Gemotions

The glossy brochure, showcasing pristine, high-end real estate, slipped from Maria's fingers. It fluttered to the floor, landing face-down on the polished hardwood. "Head of Sales," Ben had said, with a confidence that always made her secretly proud.

Her vision blurred slightly, and she blinked rapidly. A knot formed in her stomach, a tightening that made her want to claw at her chest. All those late nights, the canceled dates, the vague stories about "important clients." They suddenly seemed malicious.

She picked up the phone. Her fingers trembled as she dialed his number. The phone rang three times before his cheerful voice answered. "Hey, babe!" she heard. He hadn't seen the brochure. Her voice was flat. "We need to talk," she stated, the words clipped and devoid of any warmth.