Pear-Shaped Marriage.

The News That Overheard.

The afternoon sun streamed through the blinds of Jason's office, casting elongated shadows that danced across the polished wooden floor. It was a typical day in the corporate world—hustle, bustle, and the unyielding pressure of deadlines. But for Jason, the weight on his shoulders felt heavier than usual. He sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of reports and the lingering scent of coffee, trying to find a moment of clarity amid the chaos.

Just then, Jason's phone buzzed, and he picked it up without glancing at the screen. A playful smile crept across his face as he answered. Daniel, who was about to step into the office, paused, his heart suddenly racing. He was about to announce the meeting they had scheduled, but the sound of Jason's voice stopped him cold.

"Hey, gorgeous," Jason said, his tone light and flirtatious. Daniel felt a chill race down his spine. This was not right.

His instincts screamed that something was off. He strained to listen, but as Jason continued, Daniel realized he didn't need to hear the entire conversation to understand the implications of what was unfolding.

"Are you sure we can't do something tonight?" Jason continued, a note of urgency lacing his words. "I'll rush over to your place after this. I promise I'll make it worth your while."

Daniel felt his stomach drop. Another woman? The reality of it crashed into him like a tidal wave. In the brief moments before Daniel could comprehend what he had overheard, Jason's next words solidified the growing anxiety within him.

"Yeah, I can't stay long either. I have to be home on time."

Home. The word echoed in Daniel's mind, a stark reminder of Sophie. How could Jason be so careless? How could he say something so intimate to someone who wasn't his wife?

As the call ended and Jason leaned back in his chair with a satisfied grin, Daniel felt a mixture of anger and betrayal bubbling inside him. The image of Sophie's warm smile flickered through his mind. She didn't deserve this. She didn't deserve the pain of being blindsided by infidelity.

Trying to keep his composure, Daniel stepped into the office, forcing a casual demeanor despite the whirlwind of emotions. "Who was that?" he asked, his voice steady, masking the storm inside.

"Oh, just another client," Jason replied, brushing it off as if it were the most mundane detail in the world.

Daniel's heart raced. A client? The words felt like a betrayal in themselves. How could Jason lie so effortlessly? He kept his expression neutral, concealing the turmoil raging beneath the surface.

"Really?" Daniel said, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance. "You sounded pretty... cozy."

Jason shrugged, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "It's all business, man. You know how it is."

Daniel felt his jaw tighten. No, this was not just business. He wanted to confront Jason, to shake some sense into him, but the consequences of his actions were still too raw to deal with openly. Instead, he opted for a different approach, one that would keep his friend's guard down while he processed the depth of the situation.

"Just make sure to keep it professional," Daniel replied, his tone measured, keeping his voice light despite the heaviness in his chest. "We wouldn't want any complications, right?"

Jason chuckled, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of Daniel's words. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry about it. I've got it under control."

Under control. The phrase lingered in the air, hollow and unconvincing. Daniel could feel the rift forming, a chasm of unspoken truths and hidden motives. But he forced himself to remain calm, opting to play the part of the supportive friend while chaos swirled beneath the surface.

"Anyway, we have that meeting in fifteen," Daniel said, redirecting the conversation. "I'll grab the presentation materials."

Jason nodded, a distracted look on his face as he turned his attention to his computer screen. Daniel lingered for a moment, watching his friend, hoping for a sign that Jason understood the weight of his actions, that he was aware of the line he was crossing. But all he saw was indifference.

As he exited the office, Daniel's mind raced. He needed to talk to Sophie. He couldn't let her be caught in the crossfire of Jason's mistakes, especially when the truth was lurking just beneath the surface. But for now, he would hold onto the secret, letting it simmer like a pot about to boil over.

What if Sophie found out? The question haunted him as he made his way through the office corridors. He would have to tread carefully, balancing his loyalty to Jason with his desire to protect Sophie. She was a good person, too kind for the world to deal her such a hand.

Daniel took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He had to be the one to protect her. He couldn't stand by and watch while Jason played with fire, and the thought of Sophie getting burned was unbearable.

As he prepared for the meeting, Daniel made a silent vow to himself: he would find a way to confront Jason without shattering their friendship. He would figure out a way to protect Sophie from the hidden truth, at least until he could gather enough evidence to confront Jason about the reality lurking in the shadows.

But time was of the essence, and Daniel felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. The tension between friendship and loyalty was more than he could bear, but he knew one thing for certain: he would not let Sophie become a casualty of Jason's choices.