Chapter 2

2

I stumbled out of the mall, completely numb.

My chest burned with a suffocating mix of fury and betrayal.

I dialed Natalie's number, forcing my voice to sound casual.

"Hey, babe. I managed to wrap up work early. Where are you guys? I'm home."

Natalie's voice spiked with panic on the other end.

"Oh! Leo and I are just picking up some things at the mall. We're heading home right now!"

She hung up abruptly without waiting for my reply.

I hurried back to our house and began tearing through every room.

Now that the blindfold was ripped away, the evidence was everywhere.

In our walk-in closet, there were several designer shirts and boxer briefs that were definitely not my size.

Hidden in the bottom cabinet of the master bathroom was an extra toothbrush and shaving kit.

When I checked the iPad in Leo's playroom, the photo gallery was packed with videos of the three of them on vacations and beach trips.

I had been such a blind fool.

I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the screen in pure agony.

Why did they do this to me? Had I not given them everything?

I clenched the tablet tightly, wanting nothing more than to scream in her face.

I was going to divorce her, and I would make sure she left with absolutely nothing.

As for Leo, since he loved Brock so much, he could go with him.

Once I regained my composure, I installed several hidden cameras throughout the living room, kitchen, and foyer.

After checking the feeds on my phone, I sat quietly on the sofa, waiting.

Thirty minutes later, the front door swung open.

Natalie walked in holding Leo's hand, a bright smile on her face as if nothing were wrong.

If I hadn't seen them with my own eyes, I would have never believed this sweet woman was a cheating snake.

"Austin! You're really home early! I thought you'd be stuck at the office all night."

She wrapped her arms around my neck, leaning in with her usual affectionate charm.

In the past, I would have immediately apologized for working so much.

Now, it only turned my stomach.

I kept my voice completely flat.

"I wanted to spend time with my family, so I cleared my schedule. By the way, Nat, whose clothes are those in the closet? They aren't my size."

A flash of panic darted across her eyes before she forced a calm smile.

"Oh, those! An online store sent the wrong order. I was too lazy to return them, so I figured I'd donate them to Goodwill."

Eager to change the subject, she quickly pulled a sleek box out of her designer handbag.

"Look what I got for you, babe! Open it, see if you like it."

Leo stood beside her, playing the role of the dutiful son.

"Daddy, Mommy spent hours picking it out for you! She worked so hard!"

Natalie lowered her head with a shy, practiced smile.