27 Confrontations and Realizations

In a dimly lit corner of the upscale restaurant, Alex watched with a mixture of shock and jealousy as Emma, elegantly dressed, clung to Wayne's arm, laughing freely. The intimacy of their interaction unsettled him deeply. It was a side of Emma he hadn't seen in their years of marriage. After his business meeting concluded, Alex waited impatiently for Emma to exit. When she finally did, her casual demeanor and the laughter still lingering on her lips made him realize how much he had missed. Alex intercepted her near the entrance, his heart pounding with a mix of emotions. "Emma, can we talk?" he asked, his voice tinged with urgency. Emma, spotting Alex, felt an inner sigh of frustration. She had hoped to avoid any awkward encounters, especially with him. But his persistent blocking of her path left her with little choice. "What is it now, Alex?" she asked, her tone laced with irritation. "I saw you with Wayne. What's going on? Why are you with him?" Alex's question was more