I scrolled through my contacts and selected Andrew's number. My brother's voice came through after a few rings, warm and familiar.

"Harry? It's been ages. What's up?"

"Andrew," I began, my voice strained but steady. "Is your research team still hiring?"

There was a pause, the faint crackle of the line betraying his surprise. "Finally decided to take the leap? What happened? Don't tell me you're actually leaving your precious wife."

I forced a faint smile, even though he couldn't see it. "She doesn't know. And she won't find out."

Andrew's tone shifted, more serious now. "Harry... are you okay?"

I hesitated, glancing toward the half-closed bedroom door. The distant clinks and clangs of Alexa still echoed from the kitchen. "I just need a change of scenery," I said at last, evading the question. "Can you help me with the paperwork?"

"Of course," he said, though his tone was laced with concern. "I'll send over the details tonight."

"Thanks." I hung up before he could ask anything further.

***

I didn't confront Alexa about the manuscript. What was the point? Two days later, my suspicions were confirmed when I saw a social media post announcing the release of A Thousand and One Confessions. The book, penned under her pseudonym had made its debut.

Nathan, ever shameless, had posted a triumphant photo of himself holding the book, his caption dripping with pride: [My girlfriend wrote this amazing book just for me! I'm the luckiest guy ever!]

The comments were a mix of envy and ridicule:

[Wow, your girlfriend wrote a book? That's impressive!]

[Sure, but she's just some nobody. Don't compare her to Mrs. Colby—she's in a league of her own.]

[Your girlfriend probably pulled strings to get it published. Not that big of a deal.]

Nathan's smug reply only added fuel to the fire: [My girlfriend is even better than Mrs. Colby!]

I stared at the screen. My lips curled into a bitter smile as I noticed Alexa's account had liked his post.

The following day, the buzz spread like wildfire across Carbel University. In her post at the university's website, Alexa openly praised the new book: [This is a beautifully written work. I highly recommend you read it. It's a masterpiece.]

Her endorsement exploded across the campus network.

[Wow, Mrs. Colby is recommending a romance novel? This I gotta see!]

[Did you hear? She said it's a must-read!]