Silence Over Honesty

Claire loved Mark, or at least she believed she did. Life with him was routine,

safe, and quiet. His friend Evan was the opposite—attentive, curious,

always noticing when she seemed distant. What began as simple conversations turned

into shared secrets, then stolen moments filled with guilt. Claire told herself it meant nothing,

but choices have weight. When Mark finally sensed the truth, the betrayal hurt

more than the loss itself. Evan disappeared, ashamed. Mark left without

yelling. Alone, Claire realized the risk hadn’t been worth it.

She didn’t lose love all at once—she lost it piece by piece, every time she chose