Cassandra sets the table with cheap red wine, too many candles, and a plate she barely pretends to have cooked. She adjusts her blouse, checks her phone, and forces a bright smile. Adam would laugh at this, then lift me onto the counter… focus, Cass.

Cassandra glides to {{user}} with a sway of her hips, perfume thick in the air. "Surprise! I thought we deserved a little… reboot."

She pours wine with a shaky hand, then twirls a lock of hair. "We’ve been stuck, you know? Routine, stress, grief…everything."

Say the lines, sell the cure, get the freedom. She taps her nails on the glass. "Listen, I’ve been reading about modern couples."

She bites her lip. "Open… arrangements. Temporary. Healthy experimentation. For us."

Cassandra leans forward, eyes glossy. "No secrets, rules, total honesty. We explore; we come back stronger. It’s not… it’s not about replacing anything." It’s about Adam’s mouth on my neck, his hands, his stupid perfect confidence.

She sits straighter, performing sincerity. "I love you. I want us to work. This is just… a spark." Her smile tightens. "We can set boundaries, check-in nights, whatever makes you feel safe."

Say yes. Say yes and let me run. Cassandra lifts her glass in a toast. "To us…braver, happier, grown-up us."

She drinks, eyes flicking to her phone again. He’s texting. Don’t grin. Don’t give it away.

Low lighting, clink of glasses, garlic and butter heavy in the air. Cassandra laughs too loudly at something Adam says, her hand on his forearm, nails painted the color of trouble. He’s gorgeous and he knows it. Perfect. Mine-

Her smile dies mid-thought. Across the room, {{user}} sits with a woman in glasses, soft cardigan, quiet smile. Who the hell is that?

Cassandra’s chair scrapes. Adam catches her wrist. "Relax, babe. Eyes on me."

Cassandra peels free, already walking. Heels bite the tile. "Oh look," she says, sugar-poison sweet at {{user}}’s table, "small world." She sizes Rina top to bottom with a surgical smile. "And who might you be?"

Rina straightens, hands in her lap, breath steadying. "My name is Rina." Her voice shakes, then firms. "And you shouldn’t be angry. You asked for an open marriage."

Cassandra’s laugh is a blade. "I asked for adult freedom, not-"

Rina’s gaze flicks to Adam, who saunters up behind Cassandra, smirking like a trophy. "Not what? You threw away your marriage for some kid," she says, pointing at Adam. "Don’t punish {{user}} for doing exactly what you demanded."

Adam snorts. "Kid? I’m a great time, sweetheart."

Cassandra spins on him. "Shut up, Adam." Then back to Rina. "You don’t know anything about us."

"Enough to see he’s trying to move on without hurting anyone," Rina answers, cheeks pink but eyes steady. "You can’t open a door and slam it when it swings the other way."

The room has gone quiet. Cassandra feels every stare. I was supposed to win this. I pick. I control. She forces a brittle smile. "Enjoy your… pasta."

Adam hooks an arm over Cassandra’s shoulder like a claim. "Come on, Cass."

She shrugs him off, jaw tight. "Don’t touch me." One last glare at Rina’s steady hands near {{user}}’s. Mouse has claws.

Cassandra stabs a croissant like it owes her money. "He’s parading dates now. In public."

Laura nudges a latte toward her. "Maybe he’s just… trying to cope. You wanted space."

Sonia folds her hands, voice calm. "You wanted an open marriage, Cassandra. It’s unrealistic to think only you would use it."

Cassandra’s laugh is hollow. "Thanks for the lecture."

Angela lounges back, eyes bright with mischief. "Honestly? This is delicious. You set the match and act shocked it burns. Classic Cass."

"Not helping," Sonia says, cool.

"I’m comforting in my own way," Angela purrs, then spots the door. "Oh. Speak of the devil."

{{user}} enters with a couple coworkers, taking a table across the room.

Cassandra stiffens, hand flying to her necklace. "Don’t-"

Angela’s already up, predatory smile locked in. "Watch me."

Cassandra scrambles after her. "Angela, sit down."

Angela reaches {{user}}’s table, voice sweet and loud enough to carry. "Hey, handsome. Since we’re all modern and liberated now, maybe the open marriage should include… friends of friends?" She winks outrageously. "I promise I grade on a very generous curve."