The mall buzzes with a dull roar that drills into my skull. Voices, footsteps, music from stores, all of it blends into a symphony of pain behind my eyes. But I'm not about to admit defeat because of a little headache.
Emily's hand feels soft in mine as we navigate through the crowd. Her fingers intertwine with mine perfectly, like they were designed to fit there. It's weird how holding hands with my supposed wife of three years feels like the first time, nervous, exciting, new.
"Are you alright?" Emily asks, her green eyes scanning my face with that now-familiar intensity. "We can take a break if you need to."
The concern in her voice makes something flutter in my chest. Despite all the strangeness, despite all the red flags waving in the back of my mind, there's something about her that feels... right.
"I'm okay," I say, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Just a bit loud in here."
She smiles, that radiant expression that transforms her whole face. "We'll make this quick. In and out for your new phone, then home. Promise."
We pass a group of teenage girls who stare openly at Emily. I can't blame them. Even in casual clothes, designer jeans, and a simple blouse, she looks like she stepped out of a magazine. Tall, blonde, and built like a fitness model. The fact that she's holding my hand still seems impossible.
"So what kind of phone did I have before?" I ask as we approach the cell phone store.
Emily's stride falters for just a half-step. "Nothing fancy. Just a basic Android."
"Really?" I frown, trying to conjure any memory of my previous device. "Not an iPhone?"
Her fingers tighten almost imperceptibly around mine. "No, you always said iPhones were overpriced status symbols."
"So what am I getting today then?" I ask, nodding toward the Verizon store up ahead.
"An iPhone," Emily says, steering me toward the gleaming white storefront.
I laugh, shaking my head. "You're the boss."
Emily's face lights up, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiles. "It'll be cute if we have the same phones, won't it? We can match lock screens."
"Yeah," I say, but hesitate as we approach the entrance. "But I feel bad. I don't want to be some burden on your finances."
Emily straightens her posture, her chin lifting slightly. "I'm the only named partner at my firm," she says with unmistakable confidence. "I can afford a phone for you, no problem, Charles."
I stop walking, my brain catching on her words. Something doesn't add up. "But your firm is called Adams & Associates," I say slowly, watching her face. "Aren't you one of the associates?"
Emily's expression transforms instantly. The confident smile vanishes, replaced by wide-eyed panic. Her mouth opens and closes once before she manages to speak.
"Shit," she sighs, running a hand through her perfect blonde hair.
"Emily?"
"My maiden name is Adams," she explains, not quite meeting my eyes.
"Oh," I say, processing this new information. It makes sense, I suppose, though something still feels off. "I guess it would be a lot of work to change your firm name."
"I only recently took your last name," she adds quickly, looking like a dog with its tail between its legs.
We stand awkwardly outside the Verizon store, shoppers streaming around us like water around rocks. Emily fidgets with her purse strap, waiting for my reaction.
"How recently?" I ask, trying to keep my tone casual.
She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, her eyes darting around like she's searching for an escape route.
"Oh, you know," she says with a nervous laugh. "Not that long ago."
"Are we legally married, Emily?" I ask point-blank.
Emily's back straightens immediately. Her green eyes lock onto mine with fierce intensity.
"Yes," she says firmly. "We are absolutely, legally married."
The conviction in her voice is unmistakable. I believe her on this point, at least. She seems to be telling the truth about us being married.
"Have we been married for three years?" I press further.
"Of course we have," she replies too quickly, her voice rising slightly.
The words hang between us, and I can practically see them shimmer with dishonesty. It's so obvious she's lying that I almost want to laugh. Her eyes dart away for a microsecond before returning to my face with renewed determination.
"Do I seem like the type of woman who would lie to her husband?" she asks, chin tilted up defiantly.
I stare at her, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. The irony is too perfect. This beautiful, terrifying woman standing before me, asking if she seems like a liar while actively lying to my face.
"I suppose," I say carefully, "the woman who has to lie for a living wouldn't ever lie to her husband."
Emily's mouth drops open in mock offense, but I catch the relief in her eyes. She gives my arm a playful swat.
"Hey! I resent that," she says, her voice light. "Lawyers don't lie, we just... present facts in the most favorable light."
She's clearly happy I'm dropping the subject, her posture relaxing as she loops her arm through mine.
"Come on," she says, tugging me toward the store. "Let's get you that phone."
We step into the Verizon store, greeted by the familiar retail hum of fluorescent lights and electronic displays. The place isn't too crowded, just a few customers scattered around looking at phone cases and accessories.
A saleswoman behind the counter notices us immediately. She's probably in her mid-twenties, with a friendly smile and dark hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. When we approach, her eyes meet mine directly, her smile widening.
"Hi there! How can I help you today?" she asks, her tone warm and inviting.
Before I can respond, I feel Emily's arm tense around mine. The change is instant and alarming. Her entire body goes rigid beside me, like she's been electrocuted.
"We need a new iPhone for my husband," Emily cuts in, her voice sharp enough to slice through steel. She practically spits the word "husband," emphasizing it with a possessiveness that makes me cringe.
The saleswoman's smile falters slightly, but she recovers quickly. "Of course! I'd be happy to…"
"And we'll need a family plan with both our phones linked together," Emily interrupts, stepping slightly in front of me. "Charles lost his in an accident."
I watch in stunned silence as Emily's face transforms. The pleasant, if slightly nervous, woman from moments ago has vanished. In her place stands someone I recognize as her rageful side. Her eyes are narrowed to slits, nostrils flared, jaw clenched so tight I can see a muscle twitching beneath her skin. It’s kind of hot, honestly.
"I can definitely help with that," the saleswoman says, her professional smile now strained. "What model were you thinking of?"
"The latest Pro Max," Emily snaps. Her hand finds mine again, but this time her grip is punishing, her nails digging crescents into my palm.
The saleswoman works at lightning speed, probably eager to end this uncomfortable encounter. Emily hovers over the counter like a hawk, her eyes never leaving the poor woman as she processes our purchase. I can feel the tension radiating from Emily's body, hot and electric against my side.
As we walk out of the store, shopping bag in hand, Emily mutters under her breath, "Can you believe that bitch? The way she looked at you like you were a piece of meat. Unbelievable."
I feel heat creeping up my neck, but not from embarrassment. There's something about Emily's jealousy, her raw possessiveness, that sends a thrill straight through me. The way her eyes blazed when that woman merely looked at me... It's intoxicating.
"Are we doing anything else while we're here?" I ask, trying to sound casual despite the growing tightness in my jeans.
"Huh?" Emily responds, clearly still fuming about the saleswoman. Her eyes flick down to my waist, and her expression transforms instantly. The anger melts away, replaced by a predatory smile that makes my heart race.
"No," she says, her voice dropping to a breathy whisper as she leans in close. "We're just heading home."
The promise in those simple words makes me swallow hard. Emily's hand finds mine again, this time gently, her thumb tracing small circles against my skin as she leads me toward the exit. The mall suddenly feels too crowded, too loud, and home can't come soon enough.