoping you would be honest with me from the beginning. This didn't have to happen. This whole situation has gotten out of control, I said. Maybe we can admit that we both made mistakes and move on. If it helps, then I'll say it. I was wrong. I should have trusted you. I should have talked to you about everything. Thank you, she replied quietly. It means a lot to hear that. It would be great to know that you trust me. I didn't even realize you doubted me. I never doubted you before. I always thought we

were close. I never suspected anything. Then why now? She asked. When you said that thing about Carter, I got scared. You've become so insecure, so jealous lately. I've never seen you like this. I guess I am jealous. You're so passionate about Tony. You meet with him all the time, even talk to him about our relationship. I don't like it. She flinched slightly and looked down, guilt flickering in her expression. I'm not interested in him like that, she said. He's helped me a lot. And yes, we've become friends, but that's all, just friends. Did he mention

going back to those parties? I asked. Her face turned red. He asked. But I told him you weren't interested. We haven't talked about it since. But you still want it, don't you? She hesitated. Yes, I'm curious. But only if you were too with him? No. It's not about him. It's more about the idea. If I said I was open to trying it, but not with him, would you still be interested? She looked uncertain. Yes, but why not them? Because it's all too complicated. If we're going to explore this, we should find another couple, maybe online

or through a community. It needs to be mutual. She frowned. I don't understand. First, you say you hate the idea. Now you're open to trying it. Make up your mind. I'm saying I'm willing to try if we find people we both feel comfortable with. But you liked Clare. You said so yourself. Yes, but I don't trust Tony. If you're not interested anymore, let's just drop it. She sighed clearly overwhelmed. We have more important things to talk about. I want you to find a job here. I've already signed a contract with the Welsh company. I can't

back out now. She jumped up, pulled on her coat, and stormed toward the door. I hate you right now. To hell with this job. She slammed the door so hard the whole house seemed to shake. That evening, when she returned, I was already in bed. I heard her banging around the kitchen. I rolled to my side, waiting for her to come to bed, but she never did. The next morning, I woke to the clatter of dishes. Rose was getting ready for work, dressing loudly, slamming cabinets. She didn't even say goodbye, just slammed the door again

as she left. The whole day passed in that same cold silence. She slept on the couch and I stayed out of her way. Then on Wednesday, something completely unexpected happened. I was sitting on the couch, casually flipping through the morning paper when there was a knock at the door. Annoyed, I got up and opened it only to be stunned. Tony was standing there. Good morning, Edwin. Can we come in and talk? What do you want, Tony? I asked already tired. Just to talk, buddy. Reluctantly, I waved him in. He stepped inside, looking around our small

apartment. Okay. What do you want to talk about? I asked. He pointed toward the table. Shall we sit? We sat down. Eddie, I wanted to talk to you about the job with tricks. I want to understand why you turned it down. Sorry, Tony, but that's none of your business. I don't know why you think it's your place to get involved, but you're not needed here. I'm here because Rose asked me to speak with you. She said you refused the offer because of the party and because of my connection to Carter. I tensed. I said this

was none of your business, and I meant it. Edwin, Rose is worried about your relationship. She's struggling being alone all the time. Glad to hear she's sharing that with you. Maybe next time she can try talking to me. As far as I know, she tried, but you didn't listen. What are you now, a therapist? I said sarcastically. I'm just trying to help, Tony replied calmly. You may not consider me a friend, but I am Rose's friend. I thought we could have a mature conversation. If you think this little speech is going to change my mind,

you're mistaken. Go ahead, say what you came to say. Okay. Rose told me you turned down Carter's offer because of the party and my involvement. Is that true? I nodded. Yes. Then tell me honestly, why did you refuse the job? Because I think Carter offered it as a favor to you. So that you could play the hero when Rose's gratitude and maybe one day sleep with her. Tony frowned and shook his head, visibly disappointed. Edwin. Yes. I asked Carter to look at your resume, but there was no hidden agenda. I just wanted to help a

