Gemotions

The phone vibrated in Liam’s pocket, the simple buzzing a brutal intrusion into the stunned silence. He didn’t answer it. He knew it was him. The woman, whose name was apparently Chloe, had just confirmed it, showing him a picture of the same dog, the same apartment, the same "special" coffee mug. He was supposed to be on a business trip.

He stared out the window, the city lights blurring through unshed tears. The air felt heavy, suffocating. He had trusted, he had believed, he had... invested.

He closed his eyes, his head swimming with the implications. Every memory, every shared moment, now felt tainted, a carefully crafted lie. The urge to flee, to disappear, was overwhelming. He knew he had to face him, but the thought filled him with a cold dread.