In the Shadows of Regret

ariana. On the outside, everything appeared normal. They still shared meals, exchanged quick kisses before leaving for work, a

-the same caring, intelligent, and strong person who had been his partner for years. But over time, something had shifted between them, and

imbing the ranks at her company with relentless ambition. But that ambition came with a cost-her time and energy. Eduardo often found himse

t. She pushed him to be better, to achieve more. But lately, her need for control had become overwhelming. She micromanaged everything, from thei

o had always appreciated their intellectual connection, the deep conversations that had once filled their nights. But those conversat

tone dismissive. "Things will get bett

iana was too preoccupied with other things to really listen. She wasn't cruel or unkind-far from it. But there was a certain co

er, on maintaining their life in perfect order, that she had lost sight of the emotional core of their relationship. The intimacy

where Cam

o couldn't deny that the warmth and attention Camila gave him were seductive, especially in contrast to Mariana's increasing emotional distance. Camil

care to. And though Eduardo knew Camila's presence in his life was compl

rence now, these subtle exchanges. Sometimes it was a simple "thinking of you" message, or other times,

t home? Still ten

ying. He had tried to keep his distance, tried to set bound

e's been distant. Work is

antly, Cami

feel like you're not being heard. You deserve someon

ing, but it was hard to resist the validation she offered. It felt good to be seen, t

vy. He wanted to say something, to bring up how disconnected he felt, but every time he tried, he hesitated.

breath. "Marian

barely registering the serious

ht words. "I just feel like we've been...

o, we've talked about this. Things are just busy right now. I'm doing everythi

"Because it doesn't feel like we are. It feels

or us, Eduardo. Everything I'm working for is to make sure we have

"But I need more than that. I need you to be her

of the conversation. "I don't know what yo

grow even more. He wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap

almost instantly, her back turned to him as she curled up on her side. He watche

s much as he hated to admit it, part of him was beginning to wonder if they were still the right fit for each other. Was

e understood him in ways Mariana no longer did. And though Eduardo knew he shouldn't be thinking ab

la texted him, Eduardo

Eduardo and Mariana's relationship. She had seen the cracks

o began to open up to her more, she started to subtly plant seeds

one evening when they met for coffee. "Y

just been so focused on work. I know she's trying to do what

r to you. Relationships are supposed to be about balance, about both peopl

iving, for years, trying to make things work while Mariana seemed too focused on everything el