Tom was rewarded for his waiting

Over the ensuing days, events unfolded like a monotonous X-copy. In his home office, Tom sat pondering at the table with the tantalizing ring before him. The mere sight of it sent tides of lust coursing through his veins. But a deadening numbness encroached upon his thoughts, stealing his imagination and leaving him at a loss as to how to harness its power: "Goddammit! I can't even picture what the hell I want right now."

Tom's heart swelled with admiration for Sarah's unwavering faithfulness – her internal turmoil apparent in every line of her disheveled features. He bore witness to the pained struggle she waged, straining against the allure that drew her towards Kevin. In moments of weakness, Tom himself succumbed to temptation, slipping the ring on and off his finger as if testing its weight, teasing his arousal before relinquishing control once more.

Tom's resolve wavered as a soft knock echoed through the room. His heart hammed in his chest as Sarah requested entrance: "It's me, Sarah. May I come in?"

Tom: "Sure thing."

As the door closed, Sarah approached him on the floor, her words hesitant. Tom maintained composure, feigning interest in the ring as she spoke, ever prepared to employ it if matters took a turn for the worse.

Sarah's voice shook with concern: "Tom, there's something I need to tell you... It's about Kevin. I know this will sound terrible…"

Tom listened intently, his heart pounding in anticipation.

Tom: "What is it about Kevin?"

Sarah's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her lips quivered as she battled to maintain her composure.

Sarah: "I've developed… strange feelings for him. Don't misunderstand, I still adore you deeply… but…"

Sarah stared into the distance, her thoughts swirling as she searched for the courage to voice the confession that lay heavy on her heart. For several long moments, her eyes roamed across the room with indecision before finally meeting Tom's unwavering gaze, steadying herself to deliver the truth.

Tom: "But?"

Sara breathed in heavily.

Sarah: "But I want to have sex with him."

Tom struggled to conceal the smirk that threatened to betray him. "At last!" his mind rejoiced silently. The resolution to their dilemma was within reach, yet caution demanded Tom mask his elation. Averting his gaze, he focused on finding the precise words to seal the deal.

Sarah: "Maybe we can find him another place to live — an apartment somewhere... Or maybe we can go on vacation…"

Tom's brow furrowed as he weighed each word carefully, consciousness of the tremendous impact his reply would hold on the plot that lay before them.