The wine glasses sat untouched, their contents glinting darkly under the warm light. Elena's composure was a mask, smooth and unflinching, but the silence was loud enough to slice through bone.
Adrian finally broke it. Elena, you don't have to do this…
Her laugh was sharp, brittle.
Don't I? Because I feel like there's nothing so special except there's something special you're hiding.
So tell me, Adrian, what should I do?
Sit quietly, smile at the table, and let my marriage rot in the shadows?
Maya's eyes darted between them, her knuckles white around her glass.
She keeps on pleading... Elena, please…
Please what, Maya? Elena's voice lashed like a whip.
Please forgive you?
Or should I say please look away while you sink your claws into my husband?
Maya flinched.
Adrian stood abruptly, pacing like a trapped animal. Stop it now. Both of you. This isn't…
Isn't what? Elena's voice rose, cracking the mask for the first time. Her hands slammed against the table, rattling the glasses.
Isn't what, Adrian? Do you mean if it's real?
You think I don't see the lipstick on your collar or the perfume that lingers when you walk through that door?
You think I don't notice the nights you come home smelling of guilt?
Or I should continue telling you in details?
Adrian froze. Maya's breath caught.
Elena straightened, smoothing her dress with trembling hands. Her voice softened, dangerously calm again.
"The thing about fire, Adrian, is that it doesn't care who it burns. It consumes everything. Even the ones who thought they were safe."
At this point, Maya's eyes filled, tears threatening. "Elena, I never meant…."
Don't be like that. Elena's gaze was sharp as a blade.
Don't insult me with that line. You meant every kiss. Every stolen night. Every moment you thought he belonged to you, right?
Adrian's fists curled, veins visible in his forearm. Enough, Elena! She's….
Elena turned on him, her fury igniting fully now.
She's what, Adrian?
Worth destroying me for?
Worth killing this marriage for?
The words hung heavy, suffocating.
For the first time, Maya stood. Her voice trembled but carried a strange strength.
"I'm not the only one who wanted this, Elena. He came to me. He ….."
Maya! Adrian barked, but it was too late.
Elena's eyes widened, not in shock, but in vindication. A small, cruel smile curved her lips.
There it is, she whispered. "The truth, always clawing its way out."
Adrian sank back into his chair, defeated, his face buried in his hands.
Elena, however, remained standing. She walked to the window, pulling back the curtain just enough to let in the cold night air. The city lights flickered in her eyes as she spoke.
Do you feel it now….. The price of fire?
How quickly it consumes?
The heat of desire turning to ashes in your mouths?
Neither Maya nor Adrian answered. Their silence was confession enough.
Elena let the curtain fall and turned back to them, her voice low, dangerous.
"This isn't over. Not by far. You've set fire to my life… but you forget, I know how to burn, too."
And with that, she lifted her glass, drained it in one swallow, and left the room.
The door closed behind her with a finality that felt like the click of a lock on a prison cell.
Maya sank into the chair, shaking. Adrian sat motionless, his jaw clenched tight.
Between them, the wine glasses gleamed like blood.