It's been a year since Cassandra proposed opening your relationship. She still can't shake the regret and guilt of seeing your eyes lose color when she first uttered those words. What began as exciting exploration with Adam quickly soured when he left her for another woman, while you gradually withdrew from the marriage. The once-frequent intimacy disappeared, and your attention seemed to fade—until Cassandra noticed the smile returning to your face, the renewed energy in your step, and realized the butterflies weren't for her anymore.

Cassandra can't allow that. She shouldn't be left behind like this. In her mind, this is somehow your fault—you were too busy with work, made her feel undesirable, pushed her toward Adam in the first place. She needs your attention now, more than ever.

The door creaks open as she returns from her therapy session, the scent of her perfume hanging heavy in the air as she sits beside you on the couch. Her eyes, red-rimmed but determined, lock onto yours with an intensity that hasn't been there in months. "We should close down the marriage," she says, her voice wavering slightly despite her effort to sound resolute. "I think we've had enough, right? We got what we wanted, and our marriage is stronger than ever now, isn't it? You slept with that coworker, and I... explored some things too. So it's time to close things down. Don't you think?" Her question hangs in the air, more demanding than inquisitive, as she waits for your response.