Chapter 1: She Wasn't Allowed to Meet the Guests
Adrian had been looking forward to his birthday all week.
That evening, their home was filled with family friends and relatives.
Soft music played in the background, food covered the kitchen island,
and guests laughed in the living room.
It was supposed to be a warm family celebration.
Upstairs, Naomi had been getting ready.
She changed into her favorite sweater because she was excited to see
some of Adrian's longtime friends.
She knew several of them personally
and hadn't seen some in months.
When she finally came downstairs, she smiled.
"Hi!"
One of Adrian's friends, Daniel, smiled back.
"Hey, Naomi.
Come here!"
Naomi moved toward the living room.
Before she could reach them, Adrian's wife, Camille, stepped directly in
front of her.
"Naomi, go upstairs."
Naomi stopped.
"What?"
"I said go upstairs."
Naomi glanced toward the guests.
Then back at Camille.
"Not tonight."
"Why?"
Camille sighed as though Naomi had embarrassed her simply by asking.
Adrian heard them from beside the kitchen island.
He turned.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing," Camille said quickly.
Naomi stayed where she was.
Camille lowered her voice.
"Go upstairs.
Now."
Several guests stopped talking.
Adrian walked closer.
"Why are you telling her to leave?"
"Adrian—"
"Why?"
Camille's expression tightened.
"She doesn't need to be down here with the guests."
The room went silent.
Naomi looked at Adrian.
Not angry.
Not surprised.
That expression troubled him more.
It looked practiced.
Adrian stared at his wife.
"How many times have you said that to her?"
Camille froze.
Naomi looked down.
And Adrian understood before either woman answered.
This was not the first time.
He looked around at the birthday decorations, the food, and the people
Camille apparently believed belonged in his home more than Naomi did.
Then he said quietly:
"Of course."
Camille blinked.
"What does that mean?"
Adrian stepped between Camille and Naomi.
"It means I finally understand why she always disappears when people
come over."
Camille reached for his arm.
"Don't do this in front of everyone."
Adrian pulled his arm free.
"No.
You already did it in front of everyone."
Then he turned toward Naomi.
"You're staying."
Camille's face changed.
And before she could answer, Daniel spoke from the living room.
"Adrian…
there's something you need to know about the last time we visited too."
---
What did Daniel see the last time he visited?
And how many times has Camille done this to Naomi behind Adrian's back?
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Comment **"NEXT"** if you want Part 2 — it's already in the comments.
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