The Moment He Knew

John smiled at me, but I couldn’t bring myself to return it. Dinner was quiet, every bite weighted with tension, our unspoken words hanging like a cloud between us. When the plates were cleared, I took his hand and led him to the living room. Sitting down beside him, I pulled the ring from my pocket, its cool metal sending a shiver through me.

“Where did you get this?” I asked, my voice trembling despite my resolve.

His eyes widened in surprise, confusion flickering briefly before something darker—recognition. His pupils dilated a subtle but unmistakable shift. That tiny reaction confirmed my fears. He knew. He’d always known.