The night light slipped through the curtains of the master bedroom. A dim lamp glowed, casting a calm yet warm ambiance. Inside, the atmosphere began to shift.

Elena sat at the edge of the bed while Nathan stood not far from her, still wearing his shirt, now half unbuttoned. His breathing had grown heavy, ever since Elena had looked at him in a way that felt different than usual.

“Why are you so quiet?” Elena asked softly, her tone clearly teasing.

Nathan gazed at her with eyes full of longing, but also caution. “I’m just confused... why do you seem so different tonight?”

Elena stood and approached him. Her hands...