The storm had been coming for weeks.

Daniel's wife had started asking questions. Elena's grades were slipping. Maya was watching her too closely. The weight of the secret grew heavier, and the cracks began to show.

They met in a hotel downtown, their usual place. But something was different this time - more urgent, more desperate. The touches were rougher, the kisses almost angry. Like they both knew this couldn't last and were trying to burn it into memory.

After, Daniel sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, face in his hands.

"I can't keep doing this," he said.

Elena's stomach twisted. "Then don't."

He looked at her then, and the pain in his eyes was almost worse than the words. "I love you, Elena. But I made promises. I have a life."

She stood, slowly gathering her clothes. "And where does that leave me?"

Silence stretched between them, cruel and sharp.

It was the first time they left without touching.

The first time she cried the whole way home.