Chapter 4
Mark brought me coffee in bed the next morning.
He had not done that in years.
The cup contained exactly the amount of milk I liked.
He remembered that.
He had forgotten my birthday.
“You seemed tired last night,” he said.
“I was.”
“Did you sleep?”
“Eventually.”
He waited for me to say more.
I drank the coffee.
In the kitchen, supermarket roses stood beside the remains of my birthday cake.
Dylan smiled when he saw them.
“Dad finally remembered.”
Mark placed one arm around my waist.
“I’ve been neglecting your mother.”
His touch was warm and familiar.
That was what made it dangerous.
Ten minutes after he left, a photograph of the cake appeared in the neighborhood group.
Mark had written:
Celebrating my beautiful wife a little late. Eighteen years together, and she still makes every house feel like home.
The comments arrived immediately.
You’re such a wonderful husband.
Happy birthday, Nora!
Then Mark added:
It’s been a difficult year since Nora lost her mother, but we’re taking things one day at a time.
My hand began to shake.
He had noticed me watching him.
Now he was building his defense before I accused him.
Grieving Nora.
Fragile Nora.
The perfect husband patiently caring for her.
I took three slow breaths.
Then I replied beneath his post:
Thank you, sweetheart. Family means everything.
Mark reacted with a heart.
Grace had answered my email.
Keep copies somewhere Mark cannot access. Secure your personal accounts and important documents. Do not confront him yet.
I changed my banking password and placed my mother’s will and the house deed in a locked box.
Then I told Dylan to be home by six on Friday.
“Why?”
“Late birthday dinner.”
“I thought Dad was taking you out.”
“His plans changed.”
Dylan shrugged.
“Okay.”
I opened the neighborhood group and sent Elena a private message.
I’m having a small birthday dinner Friday. I’d love for you and Leo to join us.
Her answer came several minutes later.
That’s kind, but we shouldn’t intrude on a family evening.
She was making sure Mark would not be there.
You wouldn’t be intruding. My husband has to work late.
The three dots appeared.
Are you sure he won’t mind?
He won’t be there to mind.
This time, she answered immediately.
Then Leo and I would be happy to come.
Finally, I texted Mark.
Dylan and I are having a late birthday dinner Friday. Please be home by seven thirty.
His reply arrived seconds later.
Wouldn’t miss it.
Elena believed Mark would be working late.
Mark believed he was coming home to dinner with his wife and son.
Dylan believed we were celebrating the birthday his father had forgotten.
No one knew the entire guest list but me.