Chapter 1: The Party I Wasn't Supposed to Come Home To
I came home early because I wanted to surprise my family.
Instead, I was the one who got surprised.
The moment I stepped into the birthday party, my six-year-old son ran straight to me.
"Mom!"
My husband Nathan froze.
So did Vanessa.
I smiled and said:
"I thought I'd surprise you."
Lucas hugged me tightly.
Then he whispered:
"Daddy said you weren't coming home."
I looked at Nathan.
He immediately said:
"Plans changed."
Before I could ask what that meant, Vanessa started trying to leave.
Then Lucas pointed at her.
"She was wearing your necklace."
I turned.
And there it was.
Around Vanessa's neck.
A diamond necklace I recognized instantly.
"Where did you get that?"
Vanessa glanced at Nathan.
Then said:
"Nathan gave it to me."
The entire room went quiet.
I slowly removed one of my earrings.
Same diamonds.
Same design.
Same family set.
I looked at Nathan.
"This belonged to my mother."
His face changed.
"I can explain."
But before he could—
Lucas looked up at me.
And said:
"Daddy said Vanessa would live here after your trip."
I froze.
Because there was one problem.
I had never planned a trip.
I looked straight at Nathan.
"What trip?"
He didn't answer.
Vanessa didn't move.
And suddenly the necklace wasn't the biggest problem anymore.
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It was the fact that my husband had apparently been making plans for my house…
for a time when he expected me not to be there.
