CHAPTER EIGHT - THE GAME OF HALF-TRUTHS

Marcus stood under the hot spray of the shower, letting the water cascade over his tense muscles. The sound of his phone ringing pierced through the steam. He cursed, knowing exactly who it was. Grabbing a towel, he stepped out and answered the call. "Victoria, I can't talk right now." Victoria's voice came through, sharp and insistent. "Marcus, we need to discuss this. You can't keep avoiding me." Marcus glanced at the bathroom door, lowering his voice. "Emma's asleep. I don't want to wake her." "Of course," Victoria scoffed. "Always about Emma, isn't it?" Marcus sighed, running a hand through his wet hair. "What do you want, Vic?" "I want you to make a decision," she hissed. "This limbo is killing me. Do you want to be with me or not?" Marcus leaned against the cool tile wall. "It's not that simple." "It is that simple," Victoria countered. "You're just too cowardly to admit it." Her words stung, but Marcus knew there was truth in them. "I care about you both. I can't just-"