Three years following her husband’s untimely death, Hillary believed she had discovered love once more. Everything falls apart, though, when her six-year-old daughter discloses a disturbing secret regarding her new stepfather.
My world collapsed following Charles, my husband, death in a horrific job accident. Keeping it together for my six-year-old daughter, Maggie, I fumbled through life for three years. She was all I had. My all.
She has been the main motivation for me to rise since then. But eventually, even her lovely grins could not close the suffering gap.
Then Jacob showed up.
His warm grin made you feel secure, as if everything would be fine. He was patient and nice, but most importantly, he loved Maggie.
I watched my kid shine around him in ways I hadn’t witnessed since my husband’s passing. I let myself believe once more slowly. Perhaps life after Charles had joy; perhaps that also included another individual as well.
“Hillary,” I pictured him saying. We had years of being each other’s ‘great’ love, but now it’s time to look for another sort of love. Be cheerful. Do it for her. Do it for yourself.
So I did. I let Jacob in, and before long, a bond developed.
Two months ago, I wed Jacob on a little farm with a duck pond. I believed I had located the lacking component of our family. Or at the very least, a piece that would enable Maggie and me to go on with our life.
But occasionally, life is more than simply curveballs. Rather, it targets directly at your heart.
Allow me to inform you everyone.
One night, as I put Maggie into bed, she gazed at me with her huge brown eyes and held her favorite rabbit close.
Mommy? she said doubtfully.
“Yes, my dear?” I inquired. What is happening?
She spoke in a whisper.
New- Dad told me to conceal something from you. Is that acceptable?
The words struck me like a strike to my center. My stomach turned violently.
You know you can call Jacob ‘Dad,’ baby girl, correct? I inquired, attempting to control my speed before my small daughter vomited forth any secret she was about to disclose.
Pouting, she remarked, “I prefer New-Dad.” Is it acceptable then? The hidden one?
“No, darling,” I murmured gently, attempting to maintain my voice control. You may always tell me anything. What is the issue?
She bit her lip and fidgeted.
New- Dad said I shouldn’t tell you… But yesterday, when you were at work, I got up early from my snooze and went looking for him. He assured me we could use the PlayStation. I looked for him all over.
A cold shiver ran through me.
What do you mean? Brushing her hair back softly, I inquired. Dad wasn’t around when you got up? He abandoned you by yourself?
She shook her head.
Looking at me anxiously, she said, “I called for him but he didn’t respond.” Then I saw him and a lovely woman in a red dress emerge from the basement. He said not to inform you.
My heart pounded.
What were they doing down there?
She shook her head in disbelief.
Mama, I don’t know. I only know he said not to inform you. But you claimed secrets are harmful, therefore… Her voice wavered and she stared at me as though she had erred.
Trying to hide my increasing anxiety, I remarked, “You did the right thing, sweetheart.” How did she seem?
Like a princess, she had long blonde hair. Plus a crimson gown. She also smelled well.
The cellar?
It was merely a barren, unfinished area cluttered with old crates and tools. Jacob had moved in, so Jacob and I hardly set foot in there.
Why would he bring a lady down there?
I confronted Jacob later that night as he lay on the couch scrolling through his phone.
Arms crossed, I said, “Maggie told me there was a lady here yesterday.” “She claimed you brought her to the basement. Would you want to clarify?
Something flashed across his face.
Guilt
Anxiety?
But he soon bounced back.
“Oh, that?” he chuckled. Her profession is interior design. Fixing up the basement would have surprised you. It’s been a disaster for years.
A designer of interiors? I said again, my tone tinged with doubt.
Absolutely! I meant to make it a warm family area for us. I figured it would be a lovely present, you know? I was hoping for a popcorn machine, a mini-fridge, and a projector.
He turned on the light and guided me to the basement. The shabby area had been changed to my surprise—painted walls, fresh furnishings, nice lighting.
It was lovely. Jacob smiled, obviously happy with himself.
Your opinion?
I smiled on purpose. But something was off. What had caused his secrecy regarding it? Maggie’s portrayal of the lady, however, had something about it that really bothered me.
Jacob was sleeping that night; I checked his social media. My instinct said there was more to this narrative even if I didn’t know exactly what I was searching for.
Then I noticed it.
