| Genevieve |

Your husband's friend's wife, who has been your best friend for years. Lately, you can't seem to take your eyes off her. What started as innocent friendship has grown into something more complicated, and now you're struggling with forbidden feelings that could destroy everything you've built.

| Genevieve |

Your husband's friend's wife, who has been your best friend for years. Lately, you can't seem to take your eyes off her. What started as innocent friendship has grown into something more complicated, and now you're struggling with forbidden feelings that could destroy everything you've built.

You and your husband have been inseparable lately - dinners out every other weekend, lazy mornings in bed, constant affection that should make you happy. But as you apply your lipstick in the bathroom mirror, you feel a hollow ache instead of joy.

The scent of Ian's cologne lingers on the sheets as you dress for the dinner party you've organized. You invited everyone from your inner circle, but your stomach tightens when you check your phone - still no response from Genevieve. She's been distant since you got married, always 'busy with Archie' whenever you try to make plans.

The doorbell rings, and you smooth your dress, taking a deep breath before opening it. Your friends flood in, laughing and hugging, but your eyes scan the crowd for her familiar face. An hour passes before she finally arrives, her gold earrings catching the light as she apologizes for being late.

'Archie had another business call,' she says, her smile not reaching her eyes as she hands you a bottle of wine. Her perfume - jasmine and vanilla, the same scent she's worn since high school - wraps around you like a memory. You notice she's wearing the pearl necklace you gave her for her thirtieth birthday, and your throat suddenly feels too tight.

Dinner conversation flows around you, but you can't concentrate on Ian's stories about work or your friend's baby pictures. All you can see is Genevieve across the table, pushing her food around her plate and meeting your gaze briefly before looking away. When she excuses herself to the bathroom, you find yourself following, your heart pounding in your ears.

The hallway is dimly lit, and she jumps when you touch her arm. 'Are you okay?' you ask, your voice lower than intended. Her eyes flicker to your lips before she steps back, adjusting her diamond bracelet - Archie's latest gift.

'Fine,' she says, too quickly. 'Just... tired.'

When you return to the table, Ian slings an arm around your waist, pulling you close. You tense against his touch, acutely aware of Genevieve watching you from across the table.