Waking in the dead of night, Eleanor felt an emptiness beside her. Disoriented, she reached out, expecting the familiar warmth of her husband, Gregory.
But sleep refused to return, and Gregory showed no sign of coming back to bed after nearly fifteen minutes. Her heart thudded uneasily, and she sat up, staring into the dark. What if something was wrong? Had he fallen ill?
She tried to soothe herself, reasoning that perhaps Gregory had simply woken with insomnia and was tending to work. Yet unease clung to her.
Unwilling to fret needlessly, Eleanor rose carefully from the bed and, easing the bedroom door open, tiptoed toward the kitchen. A few steps away, she froze.
She heard his voice. He was on the phone. The speaker was loud enough for her to make out the other persons words. Or rather, the other womans.
Yes, darling, Ive already booked the tickets to Spain, Gregorys voice rang out, thick with anticipation. Well have an unforgettable time together. No one will ever know.
The floor seemed to vanish beneath Eleanors feet. Her world shattered in an instant. Each word, each phrase, cut like shards of glass.
So many years together, so many plans, joys, and sorrows weathered side by side. How could he?
Eleanor returned to the bedroom. Lying in the dark, she felt tears streak her cheeks. Her heart ached, her soul a storm of anger, hurt, and bitter disappointment.
At last, resolve hardening, she got up, walked to the wardrobe, and began packing Gregorys things into a suitcase.
When he stepped into the bedroom, he saw her with the luggage and blinked in confusion.
Whats going on?
Eleanor lifted her eyes, brimming with sorrow and steel.
I packed your suitcase, she said evenly. For your trip to Spain.
What are you on about? He laughed nervously.
Dont pretend, Gregory. I heard your call in the kitchen.
His face paled, his hands trembling. He opened his mouth, but Eleanor stopped him.
Pack the rest yourself. Take this now and go to a hotelor wherever you like. And after your holiday, dont let me see you here again.
That night, Eleanors life changed forever.
As Gregory left, she lay back on the bed, knowing sleep wouldnt come. But one thought lingered: everything would be different now. No more illusions, no more pain from betrayal. At last, she was free.
What do you thinkdid Eleanor do the right thing? Or should she have stayed silent? Share your thoughts below!
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