Two years ago, before we met, a photo. It was of Jacob, who was grinning broadly, his arm around a woman in a scarlet dress with long blonde hair.
I felt queasy.
Was this the same lady Maggie had observed?
Maggie was shown the image the following morning.
Is this her? I inquired, my voice strained.
She blinked.
Certainly, Mother. That’s her.
The room seemed to whirl. Jacob had been dishonest. He did knew the lady. But I required evidence first before challenging him one more.
I got the concealed cameras I had put in the garage and porch following my husband’s death when Jacob left for work and set them up in the basement and living room. Jacob was distant about specifics, so I knew he wouldn’t see them.
Later, I informed Jacob that for a few days I had a last-minute business travel.
Not a problem, dear, he said. Maggie will be watched.
Actually, I was considering bringing her to my mother. She has been requesting a sleepover for some time, and I believe Maggie would benefit from some time away from our schedule. Is that alright?
“Of course,” he responded. Everyone can only take a break. You as well, Hillary. You require a rest between tasks, alright?
Later that day, I brought Maggie to my mother and explained the situation to her.
“Darling, I wish you get the answers you need,” she remarked, nudging a platter of cookies my way. You and Maggie have suffered too much. The last thing you need is to stress about a guy meant to bring you comfort.
I agreed.
Naturally, she was correct. Jacob had quietly been in our lives, illuminating them in a way Charles’s death had darkened. Maggie’s admission, however, had left me just unease and a persistent dread.
I camped out in a nearby hotel room that night. Watching the webcam feed intently, I sat on the bed consuming a tub of ice cream. But with time, nothing occurred. Jacob just… being, eating chocolate-covered pretzels, drinking milk from the carton, and lounging in front of the TV.
Sitting by the window eating my breakfast the next morning, my paranoia seemed all-consuming and absurd. Nothing unusual marked the day. Jacob lounged about the home. I went to bed believing I was only being illogical.
Not until a notification buzzed:
Motion detected.
Opening the app to switch to where motion had been detected made my heart race. There Jacob was, in the basement, kissing the lady in red. I saw them chuckle and she whispered something in his ear.
He was unfaithful.
At my place.
Adrenaline drove me back to the home and into the driveway just as Jacob was walking her to her car. Seeing me, he grimaced.
Oh, sweetheart! You are currently home? “In the middle of the night?” he stuttered. The designer I mentioned is this one.
“Seriously?” Crossing my arms, I gasped mockingly. She makes calls late at night?
She does… she’s occupied.
Jacob, correct? I just saw you make up with her in my basement. Is that included in the work?
Jacob stood still, his lips moving. The lady turned to him, rolling her eyes.
“At last, she is aware,” she retorted. At last, Hillary, you have followed the schedule. Goodness. How did you miss anything earlier? You, Jacob, can return to me now.
“What?” I breathed in sharply.
Darling, we have been together ten years. He said he was only with you because you had a nice house and a consistent salary. Actually, being a sad widow was a plus.
Her remarks seemed like a slap. I looked at Jacob, hoping he would refute it.
He did not. He said nothing.
I ordered, “Get out.” You two both. Leave right now.
“You won’t comment?” she inquired of him.
Slamming the car door, the lady stormed off. Jacob attempted to make amends; I indicated the road.
Get out. I hissed now. You never return.
The following day, I packed everything Jacob owned and tossed everything into bin bags. I planned to put them outside his mother’s house, but then I chose to do something better.
I left them on a building site. I thought the employees could manage on their own. Then I drove to my mother’s house, eager to see my tiny daughter.
My mother inquired, looking at me.
I will let you know then. Maggie’s day is today.
I loaded Maggie into the car and drove her for ice cream. I bent over as she scooped into her sundae.
Sweetheart, you did the correct thing by telling me the truth. Your accomplishments make me really proud.
She smiled, her face brightening.
Mommy, no more secrets, she remarked.
Pulling her into an embrace, I added, “That’s correct.” When we come home, though, I need you to know Jacob won’t be there. He will no longer be with us.
She was silent for some while before speaking.
Mother? I didn’t really like for New-Dad.
Jacob was gone, as was the life I imagined we were constructing. Looking at Maggie made me understand I didn’t need him. I had my house, her, and the will to carry on.
Occasionally, losing the incorrect individual opens the door for the existence you really merit.
