Page 164 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

“It’s something we need to discuss face-to-face.”

A few seconds pass. I already know his analytical mind is making connections.

“Are you available for lunch tomorrow?” I ask.

“Hang on, let me check my schedule… Yes, that works. Same place as usual?”

“Perfect. See you tomorrow.”

At noon, I have lunch with clients.

Then I return to my office and dial Valeria’s number.

For obvious reasons, we can’t be seen together without raising suspicion. But I needed to hear her voice.

She answers on the first ring.

“Hey. Sounds like you missed me.”

I can hear her smile in her voice, and it’s enough to warm something inside me.

“Did you eat lunch?”

“Yes. I had food delivered.”

“You didn’t go out with Louane and the others?”

“No,” she replies. “I’ll tell you about it tonight.”

Then I tell her:

“Bianca was waiting for me on my floor this morning.”

And I recount our conversation.

I don’t want any more shadows between us. No more ambiguity.

She listens without interrupting me.

When I finish, I add:

“Be careful. I don’t want you ending up alone with her, even by accident.”

She seems to think for a few seconds.

“You think she could try something against me now that she’s pregnant?”

“I don’t assume anything anymore,” I say softly. “I never would’ve imagined she could go that far. And yet…”

A silence follows.

“You’re right.”

I know I am. And maybe that’s the hardest thing to accept.

Not what she did.

But what it reveals about our ability to see people for who they really are.