Y'S

said finally. Her voice was calm, but the tremor underneath it was unmistakable. "But nothing happened, babe I promise ." "Then explain why you were there," I demanded. "Why you went without telling me." She took a shaky breath. "I-I thought you'd be buried in work and I wanted to surprise you. You always say my cooking makes long days easier." I leaned forward. "So you cooked, packed the food, left early, and went straight to him?" My voice rose without meaning to. "Do you have any idea how that looks?" Tears welled in her eyes. She looked up, pain and frustration mingling on her face. "Babe, look at me." I met her gaze. She blinked back tears and swallowed hard. "I brought the food because I know you love it. I went in because he asked me to. I didn't refuse because I was scared of what he might do if I said no. But it ended the moment I saw you walk in." She paused, waiting. My chest tightened. Part of me wanted to believe her. Part of me wanted proof. "I got a text" I said as I pulled out my phone to show her the photo. "This text you got," she continued, her voice softer now, "it's not real. Someone is trying to wreck us, to turn us against each other before we even get a chance." I stood and began pacing again. "Someone? Who would do that? Why?" She stood too, coming a step closer. "I don't know who. But it's someone with access to both of our numbers. Someone who knows about us." Anger flared in me. "So you're saying this is a conspiracy? That some phantom is playing puppeteer with our lives?" She nodded, tears now freely rolling down her cheeks. "Yes. And I'm sorry you have to be the target, but it's happening to me too." I stopped pacing, staring at her. Her words struck me harder than any blow. I wanted to find an explanation that didn't involve betrayal. I wanted to trust her. But trust felt fragile, like a cracked pane of glass. "Then show me proof of sabotage," I said, voice low. "Show me who sent it, and maybe I'll believe you." She pulled out her phone. "I wish I could. I keep deleting their messages but they just keep coming. I