My Husband's "Assistant"

Matthew's new assistant? She called him 'Matt.' Not Mr. Langford.They were on cozy terms. He fixed her leaky rental, hauled in her oversized water jugs, even helped clean up her data messes.And then it escalated.A pregnancy test popped up on his phone. Right next to a photo of them together.He was smiling—soft, tender, like he actually cared.Then I saw the kicker: a chat with his buddy where he said, [Peyton's great and all, but eating the same thing every day... it gets old.]***My fingerprint was saved on his phone, but hey—six years of trust kept me from ever actually using it. I mean, I thought he was loyal. Maybe even too awkward to pull off cheating.But that night, curiosity won. I tapped in.Boom. Pandora's freaking box. My heart just detonated.Viv. That was her name in his contacts. Her profile pic? Full-on cute-girl-next-door vibes—big eyes, baby face, the whole package. Totally his type.My chest tightened as I scrolled. All the way back to message one—six

Just like I thought last night.Out of all the interns from six months ago, she stood out. Like a little sunbeam—bright, bubbly, fake as hell.Always orbiting around me, all, "Peyton, can I ask you something?" with those wide, innocent eyes. Pretending to need advice about "relationships." Please.And I told her—smiling, clueless—"You get what you give."Guess I gave her my marriage.Don't know what hit me, but I grabbed my phone and deleted those two messages.Then I just sat there. Quiet. Numb. Waiting for Matthew to come home like a total fool.Midnight crept in. I kept calling. Straight to voicemail.Time ticked past twelve. My legs were completely numb when the door finally opened."Baby, I'm so sorry," Matthew said, like nothing was on fire. "I dropped the cake on the way back, had to get another one made. Took a bit longer. Happy birthday!"He held up the cake like it was some grand gesture. Then pulled out a dainty little gift box.Diamond bracelet. Just like last ye

My chest tightened again.All I could think about was that message.[Matt, the power's out. I think someone knocked on my door. I'm scared. Can you come check?]I looked at him. "Can you stay tonight? Power's out... I'm a little freaked."It wasn't a lie.When I was a kid, I got locked in a cellar on a trip with my parents—two days in total darkness. Ever since, pitch black freaks me out. I don't even sleep without a light on.Maybe he remembered.He froze mid-step.For one second, I thought... maybe. Maybe I'd be the one he chose.Then came his voice. Distant. Detached. Like ripping duct tape off skin that's already raw."Peyton, just go to bed. I'll lock the door, you'll be fine. You're tough, remember? You carried me home that one time, middle of the night."And just like that, I felt something snap inside me.He'd really changed.The guy who used to look at me like I was his whole world wouldn't say something like that. Wouldn't use our past as ammo to dodge the presen

For a split second, I almost bought it—that maybe I still meant something to him.At least he looked freaked.He stumbled out. "P-Peyton, you... finished the payment? When did you get here?"The shake in his voice almost made me smile. "Just now."Those two words? Calmed him right down.Me? Still felt like someone parked a truck on my chest.I dropped my gaze so he wouldn't see the disappointment. "I'm tired. I'm heading home. You handle things here."He paused—totally clueless. Voice even sounded relieved. "Okay, get some rest. Text me when you're home."I wandered out of the hospital in a fog, my brain stuck on repeat.I didn't get it.Why does giving everything still end in betrayal?Why can we tough it out together, but never share the good stuff?How could he just toss out years of love like it's nothing?I loved Matthew. For so long. Gave up everything for him.He was all I had left—my only real family.And now? I was just another task to check off.No fear of los

The guilt in Matthew's eyes faded fast.He ruffled my hair like I was some obedient kid. "Good girl."That soft, familiar look returned—but all I saw was relief.Like he'd just dodged a bullet.After he left, I crawled into bed.By noon the next day? Still no sign of him. No texts. Nothing.Right as I was about to make lunch, my phone buzzed—job interview.A company in a nearby city. One I used to dream about back in college.They'd offered me a spot after I won a competition.I turned it down for Matthew.This time? No hesitation.I packed my bags.I needed out.He could deal with the wreckage on his own.Before I left, I texted Matthew:[Going on a month-long trip with friends.]I thought he'd at least ask who.All he said was: [Okay. Stay safe.]He knew I had no friends.My whole world had been him.I stayed in that city for a full month.He never checked in. Not once.The call connected. The silence hit first."Hey? Matthew, I'm back.""Mm. Things are tricky