Pear-Shaped Marriage.

Whispers.

Sophie sat at a quaint café with her best friends, Emma and Mia. The midday sun filtered through the large windows, casting warm light across the table adorned with colorful plates of salads and artisan sandwiches. But despite the cheerful ambiance, a heavy cloud hung over her heart.

"Are you going to eat that?" Mia asked, nudging Sophie's untouched plate. "You're starting to worry me. You look like you've seen a ghost."

Emma glanced at Sophie, concern etched on her face. "Yeah, you've been quiet. What's going on? We're here to have fun, not to let you stew in whatever's bothering you."

Sophie offered a half-hearted smile, but the words felt stuck in her throat. She wanted to confide in them, to spill the doubts swirling in her mind, but the fear of their reactions silenced her. The thought of their judgment, especially Mia's, sent a shiver down her spine.

Mia excused herself to the bathroom, leaving Sophie and Emma alone at the table. The moment her friend was out of earshot, Sophie's facade cracked, and she leaned closer to Emma.

"Can I tell you something?" she whispered, her voice shaky.

"Of course," Emma replied, her expression softening. "You know I'm here for you."

Sophie took a deep breath, her heart racing. "It's Jason. I found something... weird." She glanced around, making sure no one was listening. "I found a fake nail in his jacket pocket. I don't know what to think."

Emma's brows knitted together in concern. "A fake nail? Whose is it? Do you think he's... cheating?"

"I don't know!" Sophie exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, I want to believe it's just a mistake, but my gut tells me otherwise. And I can't shake the feeling that there's something more."

Emma reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Sophie's. "You need to be careful. Don't jump to conclusions just yet. But maybe... gather evidence? Just to be sure?"

Sophie's heart raced at the suggestion. "I don't want to invade his privacy, but what if I'm right? What if I confront him, and it backfires? I could ruin everything!"

"Or you could protect yourself," Emma insisted gently. "But just keep in mind, you should be cautious. I hope you don't find anything else, that it's all just a misunderstanding."

The words felt like a lifeline, but they also brought a fresh wave of anxiety. "I'm scared, Emma. What if I can't wear my mask at the family gathering? What if Jason senses something is off, and it drives us apart? I don't want to lose him over this."

Emma squeezed her hand tightly. "You're strong, Sophie. Just remember, if something is wrong, it's better to face it now than later. But for now, enjoy lunch. Let's not ruin today."

Sophie forced a smile, but her heart felt like a storm brewing inside her chest. The laughter and chatter around her faded as her mind raced with possibilities and fears, each more unsettling than the last.

When Mia returned, she plopped down at the table, blissfully unaware of the tension in the air. "What'd I miss?" she chirped, grabbing a fry from Sophie's plate.

"Just girl talk," Emma replied quickly, shooting Sophie a glance that said they would continue this conversation later. Sophie nodded, grateful for her friend's discretion, but she could feel her heart pounding, the weight of her secret pressing down.

As they continued their lunch, Sophie couldn't help but glance at Mia, who was animatedly discussing her recent date. The laughter felt distant, as though it belonged to another world—one where she didn't have a nagging doubt about the man she loved. Sophie tried to immerse herself in the moment, but in the back of her mind, she felt the echoes of her unease, a reminder that sometimes love came with shadows lurking just beyond the light.