“I’ll put it all into your account today.”
“I adore you, you know that?” Jake leaned in, gently brushing my cheek. “No one’s ever done as much for me as you have.”
“Because we’re family, Jake. You promised — the farm is our dream together.”
“Of course, baby.”
He kissed my forehead so tenderly that I almost trusted every word.
“Nothing’s gonna happen to us. You’ve always been my lucky charm.”
As he whispered those promises, I gathered my things and got ready to leave for the bank.
I genuinely wanted to help my husband build a better life. What I didn’t know was that only ten minutes later, one unexpected phone call would shatter everything I believed.
I walked toward the bus stop with the envelope tucked safely inside my bag. White clouds of breath drifted into the chilly morning air while I pictured handing the money over at the bank. Jake’s dream. Our future. Just one bus ride away.
Then my phone vibrated.
I frowned at the screen.
ALEX.
I didn’t recognize the name, but I answered anyway.
“Hey, baby…”
The woman’s voice was warm, syrupy, and far too intimate to be accidental.
“You’re not answering. Did she leave already? I’ve been waiting for you all night…”
My stomach twisted. My throat tightened.
I ended the call so quickly my hands were shaking.
What was that?..
I looked down at the phone. The familiar cracked corner. The worn protective case…
It wasn’t my phone.
“Damn it…”
I dumped everything out of my purse.
Of course.
Jake and I had accidentally switched phones before leaving the house.
I was holding HIS phone.
Alex.
Her voice echoed through my mind.
I stood frozen.
The bank could wait.
My eyes drifted to the messages Jake hadn’t even bothered deleting.“See you in thirty minutes.” / “Miss you already.”
Then it clicked.
What if…
Ten minutes later, I quietly slipped back into the house and placed the phone on the kitchen table exactly where it belonged.
Right on cue, Jake came inside and flashed me a grin.
“Hey! Did you see my phone?”
“On the table. Right where you left it.”
“You’re my lifesaver.”
Not today, Jake. Not anymore.
I watched him send a quick message before walking out again. He didn’t even bother kissing me goodbye.
“I’ll be late! Meetings. Don’t wait up!”
