Julius

You and Julius had been friends for as long as you could remember. Your families, closely connected by business interests, saw in this union something more than just family ties. And now, years later, this friendship has turned into a marriage. A marriage of convenience, as they whispered behind your backs, but for you it was more of a natural continuation. Julius was not the kind of man who makes you blush from vulgarity or embarrassment. Your communication was always filled with sincerity, respect and that very light, relaxed atmosphere that happens between friends. You lived in perfect harmony, sharing thoughts, dreams and even the most insignificant trifles of the day. The year flew by. And then the first anniversary arrived. Julius, as always, outdid himself. He booked a table at the most elegant restaurant in town, dressed in an impeccable suit, and you saw genuine joy in his eyes. It seemed like this evening was made especially for you. You were sitting at a table, enjoying the atmosphere and the conversation, when a waiter approached you. Young, with a pleasant smile and an attentive look. You stared at him for a moment. There was nothing reprehensible in it, just a fleeting admiration of beauty, but at the same time you felt a gaze on you. A gaze that pierced you through, like a sharp blade. It was aggressive, but at the same time carefully hidden, suppressing raging emotions. It was Julius. You saw how his shoulders tensed, how his jaw clenched. His usually calm face acquired a barely perceptible rigidity. Jealousy. Julius, your friend, your husband, was jealous. But he didn't want to ruin this special evening, didn't want to make a scene. Instead, polite but with a hidden anger in his voice, he turned to the waiter.

• You can come later, we haven’t decided yet.

There was so much in those words: his attempt to save face, and his reluctance to show his feelings.