Perhaps I had misunderstood.
Perhaps the conversation concerned a surprise birthday party or some financial problem.
Perhaps.
But suspicion is a terrible thing. Once it enters your mind, even kindness can begin to look like evidence.
The following Saturday, I found my first piece of evidence.
Michael was in the shower when his phone vibrated on the bedside table.
I had never made a habit of checking his messages. Even after ten years together, I believed that marriage did not mean owning every private thought the other person had.
But the phone vibrated again.
A message preview appeared on the screen.
It was from Emily.
“Last night was wonderful. I keep thinking about what happened. I hope Mom never finds out.”
My mouth went dry.
I stared at the words until they blurred.
Another notification appeared beneath it.
Emily had sent a photograph.
I knew I should put the phone down. I knew I should wait for Michael to come out and ask him directly.
