n the living room. She breathed in the sweet scent of pancakes wafting from the kitchen, a comforting aroma that signaled another day in her seemingly

from the table. Victoria turned to see her five-year-old

usled hair. The truth was, Ethan was her anchor in a life that sometimes felt like it was drifting awa

ptivated her; he was everything she thought she wanted. But lately, a nagging unease had settled in the back of her mind, whispering doubt

syrup down and turned to face the entrance just as Daniel strolled in, looking polished in a tailored suit that accentuated his tall

cooping him up into his arms. The boy giggled,

ched the exchange with a smile, but her heart ached just a little. It was moments like this tha

eft it by the door." His tone was casual, yet there was an undercurrent of urgency. She felt the famil

she reached for the briefcase, her fingers brushed against something soft-a silk scarf pee

sn't

. She stood frozen for a moment, the scarf dangling between her fingers. A rush of dread filled her as she processed th

ugh her fog. She hastily stuffed the scarf back into the b

lied, forcing cheer into her voice. Ethan nodded, returning to

o one of impatience. "We need to get going. I'll pick up the birthd

was she supposed to say? That she had found a clue to a pot

se and headed for the door. As he passed her, Victoria caught a fleeting whiff of his cologne

loped the room. Victoria leaned against the counter, her heart racing

we play outside after breakfast?" He was already bou

leaning up," she said, forcing a smile

ut the image of that scarf lingered in her mind, a symbol of the chaos threatening to unravel th

toys scattered across the grass. Victoria watched as Ethan chased after bubbles, his laughter ringing through the air, m

certainty growing stronger. What if the life she had known was

er phone, a stark reminder of reality. She picked it up, her heart racing ag

wasn't

n, all from Maya. "Can't wait to see you tonight,"

e background. She felt the world collapsing as the reality of Daniel's betrayal hit her like

her daze. She looked down, forcing a

's play," she managed, tho

new. Everything w

verwhelm her. She crouched down to Ethan's level, her smile still plastered on her face. "How abou

wand, his small fingers clumsily navigating the slippery handle. Victoria handed him a bottle of

on Ethan's joy. Bubbles floated into the sky, shimmering in the sunlight, and for a brie

reeze. Victoria couldn't help but chuckle, her heart warming at the sight of him so carefree. Yet, even in those fl

and led him to the swingset, pushing him gently as he squealed with delight. With each push, she

this our lit

this time? The thought twisted in her gut, and she found herself pushing

laughter echoing in the yar

g. She felt the tug of guilt for wanting to scrutinize Daniel, fo

id little to quell

e excitedly began digging, creating intricate landscapes for his toys. Victoria sat on the edge of the sandbox,

plastic figure triumphantly. His enthusiasm was contagious, yet each cheer rang hollow in her e

, trying to engage, wanting

!" he declared, handing her

er hands. It was a role she had played so often, but now it seemed too far removed fr

e play, her phone buzzed again. Thi

, her heart racing

n asked, his eyes flicki

in a bit," she replied, her voice s

n. He was busy setting up a miniature battle s

y problems intrude on his innocence? With a deep breath, she silenced

inning to crack, and she felt as if she were teetering o

hat could be lost if she faced the truth. And yet, as the afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across

clung to the last threads of normalcy, knowing that the illusion of their