Gemotions

The scent of cinnamon and sugar wafted from the bakery, a sharp contrast to the bitter taste in Alex's mouth. He’d made plans to meet Chloe there, their favorite spot. But last night, he’d seen her, a smiling companion to another. His face burned with a sudden heat. He'd been so certain. He'd crafted his life carefully, believing his deceit was invisible.

Now, he stood outside the bakery, unable to enter. The thought of facing her, of pretending, was a nightmare. He felt a desperate urge to run, to disappear into the bustling city streets. He clutched his phone.

He took one last look at the bakery, and a sharp, aching feeling tore through his chest. He backed away.