friend. Yeah, right. I muttered. I don't believe a word of it. He took a deep breath. "Carter and I have been friends since childhood. We've been through a lot together." "Carter and I used to share the women we met," Tony said casually. "In a way, he's still my best friend." "That's good to know," I muttered under my breath. "Edwin, Carter has been with Clare many times, and I've spent time with his wife, Karen, just as many. We're still friends. We even laugh about it." "Honestly, that sounds insane to me," I said, shaking my head. He

shrugged. I'm still friends with everyone in our circle. Claire's been with people outside of the group, too. We're all adults, and she has the freedom to make her own choices. Doesn't that ever bother you? I asked. Tony chuckled and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Not really. When I was younger, sure. I used to get jealous, even angry when guys would hit on her. But I've realized that kind of thinking is just destructive. It doesn't help anyone. I get that you're okay with it, I said, but I'm not sure I ever could

be. Tony nodded thoughtfully. I'm not trying to convince you to join our circle, Edwin. I just want you to understand. Being friends with Carter doesn't mean you can't have a strictly professional relationship with him. It's too late anyway, I replied. That position's long gone. The company closed applications days ago. Tony shook his head. No, it's not. The position is still open. When I told Carter I plan to speak with you, he promised to hold it open until tomorrow. I laughed dryly. So, I should thank you for my wonderful new job. Is that it? Come on,

man. Don't be like that. Should I offer you my wife as a thank you gift, too? I snapped. Tony frowned. That's ridiculous. I don't need to manipulate anyone. If I wanted to cross that line with Rose, I would have done it already. But I haven't because that's not what this is about. Then what is it about? I asked. You think if I take the job, Rose will be so thankful she'll fall into your arms? Is that the plan? Have you always been this defensive? He asked, shaking his head. Look, I'm not trying to seduce Rose.

She's my friend. I just want to help. I saw your resume. I know you're perfect for the position. Carter agrees. And I don't want to work somewhere just because you want to impress her. Tony met my eyes. I won't lie. I find Rose attractive, but that has nothing to do with the job. The offer is based on your skills, not your wife. You'll have to prove that, I said, because right now it feels like some kind of game. Tony stayed calm. You're entitled to feel that way. But believe it or not, Rose really wanted to

help you. She saw this job as a way for you to stay here and maybe fix your relationship. If you turn it down, I honestly worry for your marriage. It's already too late, I said, my voice low. I think our marriage is over. She lied to me, tried to manipulate me. Tony nodded. She told me everything. I don't believe lying ever helps anything. She made a mistake, Edwin, but she admitted it. She apologized. Maybe it's time to move forward. Thanks for stopping by, Tony, I said, standing up. Let me show you the door. We walked

to the front door. As I opened it, he asked. What should I tell Carter? I shrugged. Tell him I've already accepted an offer from Whole Well Engineering in Wales. I signed a contract. I intend to honor it. he frowned. "And if I get them to withdraw their offer," I glared. "I told you. I already signed. But if they did cancel it, would you consider working with Carter?" "I don't know," I said. "Honestly, this whole thing is so confusing. I just don't understand why you're doing all of this." He smiled gently. "Because I'm trying to help

a friend save her marriage." Then he left. I sank back down onto the couch, trying to read something, anything to distract myself, but I couldn't concentrate. Nothing made sense. Deep down, I really did want that job. Less than 2 hours later, I got a call. It was Adam from Hullwell. Eddie, sorry for the bad news, but we're withdrawing the offer. What? I blurted out. We have a contract. Yes, technically, he said calmly. But we'd like you to release us from it. No way, I signed. This is a legal agreement. Listen, he said, there's no point

pretending. We know there's another opportunity. We're giving you the chance to move on. And what if I don't agree? Then we'll honor the agreement. It's up to you. I sighed. Fine. I'll tear it up. Great. It was nice not working with you, he joked lightly. Good luck in the future. If things change, we'd be happy to reconnect. Take care. Yeah. Bye. I dropped my phone and sink into the sofu again. What now? I wasn't going to call Tony. Instead, I went online and started searching for jobs. I found a few openings, none of them as

good as the one I had just walked away from. Still, I called a couple of places. Two were interested and scheduled interviews for the next day. Later that evening, Rose came home at her usual time. She seemed noticeably calmer. She walked up to me and kissed me softly. "Hi, darling. Want some tea?" I looked at her surprised. "Sure." I made the tea while she changed. Her shift in mood made it clear Tony had been here, and it irritated me. She sat at the table in her casual clothes, and I handed her a mug of tea.

