DONOVAN

I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Maya had been distant all evening, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was because of the gifts I had brought home. I knew I had lied to her about where I got them, but I didn't want to hurt her feelings.

As we finished dinner, I tried to put my arm around her, to pull her close and make her feel loved. But she shrugged me off, saying she was tired and needed to go to bed.

I followed her to the bedroom, hoping to make love to her and reconnect. But as I reached for her,...