“I was leaving on a business trip, but the flight was canceled and I came back home. When I opened the door, a strange woman was standing there wearing my robe. ‘You must be the realtor, right? My husband said you’d come to evaluate our apartment.’ I silently nodded and stepped inside…”

The departure board at Logan International Airport flickered with delay notices, cancellations, and polite corporate apologies that meant nothing to the frustrated travelers gathered beneath it. Paige Miller stood in front of the board with her carry on suitcase at her side and a coffee growing cold in her hand. Her flight to Denver had just been canceled without explanation that made any sense. Weather was clear. The aircraft was reportedly fine. The airline staff simply repeated rehearsed lines until the crowd stopped arguing.

Paige exhaled slowly. Annoyance should have been her only emotion, yet an odd relief crept in. She had been traveling constantly for her consulting firm, barely seeing her husband, Trevor Mills. A quiet night at home might be a gift in disguise.

She booked a ride share, watched the city blur past the window, and imagined Trevor’s surprised smile when she walked in early. She pictured takeout on the couch and a movie neither of them would finish. It felt warm and safe.

She unlocked the front door. A woman stood in the hallway wearing Paige’s robe.

Not a similar robe. The exact robe Paige had bought during a holiday trip years ago. The woman held a ceramic mug from their kitchen. Her hair was damp. She looked relaxed, comfortable, as if she belonged there.

She smiled politely. “Oh hello. You must be the agent Trevor mentioned. He said someone might stop by today.”

Paige felt the floor tilt slightly. Her heart dropped but her face stayed calm, shaped by years of negotiating under pressure.

“Yes,” Paige heard herself say. “I am here for an evaluation.”

The woman nodded and stepped aside. “Great. He is finishing a shower. Make yourself at home.”

Make yourself at home. Paige walked inside, each step measured. Shoes sat near the sofa that were not hers. A second toothbrush rested in the bathroom holder. A bouquet of fresh tulips brightened the kitchen table. Trevor had never bought flowers without prompting.

Paige forced a pleasant smile. “Nice place.”

“Thank you,” the woman said. “We just moved in together. I love the neighborhood.”

Together. The word echoed inside Paige’s skull.

They moved into the living room. The woman talked easily, offering coffee, speaking about renovation ideas. Paige listened, pretending to study the walls and windows while her mind raced.

“I did not catch your name,” Paige said gently.