Too Late For Regret, Mr. Carlson

k blot on their perfect canvas. A couple pass

at th

is assistant. Or

ree though. Now

as a command, not a noti

trembling slightly, not from fear, but from the sharp, twisting cramp that had been wringing her stomach fo

piercing through the quiet hum of the p

The pain in her abdome

just finished the patch for the server migrat

her finish. She n

standing on a curb waiting for an Uber are unacceptable. Do you unders

ne wen

autiful cage, this penthouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a city that felt a million miles away.

wife. Not partner. Useful. Like

ght by Eleanor, chosen by stylists, worn by a mannequin. Alexia bypassed them all. She re

ed out by sleepless nights and the silent, grinding stress of the last three years. She uncapped a tube of red lipstick a

al slip from the doctor she had seen secretly last week. Suspected

et her h

a metronome counting down the seconds of her patience. Every bump in the road sent a shockwave through her right side. She gripped

Carlson family crest on the license plate frame commanded a respect

ing, Mrs.

bby air was warm, perfumed with expensive lilies and old money.

olite laughter grew louder. It was the sound of her husband's world

the room. It di

e crystal chandelier as if the light ex

hampagne, his posture relaxed, confident, the master of his universe. And stand

ee B

mind burning. Her hand was on his forearm. Her fingers were long, manicured, resting there with a familiarity

n lau

in years. A genuine, low rumble of amusement. His

's lungs turned i

pain was sharp, grounding. It kept her fro

he s

e vanished instantly. It was like a shutter coming down over a lens. His eyes wen

her hand away. Instead, she smiled. It w

walked toward Alexia. He didn't rush. He moved

. No hello. No kiss.

o say. Her voice felt thi

nd, cutting her

le

o. I've had e

her pallor. He didn't notice the way she was

her presence lingering. "Don't be too hard on her, Je

with pity. "You look tired, Alexia. You really should t

bold Alexia a

looked at Aubree, his expression softening

you get back?

nod

ck on Alexia and walk

h pulsing in time with her heart. She was the wife. She

at rattled in her ch