I sat across from her. The silence between us was heavy, but now familiar. Finally, she exhaled and spoke. "Honey, I'm sorry for everything, for how I've acted lately. I've been defensive, emotional, and I didn't handle things the right way." She shrugged slightly. "Yes, everything's fine. I know I haven't always been the greatest joy in your life either." "No, it's my fault," she added quietly. I was foolish. I'm really ashamed that I lied to you. I'm ready to leave all that behind. I can handle staying here for another year. Things were actually going pretty well between

us, weren't they? I nodded. Yes, thank you. I believe we can make this work. She tilted her head with a gentle smile. Should we go out for dinner, even if it's just a local pub? I nodded again. Sure, let's do it. We quickly changed clothes and headed to the neighborhood pub. A few familiar faces were sitting at the bar and we joined them enjoying a couple of drinks and pleasant conversation. Eventually, we found a table for two and placed our order. As we sat down, she reached across the table and took my hand. So, we've

got 2 weeks, right? I nodded. Yes, 2 weeks. Well, we would have if I were still leaving, I added, my tone shifting. Her expression darkened. What do you mean? They called me today. The contract's been cancelled. Her eyes widened. "Wait, what? Are you serious?" "Yeah, but don't worry. I've already lined up a couple of interviews with local companies. I'll be meeting with them tomorrow." She looked stunned. "But they can't do that, right?" "You had a signed contract, didn't you?" I nodded. "Yes, but it's over now. Maybe it's for the best. I want to focus on

rebuilding what we have and moving forward." She squeezed my hand. I'm so sorry, honey. Did they at least tell you why? Not really, but let's just forget about Wales for now. Tomorrow is a new start. She clenched her teeth, then whispered so quietly, I could barely hear her. What about the job at Trixs? It was supposed to close on Monday, right? I nodded. Yeah, but I'm guessing the position's already been filled. She let out a small sigh. They were in a rush, but maybe if you call, there's still a chance. Just then, our food arrived,

and we began to eat. Eddie, maybe we can try again. Let me help you find something. I actually stopped searching after Trix showed interest. I really thought that was it. I laughed midbite, trying not to choke on my pork chop. Honestly, I'd appreciate that. The atmosphere shifted instantly. We laughed. We joked about everything we'd been through. It felt lighter again. One thing became clear. She hadn't known Tony had visited earlier. Later that night, back at home, something between us shifted again. The emotional distance finally faded and for the first time in a while we reconnected

intimately and emotionally. Afterward, she lay with her head on my shoulder. Do you think it would be a good idea for me to call Trixs just in case? She asked, kissing me gently. I smiled. Can we please just forget about Trixs and start fresh? I've got two interviews already lined up. She sighed. Okay, okay, let's start over. The interviews the next day went fairly well. The companies were small and the projects weren't exactly thrilling. The pay was modest and the jobs were short-term with no benefits like paid sick leave. But still, I was hopeful. In

the back of my mind, though, I kept thinking about our dream of buying our own home. I had been following the housing market closely and prices kept rising. Taking one of these lowerpaying jobs would delay that dream even further. Both employers seemed interested. They said they'd get back to me. I headed home and started making dinner fried chicken. When Rose came through the door, the smell made her eyes light up. She greeted me with a warm, lingering kiss and grinned. "Oh wow, I could get used to this." She changed out of her work clothes and

we sat down for dinner. "How did the interviews go?" she asked. They went okay, but the pay's pretty low and both jobs are contract based. No real stability, no benefits. She frowned slightly. I was going through our files and found a couple of job options. I emailed them to you. Thanks, I said. I'll check them out after dinner. What kind of jobs? Nothing glamorous. One's at a supermarket parking facility. The other's for sewer line reconstruction. She narrowed her eyes slightly and gave me a careful look. Don't be mad, but I called Carter. The job is

