I squeezed my eyes shut, letting the tears fall until my throat felt raw. I didn’t have the strength to respond. I didn’t want to hear another lie. I didn’t want him to twist the truth or play innocent.
So I stayed where I was—broken, silent, and pretending I didn’t see his calls.
Until later, when the door finally opened.
And Lewis walked in, face stormy with concern.
“Nadine! What happened?” he rushed over. “Why weren’t you at the restaurant? I said we’re supposed to have a date. Are you… are you mad because it got canceled on our anniversary yesterday? I’m making it up to you now—”
My hand moved before I thought.
SLAP.
His head snapped to the side.
“You’re a liar,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “A disgusting liar.”
Lewis’s eyes widened. “What? Me? A liar? What are you talking about?”
“Where were you yesterday?” I asked, tears finally burning behind my eyes.
“In the office!” he insisted. “Where else would I be? Why—?”
“Stop lying,” I choked out. “Where is the necklace you bought?”
He froze. Just for a second. But it was enough.
My heart clenched. “Lewis. I saw you. I saw you with Victoria.”
Confusion filled his face—too perfect. Too practiced.
Then his expression shifted.
A quiet exhale.