Lost in madness

31

The cabin looked just as I remembered it – the same worn but comfortable furniture, the same faded photographs on the walls. But now, everything felt different. The air was thick with unspoken words and hidden secrets.

Sally bustled around, playing the perfect hostess as she showed everyone where to put their bags and offered drinks. I found myself hanging back, watching Andrew out of the corner of my eye. He was doing his best to avoid looking at me directly, but I could feel the weight of his gaze when he thought I wasn't paying attention.

The day passed in a blur of forced smiles and careful small talk. By evening, I was exhausted from the effort of pretending everything was normal. I excused myself, claiming a headache, and retreated to the bathroom for a much-needed shower and respite.

As the hot water cascaded over me, I finally allowed myself to relax a bit. I closed my eyes, letting my mind wander to thoughts I'd been trying to suppress all day. I still couldn't believe I was pregnant or had any idea what I was going to do with that information.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear the bathroom door open. It wasn't until I felt a rush of cool air that I realized I wasn't alone anymore. My eyes snapped open, and there he was.

Andrew stood just outside the shower, his eyes roaming over my body. Without a word, he began to strip off his clothes.

My breath caught in my throat. "Andrew," I whispered, "what are you doing?"

"Do you know how torturous it is?" He stepped into the shower, pressing me against the cool tile. "To be able to look at you all day and not touch you," he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear. "God, I've missed you."

I knew I should push him away, tell him to stop, remind him how risky this was. But as his hands slid over my wet skin, all my resolve crumbled.

"I've missed you too," I admitted, my voice barely audible over the sound of the running water.

"I didn't think you'd come," he mumbled, kissing every inch of me, his voice low and husky.

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I wanted to see you. Besides, I used to love it here. Sally and I came to this cabin every summer when we were kids. It's... refreshing."

"I'm glad you did."

"Me too," I mumbled to myself.

He stopped and ran a hand through his hair, a gesture I knew meant he was frustrated. "I can tell you're mad, and I understand you have every right to be, but are you okay? Is there anything you need?" he whispered, concern etching his features.

"You mean after you abandoned me to be with your wife?" I couldn't keep the bitterness out of my voice.

"I'd never abandon you-"

"Well, I'm far beyond mad," I cut him off, "I haven't seen you in weeks. Is this how you want to end things? I rather you do it to my face than ghost me."

He flinched as if I'd slapped him.

"I had a duty to Sally. I couldn't just-"

"Can't just what, Andrew?" I interrupted, my emotions getting the better of me. "What about the commitment you made to me?"

Andrew stepped closer, his eyes pleading. He reached up and caressed my face. "You're right, I should have called, I'm sorry. Forgive me." His lips found mine desperately. All the longing and frustration of the past weeks poured out between us. For a moment, I forgot about all the reasons this was a terrible idea. But as Andrew's hand drifted to my stomach, reality set back in. I tensed, pulling away slightly.