still available. I stared at her, irritated. We agreed to move on from that, didn't we? She pulled back slightly. Eddie, this is a good opportunity with real growth potential. I placed my feet firmly on the floor and said flatly, "No, thanks, Rose. We've already discussed this. I want to earn a job on my own terms, not because the new boss wants to win points with you." She frowned. "Can we stop saying that? He offered you this job based on Tony's recommendation." "Exactly my point," I replied. "I don't want to get a job through your friend's

influence." "Please stop," she said sharply. "He's not my boyfriend. We're just friends. Whatever you say, I muttered. Let's just focus on finding another job. She softened her voice. Sweetheart, this is a great opportunity. If you could stop being so stubborn and look at it objectively, you'd see that it has real potential for your future. Trying to hide my irritation, I grumbled. Forget it. Just do what you want, but leave me out of it. Okay, fine. Be stubborn, she said. But if you end up with a lower paying job and poor working conditions, that's on you.

I smirked sarcastically. Great. So be it. If that happens, you'll get to say, I told you so. She responded sadly. Don't worry, I will. Our quiet dinner was ruined. An uncomfortable silence settled over the room. That night, there was no affection between us, though she still curled up next to me in bed. or back turned underscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore unerscore the next morning I was back at the computer browsing job listings I found one that actually piqu my

interest. After doing a bit of research, I discovered it was a young company that specialized in urban renovation projects. Their mission was to provide affordable housing for low-income families. One vacancy stood out, a project management role, converting an old factory into residential apartments. The salary wasn't huge, but the work sounded meaningful and engaging. Excited, I filled out the application. Why not? I thought if I can't get a high-paying job, I might as well do something I care about. Just to be safe, I submitted a few more applications. While scrolling through the local news, Rose called

me. Hey, want to meet for lunch? And don't lie about being busy. I bet you're just watching silly videos. I chuckled at her attempted humor. No, not busy. Just sent off a few applications. Where do you want to meet? How about KPS? It's near my office, and you can have a drink if you like. Sounds good. I'll meet you there at 12:00. I changed into something decent and took the bus downtown. I arrived a bit early, found a table, and ordered a pint. There were a few newspapers lying around, so I picked one up to

pass the time. I didn't even notice when Rose arrived. The first thing I felt was her leaning over my shoulder and kissing me on the cheek. I turned to kiss her back and froze. Standing behind her were Tony and Carter. My heart sank. You set me up, I said, my voice tight. Rose winced. Don't overreact. They just want to talk. Tony extended his hand. Hey, Edwin, how have you been? I shook it stiffly. Fine. Carter also greeted me and shook my hand. Everyone sat down. So, what is this? I asked. An intervention. Tony spoke first,

cutting Rose off. Edwin, we're here today because we want you to reconsider. After we spoke, I called Carter. He agreed to hold the position open for you. He's been waiting to hear from you. Rose tried to jump in, but I cut her off. I didn't call because I'm not interested. I already have some promising offers. Carter leaned forward. Edwin, I'd really like you to join our team at Triac. After my conversation with Tony, who gave you an excellent recommendation, I reviewed your resume. Rose also told me more about your background, and I was very impressed.

For someone your age, you've got a lot of experience. We believe you'd be a perfect fit. I took a long drink from my glass, then said bluntly, "I'm not interested in working at Triac. If I were, I would have applied myself, but I didn't, so this conversation is over." Rose couldn't hold back any longer. "Eddie, please be reasonable. You're acting irrational. This is a solid offer. Stop worrying about it, Rose." I replied firmly. I said, "No." Tony leaned in, his voice calmer. Why are you turning down such a good opportunity, Edwin? Because I want to

earn a job on my own, I said. I've worked hard. I'd built a good reputation. I want to get hired because of that, not because someone put in a personal favor. His jaw was clenched, clearly holding back what I assumed was a sharp response that nearly escaped his lips. "Edwin," he said calmly, "we've already discussed this. The job offer was not made with any hidden agenda. Is that so?" I replied. Then why did you feel the need to recommend me to Carter? Because he said frowning slightly. When I spoke with Rose, she told me you

