CHAPTER ONE – THE AFFAIR IS REVEALED

Jasmine Delacroix hummed softly to herself as she meticulously arranged the picnic basket, ensuring each of Ethan's favorite foods was neatly packed and perfectly placed. A smile tugged at her lips as she carefully wrapped the still-warm croissants in a cloth napkin, inhaling the buttery aroma. Perhaps this surprise would reignite the spark that had been fading in their marriage lately. Her mind drifted to the previous night's argument over whose turn it was to do the dishes. Jasmine had been exhausted after a long day at the gallery, dealing with fussy clients and demanding artists. Was it too much to ask for Ethan to handle the household chores for once? But he had been engrossed in his latest architectural designs, always putting his work before everything else it seemed. Such petty disagreements had become all too frequent lately, a stark contrast to the early days of their relationship when every moment together felt effortless and filled with joy. She reminisced about the first time they met - at a mutual friend's housewarming party over five years ago. Ethan had been leaning against the kitchen counter, nursing a beer, looking entirely out of place among the rowdy crowd. But the moment their eyes met, something sparked between them. By the end of the night, they had huddled in a corner for hours, talking and laughing like old friends, entirely oblivious to the party raging around them. Ethan had walked her home after midnight, and they lingered awkwardly on her doorstep, neither wanting that connection to end. When he finally leaned in and kissed her, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Dating Ethan was a whirlwind of romantic gestures and passionate nights discovering every inch of each other's bodies and souls. He had opened her eyes to a whole new world of art and design that she hadn't truly appreciated before. And she helped him embrace his spontaneous, adventurous side outside of his meticulously structured work life. Their wedding day was straight out of a fairytale – an intimate outdoor ceremony on the vineyard estate where Ethan's family had deep roots. As they exchanged vows framed by the setting sun over the rolling hills, Jasmine knew she had found her soulmate to build a life with. The first few years of marriage were pure bliss. But gradually, the passion began to cool, seemingly extinguished by the realities of work stress, finances, and the routines of daily life. Somewhere along the way, they had lost that effortless connection, allowing resentments to fester unspoken between them. Shaking her head, Jasmine dispelled the negative thoughts. Today would be different. She had put extra care into selecting her outfit – a flowy yellow sundress that Ethan always complimented, paired with the delicate pendant necklace he had gifted her on their first anniversary in Florence. The memories of that magical trip still filled her with warmth and longing for the intimacy they once shared. With the carefully prepared basket in hand, she made her way to Graystone Design, the prestigious architectural firm downtown where Ethan worked. The sleek, ultra-modern building's angled glass facade and large windows exuded an air of sophistication that simultaneously impressed and intimidated her slightly. But she squared her shoulders and entered through the revolving doors, determined to surprise her husband with this thoughtful gesture in the hopes it would remind them both of the profound love that had brought them together. "Good morning, Mrs. Delacroix," the smiling young receptionist greeted warmly as Jasmine approached the curved front desk. Kayla always reminded Jasmine of a chipper sorority sister with her bubbly personality and conventional good looks. "Morning, Kayla. How are you today?" "Wonderful, thanks for asking!" Kayla chirped. "What brings you to the office? Here to whisk your hubby away for a romantic rendezvous?" She winked conspiratorially. Jasmine couldn't help but chuckle at the term "rendezvous" – it sounded so sordid and thrilling, not at all like the simple picnic she had planned. "Something like that. Is Ethan free for lunch? I thought I'd surprise him." Kayla's eyes lit up with delight. "Oh, how romantic! I'm sure he'll be thrilled – Ethan never stops singing your praises, you know. Let me just check his schedule." Her perfectly manicured fingers danced across the keyboard before she nodded. "He's got a nice long window free until two o'clock. Go on up – I'll let him know you're coming." "Thank you, Kayla." Jasmine felt her cheeks flush slightly at Kayla's comment about Ethan. Did he really speak that highly of her still? A spark of hope flickered in her chest. As she made her way to the elevator bank, Jasmine studied her reflection in the polished marble walls. She looked perfectly put together, but she couldn't quite mask the pang of nervousness gnawing at her. What if Ethan was too swamped with work to properly appreciate her efforts? Or worse, what if this disrupted his intense focus and he viewed it as an unwelcome intrusion rather than a romantic gesture? She brushed the thoughts aside as the elevator doors opened with a muted chime. This would be exactly what they needed to rekindle their fading connection. To remind them of everything that had initially drawn them together and why they belonged as soulmates. The ride up to the 12th floor seemed to take an eternity. Jasmine clasped the handle of the woven picnic basket tightly, the patterns pressing into her palm. When the doors finally slid open, she stepped out into the hushed hallway, following the directories to Ethan's office. With each step toward the frosted glass door bearing his name, her heart pounded more insistently in her chest. She paused outside briefly, taking a steadying breath as she mentally prepared what she would say when he opened the door. Straightening her shoulders, she lifted her free hand and rapped lightly on the glass. Jasmine poised her hand to knock, but the muffled voices from within gave her pause. Was that...Lila? Her husband's coworker and supposed "friend" from the office? Jasmine's brow furrowed as she strained to make out the hushed conversation. "...can't go on like this, Lila. I feel so trapped." Ethan's dejected tone sent a pang through Jasmine's heart. Lila's voice was gentle, soothing. "I know, sweetheart. You've been unhappy for a while now." "Unhappy doesn't even begin to cover it. I regret so much..." Ethan sighed heavily. "I never should have proposed to Jasmine. Our whole marriage was a mistake." The picnic basket slipped from Jasmine's numb grasp, contents scattering across the tile floor with a clatter. But she barely registered the sound over the roaring in her ears. Those words, that painful admission from the man she loved more than life itself, felt like a physical blow.