Too Late For Regret, Mr. Carlson

k blot on their perfect canvas. A couple pass

at the

his assistant. O

bree though. Now

as a command, not a noti

trembling slightly, not from fear, but from the sharp, twisting cramp that had been wringing her stomach fo

, piercing through the quiet hum of the p

The pain in her abdome

just finished the patch for the server migrat

her finish. She n

standing on a curb waiting for an Uber are unacceptable. Do you underst

ne wen

autiful cage, this penthouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a city that felt a million miles away.

wife. Not partner. Useful. Like

ght by Eleanor, chosen by stylists, worn by a mannequin. Alexia bypassed them all. She re

ed out by sleepless nights and the silent, grinding stress of the last three years. She uncapped a tube of red lipstick a

al slip from the doctor she had seen secretly last week. Suspected

et her h

a metronome counting down the seconds of her patience. Every bump in the road sent a shockwave through her right side. She gripped

Carlson family crest on the license plate frame commanded a respect

ning, Mrs

bby air was warm, perfumed with expensive lilies and old money.

olite laughter grew louder. It was the sound of her husband's world

the room. It di

e crystal chandelier as if the light ex

hampagne, his posture relaxed, confident, the master of his universe. And stand

ee B

mind burning. Her hand was on his forearm. Her fingers were long, manicured, resting there with a familiarity

n lau

in years. A genuine, low rumble of amusement. His

's lungs turned i

pain was sharp, grounding. It kept her fro

he s

e vanished instantly. It was like a shutter coming down over a lens. His eyes wen

her hand away. Instead, she smiled. It w

walked toward Alexia. He didn't rush. He moved

id. No hello. No kis

to say. Her voice felt thi

nd, cutting her

al

o. I've had en

her pallor. He didn't notice the way she was

her presence lingering. "Don't be too hard on her, Je

with pity. "You look tired, Alexia. You really should t

bold Alexia a

looked at Aubree, his expression softening

you get back?"

nod

ck on Alexia and walk

h pulsing in time with her heart. She was the wife. She

at rattled in her ch