Chapter 1

Jake Robertson was late to the family gathering on Friday.

He took off his coat and handed it to the waiter. Then, I found him wearing his pullover backwards.

There was only one difference between his pullover’s front and back, and that was the shoulder seam.

That morning, I had personally handed the pullover to Jake and watched him put it on in the right way.

When did Jake take off his pullover? Why did he hastily put it on again?

My heart sank as I analyzed in my mind. Did he cheat on me? However, he came home every day and shared his daily routes with me. Nothing unusual. No. There was. Jake is horny. I refused him the last time when I felt that I might be pregnant. It was nearly one month ago.

My six-year-old child, Tim Robertson, came over and pulled my hand. "Mom, Dad is here. Time to eat?"

My mother-in-law, Judy Smith, asked with a smile, "Betty, didn't you say that you have some good news to tell us?"

I became the center of attention, and the whole family was waiting for my good news.

I was supposed to announce the news of my pregnancy with a happy smile.

However, I stretched my hand towards Jake and said, "May I borrow your phone for a second?"

*****

Jake was surprised. Then, he handed his phone over with a smile.

I quickly checked his chat history, bills, and online delivery orders. Nothing suspicious was found.

Jake smiled at me and asked, "What are you looking for? Need a hand?"

His charming face had that same warm smile I'd seen a thousand times.

My relationship with Jake had begun in high school, and we now had a family of three. We had been together for fifteen years, so we knew each other well.

Jake had been a straight-A student ever since his school days. In other words, he was very smart. If he were cheating on me, he would be more prudent than usual.

Besides, he knew that I was super sensitive and always fastidious about details in life.

I believed that he would cover his tracks meticulously and leave no evidence.

Because my parents-in-law and Tim were staring at me expectantly, I forced a smile and said, "Let's eat now."

Good dishes were served one after another, and I mechanically ate with my brain in a whirl.

Jake thoughtfully served me a bowl of soup and tenderly said, "People say that it takes at least 8 hours to make soup here. This soup must be delicious. Try it."

I gazed at the soup for a moment, took the bowl, and said, "I'm pregnant. I wanted to use your phone to share the good news on X."

My parents-in-law looked both surprised and delighted, while Tim cheered, "I will soon have a little sister."

Jake grinned and asked, "How long have you been pregnant? Are you sure that it is safe to tell everyone now?"

I nodded. "You got a point. I will do it cryptically."

I took Jake's phone and sent a post. [We have good news. Invite your calls, congratulations, and blessings.]

Soon after the post was sent, Jake's phone started ringing.

The caller I.D was Jersey Bank. Instantly, Jake's expression became rigid.

I snatched Jake's phone and touched the speakerphone.

Then, a crisp and pleasant female voice came through. It sounded smooth but a little robotic. "Hello, sir. This is Jersey Bank."

I prompted Jake to say something with a glance.

His face flushed red bit by bit, and he said through his gritted teeth, "Go on."

The caller giggled and then teased in a soft voice, "Just kidding! When will your gathering be over? I'm bored to death."

Without hesitation, I hung up the phone, my head spinning.

Tears uncontrollably rolled down my cheeks, and I wiped them away fast.

My parents-in-law exchanged a glance with each other. Then, Judy began to swear, "How shameful that young women nowadays covet married men! Betty, she tries to ruin your relationship with Jake. Don't fall into her trap."

Jake coldly interrupted Judy by saying, "Tim's right here. Can't you skip over that now?"

Who is Jake worried about? Tim? Or his mistress? If he cared about Tim, he wouldn't have cheated on me.

Kids were good at reading the room, so Tim had gone quiet.

Now, Tim had tears all over his face, and they dripped down onto his food on the plate.

He kept sending food into his mouth, acting like he hadn't noticed anything at all.

Tim was precocious, so he must understand what was happening.

In the blink of an eye, I felt a lump in my throat.

However, Jake remained calm. He took up his fork and ate.

My father-in-law, Ben Robertson, threw his napkin right at Jake's face and shouted, "How dare you still sit there and eat?"

Angered, Jake snapped, "Why shouldn't I? Just because of that stupid call, Betty Dotson thinks that I am cheating on her. Do you two also think so?"

Jake's indignant defense shocked Ben and Judy.

I looked at Jake in silence, and he avoided my gaze.