Gemotions

The discovery was like a punch to the gut. Michael had always believed he wasn't enough. Now, here was confirmation, in the carefully crafted prose of his wife’s novel. He was the villain.

The character based on him was controlling, manipulative, and ultimately, unlovable. He sank into a chair, the words echoing in his mind. He glanced at their wedding photo on the mantelpiece, the smiles now seeming like masks.

His breath hitched. He had spent his life trying to be better, to be worthy. And yet, this. He felt a hollowness he hadn’t known he possessed. He looked at his hands, as if they were foreign objects.