Monday Morning — 6:47 AM

The alarm buzzed against the nightstand, and I reached over to silence it before it could wake Anna. But she was already stirring beside me, her face half-buried in the pillow, blonde-highlighted hair fanned across the sheets in messy waves.

"Mmm... already?" she mumbled, not opening her eyes.

I watched her for a moment. The soft morning light filtering through the curtains caught the curve of her cheek, the gentle slope of her nose. Even after a year of marriage, there were mornings where I still couldn't believe she was mine.

"Yeah," I said quietly. "Monday."

Anna groaned and pulled the blanket higher. She was wearing one of my old t-shirts, the fabric stretched across her shoulders and chest in a way that always made my heart do something stupid. I leaned over and kissed her forehead.

"I'll start coffee," I said.

Our apartment was small — a two-bedroom on the third floor of a building that had seen better days. The walls were thin enough that I could hear the Hendersons' television most nights, and occasionally the new tenant next door, the one who'd moved in about three months ago. Tyrone. I'd only spoken to him a handful of times in the hallway. He was... a lot. Tall, broad-shouldered, with a voice that seemed to fill whatever space he occupied. Anna had made her feelings about him clear after he'd played music too loud on a Saturday night.

"He's trashy," she'd said, her nose wrinkled. "Did you see the people who visit him? At all hours?"

I'd told her to just ignore him. That we'd keep to ourselves.

Breakfast was simple — toast, eggs, coffee. Anna padded out in her robe, hair still messy, and sat across from me at our small kitchen table. She looked tired but soft, domestic, mine.

"What time will you be home tonight?" she asked, buttering her toast.

"Same as always. Around quarter to five, maybe five."

She nodded. "I might go to the store later. We need a few things."

"Sounds good."

We ate in comfortable silence. Through the wall, I heard a door close — Tyrone's apartment. Then footsteps in the hallway outside. Anna's eyes flicked toward the door for just a second before she looked back at her plate.

By 7:45, I was dressed and ready. Anna stood at the door in her robe, arms crossed, leaning against the frame. I kissed her — a soft, familiar kiss — and she smiled.

"Have a good day," she said.

"You too. Text me if you need anything."

I stepped into the hallway. The building was quiet. Tyrone's door was closed. I could smell something — cologne, maybe — lingering faintly in the corridor.

I walked to the elevator, glancing back once. Anna was already closing our door.

What is Kasper's mindset as he leaves for work?

Everything is fine. Anna loves me. The neighbor is just a neighbor. I trust her completely. (Passive — trusting, avoidant route)
Something about that guy bothers me. I don't like leaving her alone here. But I can't say that — she'd think I'm being jealous or controlling. (Anxious — insecure but silent route)
I should mention it. Maybe tonight I'll bring up Tyrone again — casually, not accusingly. Just... see how she reacts. (Observant — protective but cautious route)

NTR Slow-Burn Drama Narrator