The man I had an affair with was the marriage counselor my husband paid a fortune to bring us together-4

An Unanticipated Counselor
I went. Desperation? Or sparing David embarrassment? I couldn't say. The counseling space nestled above a quiet cafe. Lucas shattered expectations—no austere therapist. "Sophie?" Soft grey cashmere, an easy smile. "Settle anywhere. No formalities here. "His office felt cozy, a friend's living room, not a clinical space. "Something to drink? Their pour-over is exceptional. "I ordered a latte, fingers tracing the cup's curve. "Nervous?" Lucas noted my fidgeting. I nodded. "It's alright," he smiled. "Just conversation. Say only what you wish today. "Unexpectedly, the tension in my shoulders softened.

The Curious "Homework"
At session three's end, Lucas lingered. Stirring his coffee, he met my eyes. "Sophie, an intriguing experiment?" "Experiment?" My guard rose. "Yes," he set the spoon aside. "Set the conflict aside. 'Pretend' to be a loving couple." I frowned. "Artificial."

"Consider it acting," his gaze was gentle. "Behavior can shape feeling. Like when you first met, showing your best selves? "Seeing my hesitation, he added, "Treat it as a game. No pressure." Pretending… Absurd, yet a relief. Easier than confronting our marriage's ruin." Alright," I conceded. "I'll try." Leaving, a question surfaced: If I still loved David, what would I feel now?