Chapter 485

Natalie’s heart ached as she considered Jeremy’s infidelity with his coworker. Tears welled up. "How many others?" she cried. "How long have you been lying to me? He keeps saying he loves me, but how many women have heard those words from him? Skylar Skylar, have I been living a lie?"

Was her happiness merely an illusion? The man she loved had built a seemingly perfect marriage with lies, only to trap her.

"I thought it was a fairy tale," she sobbed. "Sacred and beautiful. Forever loyal, no matter the temptation. But it was all just my fantasy."

Natalie gasped for air, her chest tight.

Skylar hugged her. "That's what she said," Skylar reassured her, "but we can't confirm it." She couldn't be sure Annabelle's "Mr. Hughes" was Jeremy, and their hospital encounter wasn't proof. Skylar hoped Natalie wouldn't have to face such a cruel truth.

"I know I can't accuse him yet," Natalie said, "but Skylar, come with me to Annabelle's. Even if I'm sure it's her, I need to see it for myself."

"Alright."

An hour later, Natalie called her husband. "Honey," she said, her voice strained but controlled, "something's happened to a friend. Her husband cheated on her, and she's devastated. Skylar and I are staying with her tonight. I won't be home."

Natalie maintained her composure, subtly signaling Jeremy. If he confessed before the truth was exposed, she wouldn't hate him. They'd grown up together; she didn't want to lose him over this.

Jeremy simply exhaled. After a moment of silence, he asked, "Were you with your friend for the past three hours?"

He'd just received confirmation that there were no car accidents. He'd been terrified she'd been kidnapped. Relief washed over him, but her recent disobedience and failure to inform him of her whereabouts irritated him. She was an extrovert with many friends; visiting Skylar was perfectly normal.

"I'm sorry, honey," Natalie said, her voice trembling slightly. "I have to go. I need to be with her." Fearful of betraying her emotions, she ended the call abruptly.

Jeremy hummed in acknowledgment and hung up. Then, he made another call: "Stop the investigation."

He lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply. It was almost midnight. Natalie would be asleep soon. He crushed the cigarette. Her story about her friend felt like a cruel mockery. He couldn't bear to imagine her reaction to his own betrayal. His heart sank.

He called Joe, who'd just arrived home, expecting a shower and a night with Skylar in his arms, only to find an empty bed.

Why was Jeremy calling at this hour? "What's up?" Joe asked.