The next morning, Emily came down for breakfast, hoping to avoid Mark. But there he was, sitting at the table with Linda. They were laughing, their voices warm and affectionate. The sight made Emily’s stomach turn. He had the same relaxed charm he had shown in the cafe, as if nothing in the world could shake him.
Emily forced a neutral expression as she grabbed her cereal, avoiding eye contact with Mark. Her mom chatted away about their weekend plans, oblivious to Emily’s simmering anger. Mark, too, was calm and collected, the picture of a devoted husband.