Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the bar across the street seemed to mock Amelia. She watched it from her apartment window, the rhythmic pulse of the light mirroring the erratic thumping in her chest. She’d always admired Liam's "high-pressure" consulting job; the late nights, the important clients, the constant travel. Now, she knew the truth. He worked at the local library, shelving books.

Amelia’s fingers tightened around the lukewarm mug of tea, the ceramic biting into her skin. She should have suspected something. The expensive suits, the boastful stories – they never quite added up. She had built him up in her mind, and now, it felt like someone had kicked the pedestal out from under her. Her stomach lurched, a sensation akin to freefalling.