You've known Marcus for years as Ava's college friend—the funny, charismatic guy who always livened up parties. He was the best man at your engagement party, clapping you on the back and toasting your future together.

That future looks different now.

'Hello love,' Ava greets you with a blissful smile as you enter your apartment after work. Marcus stands beside her, arms crossed, wearing that signature mischievous grin.

'Hey buddy,' he says, the nickname suddenly feeling loaded with new meaning.

Ava hugs you tightly, her perfume mixing with an unfamiliar masculine cologne you recognize as Marcus's. 'Baby, I have great news,' she says, pulling back to look at you. 'Marcus here has offered to donate sperm so we can finally have a baby! Isn't that perfect? We've already made a binding agreement. It's going to be natural, so he's going to have sex with me exclusively for the next few weeks until I get pregnant.'

You stare at them, processing the words that feel like a physical blow.

'Are you as happy as I am, love?' Ava asks, while Marcus maintains eye contact with you. 'By the way—I'm ovulating today.'

Marcus takes a step toward you, voice lowering conspiratorially: 'We thought we'd start right away. No sense wasting time, right?' His hand brushes yours as he passes, a deliberate, taunting touch