were looking for a job. She sent me a resume and I simply passed it on to Carter. Why? I asked sharply. Because Rose and I are friends. He replied evenly. And friends help each other. The waiter arrived with the menus and I took the opportunity to avoid eye contact, pretending to study it. I'll take the meat pie, I said. Rose, visibly upset, muttered. I'm not hungry. Then why are we here? I asked. When I told Tony that you were turning down Carter's offer, he thought meeting in person might help resolve the matter. And you decided

not to tell me we'd be having company. I didn't say anything because I knew how you'd react. She replied, "If you could put aside your insecurities and look at this objectively, you'd see it's a good opportunity." I finished my pint and stood up. I'm going to grab another one. Anyone want anything? Tony silently shook his head, glancing toward Carter, who rolled his eyes. I walked over to the bar and took a sip of the fresh pint. When I looked back, the three of them were leaning across the table in a heated discussion like co-conspirators making

plans behind my back. I waited until my food arrived before slowly returning. As I sat down and picked up my utensils, Carter looked at me directly. "I think I better go," he said. "You're really not interested, are you?" I shook my head. He snapped. then don't waste my time. I responded sharply. I didn't waste it. I didn't ask you to be here. I didn't apply for a job at your company. He turned to Rose. I'm starting to lose faith, Rose. Don't bring me into situations like this again. He stood up and walked out. Tony looked

at me clearly annoyed. You just burned a bridge, Edwin. Not the best way to build a reputation. I didn't do anything, I replied. I came here to have lunch with my wife, not to meet you, too. You could have at least been polite and considered the offer. He said, "You've clearly made up your mind, and that kind of rigidity doesn't reflect well on you. Maybe I overestimated your potential." Taking a long sip of my beer, I replied, "Maybe I overestimated you. I didn't invite you here, and frankly, I don't appreciate you being here." Rose may

think highly of you, but I don't share the sentiment. Tony leaned forward. I could help you if you'd let me. There's no need for this animosity as long as you're involving yourself in my personal life, I said. I reserve the right to set boundaries. I'd prefer you kept your distance from my wife. Tony's brows furrowed. But before he could speak, Rose interrupted, her voice sharp. Eddie, stop. You're being completely unreasonable. As you say, I said, standing up. Consider yourself off the case. I'll find a job on my own. If you can't respect your client's wishes,

I don't see how you get anything done. Her face went pale. She gasped. Tony shook his head. I guess I'll go. Good luck, Edwin. I truly wish you all the best. He offered his hand, but I turned away. As he left, Rose spoke, quiet, but biting. You were rude and thoughtless. They were trying to help you. No, Rose. They were trying to win your favor. None of this had anything to do with me. They don't even know me," she replied, leaning across the table. "This wasn't about me. It was about helping you. They did it

as a favor to you," I said firmly. "That's exactly the problem," she leaned in closer. Our faces just inches apart. "You're being ridiculous." "Honestly, Eddie, you're acting like a jealous, insecure child." She stood up and touched my shoulder lightly before walking away. "I'm ashamed of you. That was humiliating. They're respected professionals trying to help you and you completely disrespected them. Then she whispered, her voice trembling with frustration. Did it ever occur to you to ask why two men who barely know you would go out of their way to help? Carter has spoken to me more

than you. This wasn't about you at all. It was a favor to me. Exactly. I said they weren't interested in helping me. Giving me a job was just their way of getting closer to you. She stared at me stunned. Oh, for heaven's sake," she said, exasperated. "How insecure can you be?" she stormed out, drawing the attention of several nearby diners who sat wideeyed and silent. I finished my lunch alone and ordered another pint. Rose came home late that night. I didn't make dinner, and she didn't seem to care. She didn't greet me, just went straight

upstairs, ran a bath, and stayed there until bedtime. I watched a couple of movies, and eventually went to bed. When I woke up the next morning, she was already gone. And so began our new evening routine. Rose came home and snapped. "Trixs has already taken the position as she tossed her bag aside and rushed upstairs." A few minutes later, she came down dressed smartly. "I'm going out to dinner with Clare," she said brightly. "I didn't even look up. She slammed the door and left. Feeling restless, I decided to head to the pub. Fortunately, I ran

