I returned home from a four-day business trip anticipating warm hugs and a comforting bowl of pasta.

Instead, I was met with “HE LIES” carved into my husband’s prized hedge and a disturbing note taped to the front door, warning that the nightmare was only beginning.

I had just returned from a work trip in Riverside.

My husband Tyler had texted me sweet messages the whole time about missing me, counting until I got home, and promising to make my favorite pasta for dinner.

I wanted to make Tyler and the kids surprised by coming home early in the morning instead of later that evening.

But as soon as I pulled into our driveway, two giant words were trimmed right into the thick green leaves of our hedge:

“HE LIES”

That hedge was my husband’s favorite thing. He clipped it every Saturday and knew every branch like it was a bonsai masterpiece.

He watered it more than he watered our marriage. He once said he’d rather lose a finger than see someone ruin it.

My first instinct? Maybe it was a misunderstanding or a prank. I took out my phone, snapped a photo, and marched toward the house.

But then I saw a folded note taped to our front door.

“Your husband lied to me & ruined the only thing I lived for. So I’ve started with what he loves most. His hedge is just the beginning.

Go inside. And ask him just one question.

Or call me. You deserve the truth.

Jennifer”

There was a phone number beneath her name. The note felt like it was burning my fingers.

The house was quiet when I slipped inside. Everyone was still asleep. I crept upstairs to our bedroom where Tyler was sprawled across the bed.

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