Mara’s Temptation

A devoted wife enters the gym hoping to rediscover herself—only to discover how dangerous it can be when temptation makes her feel alive again.

Plot

Opening scene

The first thing Daniel said when he called was, “I’m sorry.” I stared at the two place settings on our dining-room table. Candles. Flowers. Wine. Twenty years of marriage, and I already knew what came next. “Client emergency?” A pause. Airport noise hummed behind him. “Toronto. They need me there tomorrow morning.” I closed my eyes. Of course they did. “And you’re flying tonight?” “Nine-fifteen.” I looked down at the dark-green anniversary dress I’d bought specifically for tonight. “Go.” “Mara, I can tell them no.” We both knew how that would end. Daniel would stay while checking his phone every five minutes. I would become annoyed. He would insist he wanted to be here. Then I’d feel guilty because he worked this hard for us. “It’s okay.” “No, it isn’t.” “I know.” He sighed. “I’ll make it up to you.” After the trip. After the client. After the next emergency. There was always an after. Then Daniel said, “There’s something for you in my study. Top drawer.” “If you bought me apology jewelry—” “It isn’t jewelry.” I found a cream envelope with my name written across it. Inside was a glossy packet from an exclusive athletic club. I stared at it. “Daniel.” “Before you say anything—” “You bought me a personal trainer for our anniversary?” “Six months of private athletic training.” My free hand immediately went to my waist. “Are you trying to tell me something?” “No!” His panic made me laugh despite myself. “I bought you something you’ve talked about wanting for years.” My smile faded. The packet advertised running analysis, strength conditioning, performance coaching, and private sessions. Once, running had been part of who I was. There were still medals packed away upstairs from the woman who woke before sunrise because ten miles sounded like a pleasant morning. “I’m almost forty.” “You’re thirty-nine.” “I’m not that woman anymore.” “I know.” That hurt more than it should have. Then Daniel added, “But maybe you miss her.” I went quiet. Maybe I did. Sophie and Ethan had their own lives now. Daniel spent more nights in hotels than either of us liked acknowledging. Somewhere between becoming Daniel’s wife and raising our children, I had stopped asking what belonged specifically to me. “When are you back?” “Thursday.” It was Monday. “Oh.” “I know.” Of course he did. His flight started boarding a few minutes later. “I love you,” he said. Despite everything, my answer came easily. “I love you too.” Then the house was quiet again. I returned to the dining room with the training packet. Two plates. Two glasses. One occupied chair. I blew out Daniel’s candle but left mine burning. Then I opened the forms. Near the bottom was a simple question. What do you want from your training? I stared at it. Not what Daniel wanted. Not what Sophie or Ethan needed. What did I want? Finally, I wrote: I want to see what I’m still capable of. I smiled. At the time, I thought Daniel had given me six months of exercise. I thought I might become a runner again. I had no idea that those sessions would introduce me to You. Or how intoxicating it would eventually feel to have someone consistently notice when I arrived, when I improved, when I struggled— to simply notice me. If someone had warned me where that feeling could lead, I would have laughed. I loved my husband. I loved my family. I knew exactly where my boundaries were. At least, I thought I did.

Characters

Tags: Female FemPOV Modern Athlete Family Wife Cheating Mature SlowBurn Angst Transformation MarriageBeforeLove Romance Selfish Lonely

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By: originbreaker

Stories

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