into a few familiar faces, and one drink led to another and then another. Before I realized it, I was fairly drunk. I found myself chatting with a couple of women, not really trying to flirt, but enjoying the light banner. One of them, Colleen, was especially forward. She seemed very interested, and as the evening wore on, her attention became a bit too persistent. Things were starting to head in a direction I wasn't comfortable with. I excused myself to go to the restroom, and when I returned, I saw her with her back turned. Quietly, I slipped out

of the pub without being noticed. The walk home helped clear my head a little. I found myself reflecting somewhat drunkenly on everything that had been happening between Rose and me. Ever since she met Tony, she had changed. She had always been intelligent and sharp, but lately she seemed consumed by him, constantly bringing him up. Tony said this, Tony suggested that. And now with Clare added into the mix, it was all I ever heard about. To be honest, I was beginning to suspect she was in love with him. I doubted she was really out with Clare

tonight. More likely, she was with Tony. The thought made my blood boil. Maybe, maybe something already happened between them. The idea twisted in my gut. When I got home, the house was dark. I assumed she had stayed over at Tony's. Disgusted, I walked upstairs and turned on the bedroom light. Turn that off. Rose groaned from under the covers. I didn't expect you to be here. Where else would I be? I don't know. Maybe spending the night with Tony or Carter. Got to repay those favors somehow. She sat up, furious. You're being completely ridiculous. I never

realized how paranoid and insecure you are. You say you had dinner with Clare, I said. Why should I believe that? Because I just told you. Yeah. You've been saying a lot of things lately. Most of them sound like manipulation. Manipulation? She said, eyes wide. You mean when I tried to help you get a job? Is that what you're talking about? You tricked me into that dinner. You knew I didn't want to speak with them. She rolled over, pulled the blanket over her head. "To hell with this, Eddie. I'm done." I sighed, undressed clumsily, and got

into bed. The sound of drawers opening and slamming woke me from a deep sleep. Rose was rumaging through the dresser, tossing clothes everywhere. "Uggh!" I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head again. Eventually, she went downstairs. I squinted at the sunlight pouring into the room and finally dragged myself out of bed. After a shower, I headed downstairs. It was almost 10:30 a.m. and the house was empty. There was a note on the table. Gone shopping. I made myself a cup of tea and decided to go for a walk. I stopped by the bakery, grabbed a

coffee and a croissant, and picked up a newspaper from the news stand. By the time I returned, Rose was already home, busy with laundry and other chores. She didn't say a word to me. I laid down on the sofa with my newspaper while she moved around the house, cleaning and organizing, deliberately making noise. By dinner time, we still hadn't spoken. We had reached the point where even being in the same room was unbearable. Tired of the silence, I stood up, grabbed my jacket, and announced, "I'm going to the pub. Go ahead, just get out," she

snapped. I closed the door behind me with a heavy heart. The walk was cold and uncomfortable. I felt guilty, but also angry and confused. I didn't know how we had gotten to this point. At the pub, a couple of pints helped lighten the mood. Soon, some of the same friends from the night before showed up, and the conversation lifted my spirits. There was laughter, more drinks, and a bit of muchneeded distraction. Then, Colleen, the same woman from the night before, came over. "There's a DJ playing up the road," she said, eyes gleaming. "Who's coming?" She

looked right at me. I hesitated, then shrugged. "The heck with it. Why not?" I said with a smile. We all headed down to the king's arms. The music was loud, the crowd buzzing with energy. Colleen moved close to me the moment we got inside. We danced. We laughed. Eventually, she kissed me. I was feeling angry. I was feeling rejected. And here was someone who clearly wanted my attention. My emotions were tangled. Anger, loneliness, and the kind of recklessness that only comes from too many drinks. Don't get me wrong, Colleen wasn't stunning, but she was young,

confident, and more than anything, she was there. We kept dancing, and the moment started to spiral. She leaned close and whispered into my ear, "Do you want to come, too?" She leaned close and whispered in my ear, "Do you want to come with me?" I made a sound that might have meant yes. We stepped out into the cool night air. And then everything fell apart. Out of nowhere, a man, furious and clearly her boyfriend, grabbed my arm and shook me violently. I'll break your neck, you low life. Hey man, calm down. I shouted, raising my

