Part 2/9:
Inside, his wife’s friends openly discuss her dissatisfaction with him, claiming she might be divorcing him within a year because he's "not at her level anymore." Their laughter cuts through the apparent camaraderie, revealing a layer of disdain and a toxic dynamic. The protagonist freezes, overwhelmed but sensing that confrontation is unavoidable.
Confrontation and the Breaking Point
Summoning surprising calmness, he steps into the living room, interrupting their revelry. He confronts his wife about her comments, directly addressing the "12 months" timeline she openly discussed. Her face drains of color, and her friends quickly hush. With a steady, deliberate tone, he offers her a stark choice: terminate the illusion now or continue pretending for another year.