Chapter 3: Rising Action

The soft chime of the doorbell echoed through the expansive living room, jarring Sarah from her trance-like state. Mark rose from the sofa and made his way to the door, his footsteps echoing across the polished marble floor. Sarah could feel her heart pounding in her chest like a drum, each beat resonating through her body as she watched her husband open the door.

The man who stood on the other side was a god in human form. Alex towered over Mark, his broad shoulders and muscular chest stretching the fabric of his shirt. His dark hair was cropped short, framing high cheekbones and a strong jawline.