hands. I didn't know she had a boyfriend. He shoved me hard. Get out of here before I break your jaw. Colleen was crying now, clinging to him. I'm sorry, baby. We were just dancing. I backed away quickly before it escalated. I'm not a fighter. That much is certain. When I got home, the house was dark. Rose was already in bed. This time, I turned off the lights, undressed in silence, and carefully slipped under the covers. Her voice came sharp and low. Oh, God. Where have you been? I was just at the pub. Nothing special. She

leaned in, sniffed the air near my neck. Oh, really? Who's the woman with the cheap perfume? I don't know what you're talking about. Suddenly, she switched on the light and yanked the blanket off me. Hey, it's cold. I protested. She pointed, shouting, "You absolute fool. Who is she? What are you talking about? Don't play dumb. You've got marks all over your neck." Confused, I jumped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, my stomach sank. There they were faint bruises and lipstick smudges on my neck. I hadn't even noticed. I sat

down on the toilet lid, porcelain cold against my skin, trying to think of a way out, but there wasn't one. I muttered to myself. What an absolute idiot. Back in the bedroom, Rose sat with her arms crossed. Okay, Eddie. No lies. Who is she? I hesitated. It's not what it looks like. I went to the king's arms. There was a DJ. This girl started dancing with me. Yeah, she got a little carried away, but it wasn't serious. Rose exploded. You self-righteous hypocrite. You accuse me of cheating without any proof, and now this. You go out

and behave like some sleazy barfly. I said I was sorry. Nothing happened. She was livid. If I came home with lipstick on my neck, what would you say? I went out to dinner with a friend and you lost your mind. I tried to return to bed, but she snapped. Absolutely not. Sleep on the couch. I'm not spending the night next to someone who reeks of someone else's perfume. Honestly, she was right. My head was spinning and I didn't want to fight anymore. I took my pillow and went to the sofa, collapsing in defeat. The next

day, everything exploded. The fight that followed shook the entire house. Every buried resentment came out. I accused Rose of betraying me emotionally with Tony. She fired back, calling me a hypocrite for getting involved with another woman. The shouting echoed down the hall through every room. Eventually, I packed my things, my laptop, some documents, clothes, stuffed what I could into two suitcases, and walked out of the house. I had no idea where I was going. I deeply regretted not accepting that job offer in Wales. I found a cheap hotel on the edge of the city and

checked in for the night. It was miserable, but at least it was quiet. It's incredible how emotionally draining arguments can be. I fell asleep almost instantly, only to wake up around 4:00 a.m. Still exhausted. Monday finally brought some good news. A company I had recently applied to called and invited me for an interview. Still no message, no call, no word from Rose. I got dressed and headed out. Their office was set up right on a construction site. The man who greeted me was Mark. No CEO or HR rep, just him. It was his own project.

We talked about the position, his goals, and how much he cared about doing meaningful work. Mark was a genuine idealist, passionate, and driven. It was hard not to be inspired by that. He offered me a job, and after skimming the contract, I signed it. I agreed to start as soon as possible. That evening, I tried calling Rose. She didn't answer. Pacing around my cramped hotel room, frustration built. I knew I couldn't stay in that place for long. It was starting to mess with my head. I went for a walk. The neighborhood was rough. Loud voices

echoed in the streets. Argument spilled from open windows. It felt like I'd wandered into a neighborhood built on tension. Just outside the hotel, I passed another shouting match. Probably another couple fighting. It was that kind of area. I kept walking until I found a small half empty pub. The lights were dim, the music low. It felt safe. I found a quiet pub where I could grab a bite to eat and enjoy a pint of beer. The next day, work began at the construction site, and honestly, it was a relief. Anything was better than sitting around

in that depressing hotel room. Surprisingly, the job turned out to be genuinely exciting. Mark, the man who hired me, had assembled a small but motivated team. He was both an architect and a designer, while I was responsible for the construction and engineering aspects of the project. Our first major task was planning the demolition of a group of old buildings. As we surveyed the property, Mark shook his head and said, "You know, it really bothers me that so many of these old structures are just left to decay. There's so much potential here.