Home

He made his way back to their cozy suburban house, a place he had always found solace and warmth. The familiar sight of their well-tended garden and inviting porch welcomed him, providing a sense of comfort. Opening the front door, Samuel was greeted by the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal. He knew that Emily had been busy preparing dinner, and the thought of their shared evening together brought a smile to his face.

Making his way into the living room, he found Emily seated on the couch, engrossed in a book. Her auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she looked up with a bright smile as Samuel entered.

"Welcome home, Samuel," she greeted him with warmth. "How was your day at work?"

Samuel crossed the room and leaned in to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "It was the usual, mostly, but something today was different," he admitted, a hint of intrigue in his voice.

Emily's curiosity was piqued. "Different in what way?"

He hesitated for a moment, considering how to explain the unusual encounter with Sofie during his lunchtime walk. "I met a new colleague, Sofie, who seems keen on getting to know everyone. She joined me for my walk in the park today."

Emily raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Oh? A lunchtime companion? That's a change in your routine."

Samuel nodded, still processing the unexpected turn of events. "Yes, it was quite surprising. She's enthusiastic and extroverted, the opposite of me."

Emily's teasing smile lingered as she observed Samuel's thoughtful expression. "Well, Samuel, maybe a little change in routine can be a good thing. You might find that you have more in common with her than you think."

Samuel nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. "You're right, Emily. It was a pleasant change of pace, and Sofie seems friendly. She's eager to get to know her colleagues, including me." he paused for a moment " Emily, aren't you the least bit jealous that I spent my lunch break with a friendly and enthusiastic colleague like Sofie?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Emily maintained a smile and her composure but avoided direct eye contact. "Oh, Samuel, there's no reason to be jealous. I trust you completely, and I'm happy you're making new friends at work."

Samuel, however, could detect a subtle change in her tone and the way she chose her words. He knew his wife well, and he could tell that Emily was hiding some feelings of jealousy beneath her reassuring words.

He reached out and gently took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Emily, if you ever feel uncomfortable about anything, please know that you can always talk to me about it. I value our openness and honesty."

Emily met his gaze, her eyes revealing a hint of vulnerability. "I appreciate that, Samuel. It's just that I care about you so much, and I can't help but feel a bit protective sometimes."