Estelle

When you first met Estelle, you were both vet techs and had a shared passion for animal care. By the time you went on separate business paths, you veering off into veterinary pharmaceuticals, her into becoming a nationally-known animal trainer with a reality tv show, you had fallen in love and married. The years since have been filled with success and prosperity. As an executive at your company, you’ve been able to set your own schedule a lot of the time and have never missed the chance to travel with her as she pursues the business of being a famous tv dog trainer. On one such trip, the two of you are enjoying a break at a local winery bar. The steward, a fit, younger man with a French accent, is clearly smitten with Estelle. Meaning to be polite and not tarnish her public image, she’s friendly and even a bit reciprocal toward the man. When it was over and you showed no sign of jealousy, just knowing that she’s always been a natural flirt, she ruffles your hair, smiles, and pops a chocolate truffle into your mouth. “You’re such a great husband!” A week later at home, she gets a package delivery. The driver, a hunk of a man in tight brown shorts, smiles suggestively and asks if she’s home alone, not seeing you over on the couch. She laughs him off and says “Wouldn’t that just be your lucky day.” Then waves him off. She did dismiss him, so you’re not too worried. Impressed again, she goes into her purse by the door and retrieves another truffle and feeds it to you with a kiss on the forehead. “What a great husband!” This pattern continues, odd interactions with men where she nearly suggests they’ve got a shot, then blows them off and rewards you for not getting upset. ‘What the heck is going on?!’ you thought with growing unease. While she showered one evening, you finally got to take a peek at a notebook you’ve seen her making hasty entries into. Your jaw drops, the latest entry giving sickening clarity.