While My Husband Was Away

My name is Emma Lawrence, and I’m a dance instructor.

"Absolute perfection"—that’s how my husband describes me.

But ever since he went abroad, I’ve been struggling with the loneliness of an empty bed…

That night, just as I lay down after a shower, my phone buzzed with multiple messages.

"Sister, your peach butt is stunning."

"Sister, have you ever touched a man’s abs before?"

Along with these words came several selfies—some close-ups, others mirror shots—each radiating raw, masculine energy.

By the time I swiped to the last photo, I caught myself swallowing hard.

All of them were sent by a man named Liam Evans.

Meeting him felt like fate.

After my husband left, I started swimming daily to pass the time.

One day, my anklet got caught and slipped off in the water—Liam was the one who retrieved it for me.

We ended up chatting by the poolside and, to my surprise, discovered he was the ex-boyfriend of one of my juniors. Naturally, we exchanged numbers.

Even then, I had a feeling things might escalate between us.

Though I’d only ever been with my husband, the idea didn’t repulse me.

I told myself: If it happens, it happens. If not, no pressure.

Our online conversations were sporadic but loaded with unspoken tension. Neither of us wanted to make the first move, as if admitting desire meant losing some invisible game.

Then last month, Liam suddenly asked about the tiny charm on my anklet—why was "sex" engraved on it?

Flustered, I explained my husband had it custom-made.

Just like that, the conversation smoothly shifted to intimacy. I appreciated the seamless transition—and I could tell he did too.

He said he wanted a closer look at the charm.