Also, I mean a mansion when I say that. This place had grand pillars, gardens that were meticulously maintained, and lights that made the entire area glow like a palace. It was like something out of a fairy tale.
The drive was lined with even larger-than-our-car topiary animals! “I’ve never been in a house like this before,” I whispered to David as I leaned over to him. “Me neither,” he replied, his eyes wide.
We provided a real butler with our coats. Is it possible? A sudden realization struck me as I took in the lavish surroundings.
I had promised to contact Maria when we got here. My phone’s battery died as soon as I took it out of my clutch. I extended my hand and turned to David.
Can you lend me your phone? I need to inquire about Derrick with Maria. Sure,” he replied without pause before handing it over.
When I looked down at the screen, I froze when I saw that “Laura’s Mansion” was already connected to the Wi-Fi. In a bad way, my stomach did a little flip. Why already had his phone connected?
He claimed to have never been to a location of this kind before. Why would David tell that lie? Is everything fine?
David raised an eyebrow and asked, ” Yes, just. . .
this place is incredible,” I forced a smile when I replied. I tried to concentrate on having fun and put the anxiety to one side. My discomfort grew with each passing minute despite the fact that the party was in full swing.
I was left to my own devices while David was away mingling. Mark, Laura’s husband, was talking to someone when I overheard it while I was near the buffet table. Next week, I’ll be in Tokyo all week.
Laura has the spot to herself,” Imprint said, giggling. I felt a tingle in my stomach. I looked for David and some of his coworkers, trying to shake it off.
He was joking about something in the middle of the conversation. Therefore, I will begin working late starting tomorrow,” he stated. Have a significant project coming up.
My thoughts raced. Is it possible that this is a fluke? The unease returned, this time more pronounced.
Laura caught my eye as I looked around the room. She was stunning, self-assured, and surrounded by people who were listening to every word she said. David saw my distant glance.
Penelope, are you alright? ” I muttered, “Yeah, just. .
. thinking. ” However, my thoughts were already racing, connecting the dots and forming suspicions that I was not yet prepared to face.
Looks more like you’re worried, David said. Pen, relax. Allow me to bring you another drink.
I observed David leave. I couldn’t relax until I understood why David had lied to me and why his comments about working late had become so sinister. I required responses.
When I dropped Derrick off at school the following day, I felt like my heart was beating like a drum. His childish face lit up with a smile that made my heart ache even more as he waved goodbye. How could I allow this to overshadow our family?
The truth had to be known to me. Every mile I drove to David’s office felt like an eternity. I took a deep breath and went inside when I got there.
The receptionist smiled politely as she looked up. Hello, David is he present? I tried to keep my voice steady as I said, “I need to give him something.
” She gave a slight frown. David? Oh, today he left early.
stated that he needed to deal with a personal matter. My heart dropped. With my hands shaking, I took out my phone and dialed his number.
Hey, Pen,” David replied, sounding a little lost in thought. Hey, how are you doing? I said, trying to sound cheerful, “I thought I’d bring you lunch.
” He replied smoothly, “I’m at the office, just buried in work. ” I’m sorry, but I can’t make lunch today. Fear and rage turned my stomach.
Okay. The next day then. I adore you.
The lie hung in the air like a dark cloud after he said, “I love you too,” and I hung up. He was lying once more. I drove to the one location where I was certain I would find my husband, motivated by a mix of dread and determination: Laura’s house.
A torrent of worries and suspicions filled my mind as it raced. I felt a rush of adrenaline as I got to the house. I had to be aware.
Laura answered when I knocked, her eyes widening in surprise. Penelope? How are you using this space?
” I said, “I need to see David,” my voice firm. David? She mumbled, “He’s not here,” attempting to block my path.
I sprinted past her and stormed into the house, ignoring her. As I made my way to the bedroom, driven by a gut feeling I couldn’t ignore, Laura’s protests faded into the background. He was hiding like a coward when I opened the closet door.
David? ” A mix of rage and hurt made my voice crack. David left the room with a look of shame on his face.
I can explain, Penelope. Explain? I have been deceived by you!
” My yell reverberated throughout the lavish room. With her hands raised, Laura stepped forward to try to intervene. “Please, Penelope, stay out of this!
” She was silenced by my glare as I snapped. With rage in my hands, I turned back to David. How much time has passed since this began?
” “It wasn’t supposed to—” David mumbled, “Save it. ” Every word came out coldly, like a dagger. We are finished.
With each step, my heart broke as I left. My face was wet with tears as I drove home in a blur. How could he harm us in this way?
For Derrick? I experienced both pain and relief when I got home. I contacted an attorney and began the difficult divorce filing process.
I had to be strong for Derrick, and I couldn’t let this break us. That evening, Maria came over, and her presence restored my broken heart. She embraced me and said, “Pen, I’m so sorry.
” My wet tears soaked her shoulder as I leaned in closer to her. Maria, I don’t know how to do this. How do I proceed?
“One step at a time,” she mumbled. You have more power than you realize. Determined to heal and rebuild my life, I began therapy.
It was difficult every day, but I focused on Derrick and made sure he felt loved and safe. He looked up at me with those big, innocent eyes one evening as I tucked him into bed. Mommy, how are you doing?
Through my tears, I smiled. Yes, my dear. We won’t have any problems at all.
” Knowing that I had found my strength despite the pain, I gave him a kiss on the forehead. For Derrick and myself, I was ready to start over.
