The Housewarming Party That Changed Everything

When I opened the door, the woman standing on the other side looked exactly the way I imagined she would.

Nicole.

Tall, confident, dressed in a sleek black dress that suggested she knew she would be the center of attention. In one hand she held a bottle of wine. In the other, her phone, already glowing as if she had been texting someone the entire walk up the stairs.

She looked past me immediately.

Not at me.

Past me.

Looking for him.

“Hi,” she said with a polite smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m here for—”

“I know who you are,” I replied calmly.

Looking back, I realize I should have asked more questions.

But I thought love meant patience. I thought he would tell me when he was ready.

So I waited.

On our wedding day, I believed I was stepping into the rest of my life.

The reception hall was warm and bright, filled with laughter and music. Karl had taken off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, looking relaxed and happier than I had ever seen him.

For a moment we stood there in silence. Behind me, the apartment was full. Music played softly, but the voices had quieted. Thirty pairs of ears were trying to hear what would happen next.

Nicole shifted her weight.

“So… are you going to let me in?” she asked.

I studied her face for a second. Not with anger. Not with jealousy.