CHAPTER ONE - THE BUZZ OF A NAME

"Can you believe it's almost been two years, Marcus?" Emma's voice was filled with excitement. "I was thinking we could do something special for our anniversary. Maybe a weekend getaway?" Marcus nodded, his striking blue eyes meeting hers. "That sounds great, Em." He reached for his wine glass, hoping the action would hide the slight tremor in his hand. The familiar warmth of Bella Italia surrounded them – the soft amber lighting, the rich aroma of garlic and herbs, the gentle murmur of conversation from nearby tables. This had been their spot since their first date, when Emma had spilled red wine on his white shirt and he'd found her mortification endearing. Now, sitting at their usual corner table, that memory felt like a knife twisting in his gut. Emma's dark hair caught the candlelight as she leaned forward, her green eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. She'd worn the emerald blouse he'd given her for Christmas, the one that made her eyes look even more striking. Another stab of guilt. "I've been looking at some places online," she continued, pulling out her phone to show him photos. "They all look amazing, but this one really caught my eye." Emma continued, oblivious to his inner turmoil. "I was thinking maybe we could go to that little bed and breakfast in Vermont. You know, the one with the amazing view of the mountains?" The images showed a charming cottage nestled among pine trees, with sweeping views of rolling hills. It looked peaceful, romantic – everything their relationship used to be before he'd complicated everything. His phone vibrated again in his pocket, and he shifted in his seat. "Yeah, that could be nice," Marcus replied, his mind elsewhere. He found himself thinking about another weekend getaway, just days ago. Different scenery, different company. Victoria's perfume still lingered on his collar when he'd come home, and he'd had to wash his clothes twice to be sure Emma wouldn't notice. Emma's brow furrowed slightly. "Is everything okay? You seem a bit distracted." Marcus forced a smile. "Just work stuff. You know how it is with this new project." He took another sip of wine, wondering when lying had become so easy. The first time had been the hardest – a fabricated client meeting that had actually been coffee with Victoria. Each lie after that had flowed more smoothly, building upon the others like a house of cards he knew would eventually collapse. As if on cue, Marcus's phone buzzed in his pocket. He resisted the urge to check it immediately. Emma reached across the table, her fingers intertwining with his. "I'm so proud of you, you know. This project is going to be amazing." Her hand was warm and familiar in his, her thumb tracing gentle circles on his skin. He remembered the first time they'd held hands, walking through Boston Common on a crisp autumn evening. She'd laughed at his terrible jokes and shared her scarf when he'd forgotten his. The memory of that simple happiness made his current reality feel even more suffocating. The guilt gnawed at Marcus's insides as he squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Em. That means a lot." She'd always been his biggest supporter, from his first major project to his recent promotion. Even now, she was looking at him with such trust and admiration that he could barely meet her gaze. The weight of his deception pressed down on him like a physical thing. The waiter approached their table, a steaming plate of pasta in each hand. "Fettuccine Alfredo for the lady, and Spaghetti Bolognese for the gentleman. Enjoy your meal." The aroma of fresh pasta and rich sauce filled the air between them. Emma closed her eyes appreciatively as she inhaled the scent, a small smile playing on her lips. This had been her order since their first date here – comfort food, she called it. Marcus stared at his own plate, his appetite diminishing with each buzz of his phone. As they began to eat, Marcus's phone buzzed again. And again. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Victoria was persistent tonight. He knew exactly what the messages would say – she'd been increasingly demanding of his time, insistent that he make a decision about their relationship. As if there was anything to decide. As if he hadn't already made enough of a mess of everything. Emma looked up from her pasta. "Maybe you should check that. It might be important." Her voice was gentle, understanding. She'd always been like that – considerate of his work commitments, never complaining when late nights at the office cut into their time together. If only she knew those late nights weren't always spent at the office. Marcus hesitated for a moment before pulling out his phone. His stomach clenched as he saw Victoria's name on the screen. The messages flashed across his screen: "Missing you already." "Can't stop thinking about last weekend." "When can I see you again?" Each word was another weight added to the burden of his guilt. "It's just