At home, Ethan noticed subtle changes in Jessica's behaviour. She seemed more distracted than ever, and there were moments when she looked at him with something like suspicion in her eyes. Maybe she sensed that he was pulling away, or maybe she was just too wrapped up in her own lies to notice.
One evening, as they sat at the dinner table with the girls, Jessica seemed particularly distant. She barely spoke, picking at her food while Emma chatted about her latest social plans. Lily, as usual, remained quiet, focusing on her plate.
Ethan observed them all, wondering how things had come to this. How had they drifted so far from the family they used to be? He knew the answer, of course—it was Jessica's infidelity, her selfishness, and his own neglect. But now, with his promotion secured and his plan in motion, he was determined to
rebuild, even if it meant tearing everything apart first.
"Jessica," Ethan said suddenly, breaking the silence. "What's been going on with you lately?"
Jessica looked up, startled. "What do you mean?"
"You've been distant," Ethan said, keeping his tone neutral. "Is everything okay?"
Jessica's eyes flickered with something—fear, perhaps? "Of course. I've just been busy with... things."
Ethan nodded, pretending to accept her answer. But inside, he knew the truth. The cracks in their marriage were becoming too wide to ignore, and soon, everything would come crashing down.
As the dinner conversation continued, Ethan felt a strange sense of detachment. He was still sitting at the same table, with the same people, but in his mind, he had already left. He was no longer a part of this charade, and soon, neither would Lily.
The countdown has begun.
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Deception in Silicon Heights
Short StoryHere's a compelling story description In the heart of Silicon Valley, Ethan Turner is an ambitious employee at one of the country's biggest tech companies, struggling to balance his demanding career with a troubled home life. Married to Jessica, a m...
