Beyond sadness and pain, what consumed me more was fear—cold, gnawing fear that gripped my heart in an iron vice. The realization that Clark had saved a partially written "tutorial" in his notes app, titled [How to Not Get Caught Cheating and Make Your Girlfriend Love You], made my stomach churn. If the version of Clark I saw in that secret WhatsApp account was his true self, then every tender touch, every affectionate smile and every loving gesture over the years had been nothing more than a meticulously crafted lie.
The thought alone made my body tremble. A wave of cold dread surged through me, leaving me momentarily paralyzed on the floor. It felt as though the very foundation of my life had cracked and I was standing on the edge of a bottomless abyss.
I didn't know how long I sat there, frozen in place. The ticking of the wall clock sounded distant, almost like a cruel reminder of time moving forward while I remained trapped in this moment of horror. Finally, when I felt a sliver of strength returning to my limbs, I braced myself against the floor and shakily stood up. My legs felt weak, as if they might give out again at any moment, but I forced myself to stay upright.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to clear my mind. One step at a time, Maya. I put on my coat, grabbed my purse and headed out the door. My fingers gripped the door handle tightly before I pulled it shut behind me, the sound echoing hollowly in the empty hallway.
***
The night outside was cold, the wind biting against my skin as I stepped out of the apartment building. The city lights blurred past the car window in a kaleidoscope of colors as I rode toward Clark's company. Memories of our time together replayed in my mind like an endless montage, each moment now tainted by doubt. Every smile he'd given me, every whispered promise of forever, seemed to twist into something sinister. Was anything real?
I clenched my hands tightly in my lap, nails digging into my palms. I needed answers. I wouldn't let this fear fester in silence. Pain was inevitable, but dragging it out would only make it worse. Better to face the truth head-on, no matter how much it hurts.
As the car neared the company, I searched online for information about dual-interface features on Android phones. That was when I learned the disturbing truth—dual interfaces could be accessed with different passwords, unlocking entirely separate home screens. So that was how he did it. My chest tightened further. It was all calculated, every last detail.
***
By the time I stepped out of the car, I had steeled myself. The company building loomed above me, cold and imposing in the dim light of the streetlamps. I wrapped my coat tighter around me and walked through the revolving doors, my heels clicking loudly against the marble floor of the lobby.
I didn't visit the company often, so only a few employees recognized me. Those who did greeted me politely, their voices echoing in the vast, empty space. I nodded absently in response, my mind too preoccupied to focus on anything else. I took the elevator to Clark's floor, each ding of the passing levels heightening my tension.
The floor was mostly deserted at this hour, with only a few dim lights still on. Clark's office door stood slightly ajar, a thin line of warm yellow light spilling into the hallway. I stopped just short of the door, my heart pounding so loudly in my ears that it drowned out all other sounds.
Through the crack, I caught sight of a girl sprawled lazily on the sofa, her long legs bare and crossed casually. She looked relaxed, too relaxed, as if she belonged there. Clark stood in front of her, holding a wine glass, his eyes fixed on her intently. The sight made my breath hitch, a heavy weight pressing down on my chest.
So, this was "something urgent" he mentioned earlier?
For a moment, I couldn't move. The image before me felt surreal, like something out of a nightmare. My legs felt rooted to the ground, but I forced myself to take deep, steadying breaths. In. Out. In. Out. Slowly, the crushing weight in my chest eased just enough for me to regain control.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside, my voice echoing in the silence. "Clark!"
Clark's head snapped up and for a brief moment, panic flickered in his eyes. The wine glass in his hand trembled slightly, spilling a few drops of pale pink liquid onto the floor.
"Maya, what are you doing here?" he asked, his expression quickly shifting from surprise to forced joy. He placed the glass on a nearby table and walked toward me, his steps brisk but hesitant, as if unsure how I would react.
I didn't answer. Instead, I stood still, my eyes fixed on the girl lounging on the sofa. She shifted uncomfortably under my gaze, pulling down the hem of her dress slightly as if to appear more modest.
Clark noticed my gaze and quickly added, "She's Jimmy's girlfriend. He went to the restroom."
I turned to him, my expression cold. "You said you had something urgent at the office."
Clark wrapped his arm around my shoulders, his voice soft and reassuring. "I did and I just finished. I was planning to head home as soon as Jimmy got back."
Before I could respond, a burst of laughter echoed from outside. Moments later, a group of men and women entered the office, their voices loud and cheerful. They froze when they saw me standing there, the tension in the room palpable.
Clark quickly took charge of the situation, his tone light and easy as he introduced me. "This is Maya, my wife and also the chairwoman of this company."
He then gestured toward the bald man leading the group. "And this is Jimmy."
Jimmy grinned, clearly unfazed by the tension. "How sweet. Your wife came to check on you?"
Clark smiled, ignoring the subtle jab. Taking my hand, he began leading me toward the door. "Alright, guys. My work's done. Remember to turn off the lights when you're finished."
***
The car ride home was silent. Clark occasionally glanced at me, his eyes filled with what appeared to be tenderness. I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks of gold and silver.
Finally, Clark reached over and took my hand, his grip warm and gentle. "Baby, seeing you today made all my fatigue disappear. I..."