work," he lied, sliding the phone back into his pocket. "Nothing urgent." The lie tasted bitter in his mouth, like the dregs of the wine he'd been drinking too quickly. He watched as Emma twirled pasta around her fork, her movements precise and delicate. She deserved so much better than this. Emma nodded, twirling pasta around her fork. "Tell me more about this project. Is it that new eco-friendly office building?" Marcus latched onto the change of subject. "Yeah, it's really pushing the boundaries of sustainable architecture. We're incorporating..." As he spoke, his mind drifted back to three weeks ago. The chance encounter that had turned his world upside down. The coffee shop had been bustling with the usual morning crowd. Marcus had just picked up his latte when he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Marcus? Is that you?" He turned, his heart skipping a beat as he saw Victoria standing there. Her blonde hair was shorter than he remembered, framing her face in elegant waves. "Victoria," he managed, his voice catching slightly. "It's been a while." She smiled, that same dazzling smile that had once captivated him. "Too long. How have you been?" They found themselves sitting at a small table, minutes turning into hours as they caught up. Victoria's laugh, her subtle touches on his arm, the way she leaned in close to speak – it all felt so familiar, so right. As they parted ways, Victoria's hand lingered on his. "We should do this again sometime." Marcus knew he should say no. But the words that came out were, "I'd like that." "Marcus? Earth to Marcus!" Emma's voice snapped him back to the present. She was looking at him with a mixture of concern and amusement. "Sorry, what were you saying?" Marcus asked, trying to focus. Emma chuckled. "I was asking if you wanted to split a tiramisu for dessert. But you looked like you were a million miles away." Marcus forced a laugh. "Just got lost in thought about the project. Tiramisu sounds great." As Emma flagged down the waiter, Marcus excused himself. "I'll be right back. Just need to use the restroom." In the privacy of the bathroom stall, Marcus finally checked his messages. Victoria: "Can we meet tonight?" Victoria: "I really need to see you." Victoria: "Marcus, please. It's important." His fingers hovered over the keyboard. He knew he shouldn't respond, but he couldn't help himself. Marcus: "I can't tonight. I'm with Emma." Victoria: "Tomorrow then? Please?" Marcus: "I'll try to find a way." Guilt washed over him as he pocketed his phone and returned to the table. Emma was just finishing up her wine. "Everything okay?" she asked as he sat down. Marcus nodded, plastering on a smile. "Yeah, all good. So, about that tiramisu..." As they shared the dessert, Marcus found himself studying Emma's face. The way her eyes crinkled when she laughed, the small dimple that appeared on her left cheek. He loved her, he truly did. So why couldn't he get Victoria out of his head? The cool autumn air nipped at their faces as they left the restaurant, walking hand in hand down the bustling Boston street. "I'm so glad we did this," Emma said, leaning into Marcus. "We've both been so busy lately, it's nice to have a night just for us." Marcus squeezed her hand, pushing down the wave of guilt that threatened to overwhelm him. "It is. Hey, I was thinking – maybe you should go on that girls' weekend to New York you've been talking about." Emma looked up at him, surprise evident in her eyes. "Really? I thought you wanted us to spend next weekend together." Marcus shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I know, but you've been working so hard. You deserve a break with your friends. I can handle things here for a few days." A slow smile spread across Emma's face. "That's so sweet of you. Are you sure?" "Absolutely," Marcus replied, ignoring the voice in his head screaming at him to stop. "You go have fun with Sarah and Claire. I'll be here when you get back." Emma threw her arms around him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "You're the best, you know that?" As they continued their walk home, Marcus's mind raced with possibilities. A weekend without Emma. A chance to sort out his feelings. To see Victoria one last time and put this all behind him. Back at their apartment, Emma yawned as she slipped off her heels. "I'm exhausted. Mind if I turn in early?" Marcus shook his head. "Not at all. I'll be there in a bit. Just want to check a few work emails first." Emma kissed him softly. "Don't stay up too late. Love you." "Love you too," Marcus replied, the words tasting bitter in his mouth. As Emma's soft snores drifted from the bedroom, Marcus sat on the couch, his head in his hands. How had he let things get this complicated? His phone buzzed, illuminating the darkened room. With a sense of dread, he picked it up. Victoria: "I can't stop thinking about last weekend." Marcus stared at the message, his finger hovering over the reply button, torn between desire and duty.