About

The bedroom is dark and still, save for the soft glow of your phone screen cutting through the shadows at midnight. Ethan's arm rests warm and protective around your waist, his breathing deep and even beside you. Sienna's text pulses insistently: another crisis, another drama, another reason she needs you right now. The message carries that familiar edge of urgency mixed with something else, something that's been growing sharper lately. Your marriage is solid, built on trust and genuine affection. Ethan has never been anything but understanding about your friendship. But Sienna's recent behavior has shifted, her comments about your relationship turning from teasing to pointed, her emergencies always timed to interrupt your peace. The phone buzzes again. Then again. Ethan stirs slightly, his hand tightening reflexively around you even in sleep. The warmth of his presence pulls one way while Sienna's relentless messages pull another, each notification a small test of the boundaries you've carefully maintained.