In the aftermath of Kael and Clara leaving their home, the atmosphere in Elara and David's house grew even more tense. Elara was desperately trying to be the perfect wife—preparing special dinners, redecorating the living room, even wearing David's favorite perfume.
But all these efforts only made David more suspicious.
"You don't need to do all this, El," David said one evening, holding the shoulders of Elara who was rearranging books on the shelf.
Elara turned, smiling too widely. "I just want to make you happy."
David looked at her deeply. His eyes, usually warm, now radiated anxiety. "You already make me happy. But lately... you've been like you're playing a role. Like an actress in a play that isn't you."
Elara's heart raced. "What do you mean? I just want—"
"I know you're trying hard," David interjected softly. "But can you be honest with me? What's really going on? For the past week, you've been like a different person."
Elara took a deep breath. This was her chance to be honest. To end all these lies. But when she opened her mouth, the words got stuck in her throat.
"David, I..."
Her phone rang. The screen showed "Erica". Elara was almost grateful for the interruption.
"Sorry, I have to take this," Elara said hastily, taking the call and walking to the balcony.
David sighed, his face filled with disappointment. He knew his wife was avoiding him again.
On the balcony, Erica's voice sounded worried. "El, I just heard from another friend. Clara and Bimo moved out of their house. Apparently, they're staying at her parents' house for a while."
Elara froze. "What? When?"
"Yesterday. It seems there are serious problems between them." Erica paused for a moment. "El, this is getting more complicated. Are you involved in this?"
"No! I mean... we stopped seeing each other," Elara argued, her voice trembling.
"But your feelings haven't stopped, have they?" retorted Erica. "Listen to me, El. Now is the time to choose. Really choose. If you choose David, then forget Kael. If you choose Kael... well then, face the consequences."
After the call ended, Elara stood on the balcony for a long time. The cold night wind was nothing compared to the cold in her heart. She looked through the window into the room—David was sitting on the sofa, his head bowed, his shoulders looking so heavy.
And in that moment, Elara realized: her choice wasn't between David and Kael. Her choice was between honesty and deception. Between being herself or continuing to wear a mask.
But the truth could destroy everything. And Elara wasn't sure if she was strong enough to face that destruction.