I Tried To Keep My House Secret — Marriage Took A Wild Turn

Early Arrival And Confident Steps

Donna arrived earlier than expected, stepping into the house with assured confidence and placing her purse on the counter.
Mark took her coat and guided her toward the patio while I checked the oven timer. She tapped on the countertops, inquired about the brand, and traced her fingers along the backsplash with a critical yet polite curiosity. Complimenting the floors, she noted that the home appeared well cared for. I poured water into glasses and led her to the seating area outside, feeling a mixture of nervous anticipation and quiet hope that the evening would proceed smoothly.
Her perfume mingled with the scent of garlic from the kitchen, creating an oddly domestic yet sophisticated atmosphere. She handed me a foil-wrapped loaf of bread, a courteous gesture that carried an undercurrent of formality.