Chapter 1

I was that woman at work whom everyone said had life all figured out.

My husband, Harrison Cahn, kept a mistress for years and hardly ever came home. Colleagues, friends, and family all told me to divorce him and stop wasting my time on a man like that.

But I would tell them, "Divorce? Why would I? He gives me a monthly allowance, which he transfers to my account on time without ever missing a payment. The house and car are all in my name, and I'm the one raising the kid. I have a respectable job and my own life. If he doesn't come home, I'm actually better off. It gives me peace and freedom."

Not only did I show up to work on time and take excellent care of my kid, but even my in-laws were full of praise for me.

Once, his mistress called to brag, and I simply replied, "You want the man, I want the money. We're both getting what we need."

Before long, the mistress dumped him, saying that the man was too poor and could give her nothing but his body.

My phone buzzed on the table. I picked it up for a look.

It was a message from an unknown number: [Harri says he loves it when I wear this dress.]

The message came with a photo.

The woman was wearing a silk slip dress and lying on her side on the bed. The background was a hotel that looked very familiar. Harrison and I had just been there for our wedding anniversary last month.

I placed my phone face down on the table.

My department head, Wilma Wagner, came and tapped on my desk. "Jillian, is the afternoon report ready?"

"Yes, Wilma. I've sent it to your email," I replied.

"Thanks." She turned and went off.

I continued to review the procurement list for the next quarter, going through it line by line and checking each number.

Just as I was about to knock off, my phone rang.

It was my mother-in-law. I answered at once. "Hello, Mother."

"Jill, come home for dinner tonight." She wasn't asking me, but informing me.

"I promised Etienne I'd take him out for pizza tonight," I replied.

Etienne was my eight-year-old son.

"You can have pizza anytime. Something's come up at home. You have to come back."

There was a pause on the other end, and her voice became lower.

"Your sister-in-law and her husband are back. The whole family's gathered. It's the perfect time."

I understood at once. There was going to be a major family meeting.

"Got it. I'll pick up Etienne and head over."

After ending the call, I closed my files, shut down my computer, and knocked off for the day.

I then picked up Etienne from school. He sat in the back seat somewhat glumly. "Mommy, why aren't we going out for pizza?"

"We are having something delicious at Grandma's house," I told him.

"I don't want to go to Grandma's place. Aunt is always pinching my cheeks." He started sulking.

"I'll be there. She won't do that," I reassured him.

I drove to my mother-in-law's neighborhood.

As soon as I entered, the aroma of food combined with a stifling atmosphere hit me.

My sister-in-law, Liona Cahn, was sitting on the sofa. When she saw me, she gave me a superficial smile.

"Oh, you're finally here, Jillian. The whole family's been waiting for you."

She deliberately emphasized the words "the whole family."

My mother-in-law came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands. "Etienne, you're back. Go wash your hands and get ready to eat."

She didn't even glance at me.

Etienne hid behind me, but I prodded him forward. "Go on, listen to Grandma."

The table was laden with food, but no one touched their cutlery.

Liona's husband, Manfred Maine, cleared his throat. As the "cultured one" of the family, he was always in charge of breaking the ice. "Jill, how's work lately?"

"It's been going well, Manfred."

"Has Harrison come home yet?" he asked again.

I picked up some greens and put them on my plate. "No."

My mother-in-law slammed her cutlery on the table. "No? How long has it been since he came back? As his wife, why aren't you worried at all?"

I looked straight at her. "What good would worrying do? Would it make him come back?"

"You…" She was so furious she couldn't finish her sentence.

My sister-in-law, Liona, jumped in.

"Jill, you can't say that. You share some of the blame for how my brother acts out there. Every man wants to come home to a smiling wife. Just look at you. You're so aloof all the time."

I slowly chewed the greens in my mouth before swallowing.

"I go to work every day, pick up the kid after work, cook, help with homework, and clean the house. On top of all that, I'm supposed to greet him with a smile?"

"What kind of attitude is that! We're doing this for your own good!" Liona's voice rose to a shriek.

"My brother's cheating on you. Don't you feel ashamed? It brings disgrace on our whole family!"