The Luna he discarded

I heard his car pull into the driveway.My body went rigid on the bathroom floor. The test was still in my hand, the two pink lines burning into my palm like a brand. I had been sitting here for hours, it felt like, my back against the cold tile, my mind trapped in an endless loop of what I had seen.Julian's hand on another woman's belly,Julian's lips on her forehead,Julian smiling that smile that used to belong to me.The front door opened. His footsteps echoed through the house, heavy and familiar. I had memorized the sound of his walk years ago,the slight drag of his left foot from an old training injury, the way he paused at the entryway to kick off his shoes."Elara?" His voice carried up the stairs. "I'm home."I shoved the test into the pocket of my sweater and pulled myself off the floor. My reflection in the mirror looked like a stranger. Pale. Hollow. Eyes red-rimmed and glassy. I couldn't let him see me like this.I splashed cold water on my face and pressed a towel against m

The living room smelled of lemon polish and fresh flowers,the same scent I had chosen for our home back when "our home" still meant something. I stood by the window with my hands clasped in front of me, watching Julian pace the rug like a man preparing for battle."Elara, please sit down," he said, gesturing to the couch.I didn't move. "I'm fine standing."The front door opened, and I heard the click of heels. Julian crossed the room to greet her, and I watched as Lena stepped into my house for the first time.She was beautiful in a way that made my chest ache. Tall and slender, with hair that fell in waves past her shoulders and green eyes that sparkled with life. Her belly was round with pregnancy five months, maybe six and she carried it with the confidence of a woman who knew exactly what she was worth."Elara," Julian said, his voice smooth and careful, "this is Lena. Lena, this is my wife, Elara."Lena smiled. It was a polite smile. She looked at me the way one might look at a