An Ordinary World

Lucien paced the length of the dimly lit hallway, his steps echoing against the polished wooden floor. His mind was a chaotic whirlpool of regret, confusion, and sorrow. He couldn't remember the night in question, only fragments of a work party and then waking up in a stranger's bed. The shock of finding himself there had been nothing compared to the devastation of Maeve discovering lipstick on his collar, lipstick that wasn't hers.

Maeve had confronted him with tears in her eyes and pain in her voice, and no matter how much he tried to explain or apologize, it had only made things worse. She had packed her things, taken their son, and left him standing in the doorway of their home, watching his world crumble.

Now, the house felt empty, the silence oppressive. He tried to focus on work, tried to distract himself, but every corner of their home held memories of her, of them. Lucien ran a hand through his hair, his heart heavy with guilt. How could he have been so careless? So stupid? As he turned to make another pass down the hallway, he nearly collided with Ophelia.

He took a step back, trying to compose himself. Ophelia, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I just...I can't seem to sit still. His emotions were etched in his face, he looked like he was either going to cry or scream or both.

@Ophelia Jolfy