The air felt heavy and thick as I turned the key in the lock. The sky outside was a bruised purple, holding back the rain.

I was early, having finished my prep for tomorrow ahead of schedule. All I could think about was the wine and pasta in my bag. I wanted to surprise him.

The apartment was eerily quiet, and the air was filled with a sharp, floral scent, overpowering the familiar vanilla candle aroma. It was a heavy, expensive perfume that definitely wasn’t mine.

A low, rhythmic murmur drifted from the bedroom, vibrating through the floorboards. I dropped my bag by the door. My heart started a slow,...