It was late into the night.

On the 28th floor, Maggie rolled over on the bed, reaching out for the comforting presence of her man. But she found nothing but cold sheets. Her eyes fluttered open to find Sanford's side of the bed vacant. Where could he have gone?

Was he meeting Jaelyn?

A wave of unease swept over Maggie. She cast aside the quilt and rose from the bed, only to find Sanford smoking on the bedroom balcony.

His tall silhouette stood cloaked in the darkness, exuding an eerie calm.

His back was turned to her, obscuring his face from view. All she could discern was the cigarette gripped between his fingers, its tip glowing intermittently in the night.

Was his midnight smoke a sign of distress?

Was he yearning for Jaelyn?

Suddenly, the man moved.

He flicked the spent cigarette into the ashtray, turned on his heel, and slid open the balcony door.

Noticing Maggie's presence, Sanford paused, surprise etching his features.

“Maggie, you're awake too? Did I disturb you?"

Maggie met his gaze as he approached, words tumbling from her lips unbidden.

"Sanford, are you missing Jaelyn?"

The smile on Sanford's face froze.

"Maggie..."

Maggie clenched her fists, fighting back the pain welling up inside her.

"I know you still have feelings for her. If you want to reconcile with her, I can step aside."

Step aside?

Sanford's smile faded completely.

“Maggie, is that what you want?"

Regret began to gnaw at Maggie.