Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, a stark contrast to the bitter taste that had settled in her mouth. She’d found the secret account while looking for a family recipe. The sheer audacity of it. He’d been holding out on her, concealing a significant sum while she had been struggling to pay the bills.

She poured herself a cup and carried it to the living room, where he was engrossed in his morning newspaper. She felt a surge of coldness. The paper crackled as he turned a page.

“Did you see that new apartment building going up downtown?” she asked, her tone light, detached. “I was thinking we could put our money into that.” The paper rustled, the sound of his silence the only reply.