Part 1: The Drawing That Changed Everything

Ruby giggled. “Fun stuff! The arcade, and the café with the cookies. Sometimes we get hot chocolate even though Daddy says it’s too sweet.”

My blood ran cold.

“How long have you been seeing Molly?” I asked.

She counted on her fingers. “Since you started your new job. So… a loooong time.”

Six months.

Six months ago, I’d taken a higher-paying position in project management. It came with stress, long hours, and one major sacrifice—I worked Saturdays. I told myself it was temporary. Necessary. Responsible.

I kissed Ruby goodnight, locked myself in the bathroom, and cried silently into a towel so no one would hear me.

Here’s the part I’m not proud of:
I didn’t confront my husband that night.

Dan had always been good at sounding reasonable. Calm. Charming. I knew if I accused him without proof, he’d explain it away and leave me questioning my own sanity.

So instead, I smiled. I kissed him goodnight. I played my role.

And then I made a plan.

The following Saturday, I called in sick to work. I told Dan my shift had been canceled because of a plumbing issue. I even faked a phone call on speaker to sell it.

He didn’t question it.

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