Gemotions

He’d always been so careful with money, Liam noticed. Now, here it was, a second bank account under his wife, Sarah's, name. The balance was impressive, more than he made in a year. He reread the statement a second time, then a third. A knot twisted in his stomach, a tightness that made it hard to breathe.

He found himself pacing the living room, hands shoved deep in his pockets. Every memory of their shared financial discussions—the careful budgeting, the shared sacrifices—suddenly felt tainted. He pictured her buying expensive things, enjoying things he didn't know about. The image ignited a flicker of heat in his chest.

Later, as she chatted animatedly about her day, he found himself unable to meet her eyes. His responses were clipped, his voice flat. He excused himself early, claiming a headache, and retreated to the spare bedroom, needing to be alone.