Claire stared at the empty side of the bed where her husband, Matthew, should have been. The sheets were cold, untouched for months now. At 28, she had married him young, swept up in his charm and promises of a comfortable life. But comfort had turned to isolation. Matthew’s job as a corporate executive kept him traveling, Europe one week, Asia the next, leaving her in their sprawling suburban home like a forgotten trophy. The days blurred into one another: cleaning, cooking meals for one, scrolling through social media envying friends with careers and purpose. Loneliness gnawed at her, a constant ache that no amount of Netflix or yoga could fill. That night, the emptiness hit harder. She tossed and turned, finally drifting into a vivid dream. In it, Matthew was home, his strong arms wrapping around her from behind as she stood in the kitchen. “Missed me, baby?” he whispered, his breath hot on her neck. She turned, melting into his kiss deep, possessive, his tongue claiming he
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