was it love ?

Chapter 1: Echoes of us

Mia

I woke up to the soft hum of the alarm clock and the gentle warmth of sunlight seeping through the curtains. It was one of those rare mornings when everything felt just right. The kind that makes you believe, if only for a moment, that the universe is aligned and everything will go according to plan.

David's side of the bed was already empty. I could hear the faint sound of the shower running from the bathroom, a morning ritual that had become as routine as the coffee I was about to make. I sighed and pulled myself out of bed, my feet sinking into the soft carpet. Lily's soft breathing from the next room was a comforting reminder of the life we had built together.

I padded into the kitchen and set the coffee machine to brew. It was quiet except for the occasional clinking of the coffee pot and the distant sound of the city awakening outside. The smell of fresh coffee soon filled the kitchen, and I smiled at the thought of David joining me for breakfast.

I poured two cups of coffee, setting one aside for David. Preparing Lily's breakfast—a colorful array of fruit and yogurt—I glanced at the clock. It was already past seven, and David's shift would be starting soon. He usually had a quick bite before leaving, though lately, his schedule had been so erratic I'd stopped expecting him to be around.

The sound of the bathroom door opening pulled me from my thoughts. David emerged, his hair damp and his face scrubbed clean. He looked tired but offered me a smile that was meant to be reassuring. I could see the fatigue etched around his eyes, but he still managed to muster a semblance of cheerfulness.

"Morning," he said, leaning in for a quick kiss. "How's my favorite girl?"

"Good morning," I replied, trying to keep my voice light. "Lily's almost ready for breakfast. I made some coffee for you."

He nodded, his gaze flickering towards the coffee pot before he made his way to the table. "Thanks. I've got a meeting early today, so I might be running late. I'll do my best to be home for dinner."

His words were routine, but the unspoken tension lingered between us. David's work had been taking him away more often lately, and while I understood the demands of his job, the growing distance was starting to take its toll.

As David sat down, Lily wandered into the kitchen, her hair a mess of tangles and her eyes still sleepy. She stumbled over to her chair and climbed up with a small yawn.

"Daddy!" she exclaimed, reaching out for him. David smiled and scooped her up, settling her into her seat.

"Hey, pumpkin. How did you sleep?" he asked, ruffling her hair.

"Good," she replied, her eyes twinkling. "I made a picture for you, Daddy!"

David looked genuinely interested, a small spark of enthusiasm breaking through his exhaustion. "I can't wait to see it."

Over breakfast, the conversation was easygoing. David talked about his meeting and a new project at work, while I filled him in on Lily's recent antics and the plans I'd made for the day. It was a normal family breakfast, the kind we used to have more often before the demands of his job started encroaching on our time together.

After breakfast, David kissed Lily and me goodbye, reminding me he'd try to be home as early as possible. I watched him leave, the familiar pang of worry and frustration settling in my chest.

The day was filled with the usual errands and tasks. I took Lily to her playgroup, enjoyed a cup of coffee with a friend, and then tackled the household chores that had piled up. My mind kept drifting back to David's recent absences and the unspoken strain between us. I tried to shake off the nagging feeling that something was off, but it lingered like an unwelcome guest.

Later that afternoon, I decided to indulge in a small treat for myself—a quick trip to the bookstore. I wandered through the aisles, losing myself in the pages of a novel, trying to escape the growing sense of unease. But even here, in the comforting silence of the bookstore, I couldn't shake the thought of David's growing distance.

By the time I picked Lily up and returned home, I was exhausted but tried to focus on making dinner. I prepared a simple meal, hoping that a pleasant evening might ease the tension that had been building up.

As darkness fell,I found myself repeatedly checking the clock. David's promised early return was becoming a distant hope. I tried to distract myself with Lily's bedtime routine, reading her favorite storybook and tucking her in with a kiss. Once the house was quiet and Lily was finally asleep, I sat on the couch, my mind swirling with worries. David's unpredictable schedule had become a routine in itself, and the weight of his absence was starting to feel like an unwelcome shadow.

My phone rang, pulling me from my thoughts. It was Sarah. I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Hey, Mia," Sarah said, her voice tinged with concern. "I just saw David at the hotel where I work."

My heart skipped a beat. "A hotel? Are you sure it was him?"

"Yes," Sarah confirmed. "I saw him clearly. I was curious if you were with him, but then I noticed he was with someone... different. A blonde woman."

A cold shiver ran down my spine. "Are they still there?"

Sarah hesitated. "Yes, they're having dinner in the hotel restaurant. I didn't want to intrude, but—"

"Sarah, I need to go there now," I said, cutting her off. "Can you send me the address of the hotel?"

"Of course," she replied. "I'll text you the details right away."

As soon as I ended the call, I quickly checked my messages as Sarah's text arrived with the hotel address. My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn't stay here any longer, waiting and worrying. I grabbed my coat and keys, and with a deep breath, I headed for the door.

The drive to the hotel was a blur of anxiety and determination. The city lights seemed to streak past as I focused on the road ahead, my mind racing with every possible outcome. I reached the hotel, my nerves frayed but my resolve unshaken.

I parked my car and took a moment to steady myself before entering the hotel lobby. Each step felt heavier, but I knew I had to face whatever lay ahead. The truth awaited, and I was determined to uncover it, no matter how painful it might be.