Gemotions

David, a freelance writer, felt a tight knot forming in his stomach. He’d just overheard Mrs. Chen, who had always played the part of the struggling artist, talking about buying a second property. And not just any property – a sprawling estate in the south of France.

He'd spent months commiserating with her about the precariousness of freelance work. She had complained about every penny. It felt like she had been acting. He had been so sure she was just like him, trying to make ends meet.

He took a large swig of his lukewarm coffee, the bitterness doing little to cut through the confusion. He felt a cold dread creeping into his bones. He had opened up to her. And she had…lied?