Gemotions

The car ride back from the restaurant was silent. A thick cloud of tension hung between Chloe and her husband, Liam. She clutched the steering wheel, knuckles white. The dinner celebration for Liam’s “promotion” had ended abruptly when she'd learned his new title was fictitious, a grand embellishment. The smile she faked during the meal felt like a rubber mask now, stretched too tight.

The familiar scent of the leather interior suddenly felt nauseating. Each red light was a fresh wave of resentment. The lie felt like a betrayal, a wedge driven between them. She wanted to scream, to shatter the quiet.