Gemotions

The elegant restaurant felt opulent, the soft lighting creating an intimate atmosphere that had been doing wonders for Michael's mood. Across from him, the woman he'd been seeing, Chloe, was captivating. Her laugh was music to his ears, the way she looked at him was intoxicating. He'd never felt so completely… enlivened. He was completely caught up in her.

The waiter arrived with a small, silver box. Chloe opened it. Inside, nestled on a bed of velvet, was a necklace, a delicate silver chain with a single, shimmering stone. Michael had no idea where the necklace came from. But the card that came with it made the room spin. It was a gift from a “Daniel”. There was a photo, too. A photo of Chloe with a man. A man who looked exactly like him.

He felt the blood drain from his face, and his breath hitched. He wanted to scream. Instead, he just stared at the necklace, a knot of confusion and a cold, piercing emptiness forming inside him.