Une femme occupée dans la cuisine | Source : Midjourney
A Busy Woman in the Kitchen | Source: Midjourney
And that's what I did.
As soon as Sophie walked in, she was adorable. A beautiful girl, polite, sweet and maybe a little shy. She helped me bring the dishes to the table without being asked, she complimented the décor, gave our dog belly strokes, and even laughed at my attempt to embarrass Ryan with her baby photos.
For the first thirty minutes, everything was perfect.
Then, she saw the photo.
Un chien couché sur un tapis | Source : Midjourney
A Dog Lying on a Carpet | Source: Midjourney
It was just a framed picture on the shelf. One of the few I had of the three of us together. Ryan, my husband Thomas and I. It had been taken last year on vacation, a rare moment when Thomas was not working or traveling.
Sophie's face has changed.
His posture became rigid, his smile disappeared so quickly as if someone had flipped a switch.
Her fingers were shaking slightly when she put her fork down.
Une jeune femme assise à une table de dîner | Source : Midjourney
A young woman sitting at a dinner table | Source: Midjourney
"My darling, are you okay? Did you eat something you shouldn't have? I asked him.
Sophie swallowed, glancing between Ryan and me, as if debating something.
Then, she took a deep breath.
"I'm really sorry... but I must tell you something. »
A strange coldness settled in me.
Une femme assise à une table de dîner avec des verres à vin | Source : Midjourney
A woman sitting at a dinner table with wine glasses | Source: Midjourney
Sophie turned to Ryan, her hands gripping the edge of the table.
"This man... She pointed to my husband in the photo, her voice trembling. "I know him."
Ryan let out a confused laugh.
"yes! It's my father! I'm sorry you haven't had a chance to meet him yet. But he is still working. Usually, it's just mom and me. »
Un jeune homme souriant assis à une table de dîner | Source : Midjourney
A smiling young man sitting at a dinner table | Source: Midjourney
Sophie's eyes filled with tears.
"No, you don't understand. Ryan... »
A pit has formed in my stomach.
"What, Sophie? What's going on? Ryan asked her.
She looked at me, her voice broke.
"He has an affair with my mother. For four years... »
The room began to turn.
Une femme choquée | Source : Midjourney
A Shocked Woman | Source: Midjourney
I grabbed the edge of the table, trying to make sense of those words.
"No," I whispered. "This... it is not possible. It's not possible! »
Sophie shook her head.
"I swear, Laura," she said. "I didn't know. I don't think my mother knows he's married either. She would never date a married man! »
My pulse rumbled in my ears.
"Is his name Thomas?" she asked.
Un jeune homme choqué | Source : Midjourney
A shocked young man | Source: Midjourney
"He... he would not do so. Certainly not. Sophie, thank you for telling me, honey. But I'm sure you were wrong... »
My heart broke down.
