Chapter 3

Megan's phone was spread out right in front of me, showing her chat with Samuel.

I forced myself to scroll upwards, one message at a time. Every sweet word, every teasing emoji. It was like a blade slicing into my heart.

"Dad, don't look anymore," Lucas said, reaching for the phone. But I stopped him.

"I need to know the truth," I replied, my voice strangely calm.

I kept scrolling, past this year, last year, the year before that…

Finally, seven years back, I came across the very first suggestive message: [Can we meet today? I miss you.] It was sent by Samuel.

Seven years… Seven years of nothing but deception and betrayal.

I shoved the phone back at Megan. "Seven years. You and Samuel have been cheating behind my back, and behind Eileen's, for seven whole years."

Shame flashed across Megan's face, but almost instantly, it hardened into something cold and stubborn.

"It's more than just seven years, Bruce," she said.

She lifted her chin. "Samuel and I go way back, long before I even met you."

"What?" I blurted out, my head spinning.

"We were high school classmates. We fell in love back then, but his family wouldn't have it. They tore us apart," she said.

Her voice was low but resolute. "Years later, we reunited at a class reunion. By then, he was already married to Eileen, and I'd become your wife."

I stared at her as if she were a stranger. "So, our whole marriage was built on a lie from day one?"

"No, it wasn't like that," she blurted out. "I really did love you, Bruce. Our family, our kids. That was all real."

"What about now?" I croaked, my voice raw.

She just bowed her head, saying nothing.

Lucas slammed his fist into the wall. "You two make me sick! Eileen was so good to you, and you went behind her back and cheated with her husband!"

"That's not true!" Megan shot back, her voice trembling. "Samuel and Eileen stopped being husband and wife a long time ago. Samuel said that when she found out about us, she understood. She said she wanted us to be happy after she was gone!"

Abby let out a cold laugh. "Mom, you seriously believe what Samuel tells you? You think Eileen would bless her husband's mistress?"

Megan flinched as if she'd been slapped, falling silent.

Just then, the doorbell rang again.

Lucas went to open it, and there stood Samuel, looking nervous.

When he saw the scene inside, he froze.

"You came at the perfect time," I said, getting to my feet and looking straight at the man I used to call a friend. "Megan was just filling us in on how 'moving' your story is."

Samuel gave an awkward smile. "Bruce, I know this is tough for you, but I really hope we can handle this like grown-ups."

"Grown-ups?" I scoffed. "Do adults cheat on their spouses? Do they wait until a friend dies before announcing they're getting together with the widow's husband?"

"Bruce, just listen to me," Samuel said, taking a few steps closer. "My marriage with Eileen had long been over. We just kept up appearances. And Megan and I—we truly love each other."

I snapped, "Then why did you wait until now? Why make your big announcement at Eileen's memorial? Couldn't you even hold back for a moment?"

Samuel's face twisted, torn between guilt and defensiveness. "It was what Eileen wanted. Before she passed, she told me all she cared about was seeing us happy."

"How dare you use the dead as your excuse!" Abby yelled. "If Eileen could see any of this, she'd absolutely hate both of you!"

The living room erupted into a mess of accusations flying, desperate explanations, and sobbing.

Finally, I raised my hand to quiet everyone down.

"I need to be alone," I said, my voice sounding utterly drained. "Megan, get what you need, and then just go. Both of you."

She opened her mouth, maybe to say something. But in the end, she just nodded silently and went to the bedroom to collect her things.

Samuel tried to move closer. "Bruce, I just hope you can understand..."

I stopped him with a sharp gesture. "From now on, you and I are done. Get out of my house, and don't ever let me see you again."

He lingered for a moment, let out a heavy sigh, and finally walked out, not looking back.

Lucas and Abby wanted to stay and keep me company, but I made them leave.

"I'm okay, honestly. I just need to be by myself for a bit," I said.

After they left, I was alone on the couch, staring into space. The house was overflowing with memories. And yet, forty years together had just crumbled today.

I reached for my phone and dialed a number.

I said, "Hello, is this the private investigation agency? I need your services."