Maybe it was denial. Maybe it was fear.
Or maybe I just needed to know for sure before I blew up everything.
If I hadn’t talked to Liam that afternoon,
I would’ve thought everything was fine.
I didn’t sleep that night.
I lay there staring at the ceiling, replaying Liam’s words over and over.
“Uncle Ethan.”
“New dad.”
By the time Wednesday morning rolled around, I’d made up my mind.
I went through my usual routine.
Got dressed.
Grabbed my keys.
Kissed Stella on the forehead. Ruffled Liam’s hair and told him I’d see him later.
By the time Wednesday morning rolled around, I’d made up my mind.
Then I got into my car, drove out of the neighborhood, and parked a few streets away.
I’d taken the day off. Told my boss I needed a personal day for something at home. That part wasn’t a lie.
I sat there for hours, watching the neighbors walk their dogs. Delivery trucks rolled by. The mail carrier made his rounds.
My coffee went cold in the cupholder.
At exactly 4:00 p.m., I saw Stella’s car turn onto our street.
My heart started pounding so hard I thought I might be sick.
At exactly 4:00 p.m., I saw Stella’s car turn onto our street.
From where I was parked, I could see just enough.
Liam was in the backseat, face pressed against the window.
And Ethan was in the passenger seat, laughing at something Stella said.
They pulled into our driveway like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Liam hopped out first and ran toward the front door.
Stella and Ethan walked side by side, close, talking quietly as they disappeared inside.
I waited.
One minute. Maybe two.
Stella and Ethan walked side by side, close, talking quietly as they disappeared inside.
I waited.
Then, I got out and walked straight to the house.
I opened the front door without knocking.
The house was filled with a familiar golden light that comes through the windows in the late afternoon.
I could hear faint voices coming from down the hallway.
Our hallway.
I followed the sound to our bedroom.
The door was cracked open.
I pushed it the rest of the way.
I opened the front door without knocking.
Stella and Ethan were standing close… too close.
Their faces were just inches apart.
And then, right in front of me, they kissed.
A kiss that looked practiced. Familiar. Passionate.
My voice came out low but sharp.
“HOW COULD YOU…??”
They jumped apart.
And then, right in front of me, they kissed.
Stella’s hand flew to her mouth.
Ethan’s face went white.
He looked like a kid caught stealing, except he was a grown man standing in my bedroom with MY WIFE.
He didn’t try to defend himself.
Didn’t scramble for an excuse.
Just stood there, shame written all over his face.
Stella started crying immediately. “Josh, I…”
“Don’t.” I held up a hand. I didn’t want to hear it. Not yet.
He looked like a kid caught stealing,
except he was a grown man standing in my bedroom
with my wife.
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