His touch, once comforting, now left me feeling repulsed.
A memory surfaced, sharp and unwelcome. Just a week ago, on a stormy night, the thunder had shaken the walls, and Kaia had crept into our room, her voice trembling as she clung to him.
“Kael, I’m scared…”
Without hesitation, he had helped her out of the room, careful not to disturb me. In the living room, his voice had dropped to a deliberate whisper, a tone reserved only for her.
"Don’t be afraid. I’ll stay in your room tonight.”
Before stepping into the guest room, he glanced back at me. With a deliberate motion, he closed the door behind him as if sealing me out of his world.
That night, the storm outside raged with thunder and lightning, but it couldn’t compete with the storm inside me. Beyond the closed door, Kael held another woman, whispering words meant for her ears alone.
He thought I was asleep. He thought I couldn’t hear.
When Kaia leaned in to kiss him, he didn’t resist. Instead, he returned the kiss, their passion igniting with an intensity I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Separated by two doors, I sat on the edge of my bed, hugging my knees tightly as tears carved silent trails down my cheeks.