“Very well, M-Mrs. Roger. Please wait, I’ll notify him right away.” She snatched up the phone.

I heard her whisper nervously, “Mr. Roger, your wife is here.”

Moments later, Brian stepped out of his office. He walked toward me with a strange, forced smile.

“Honey, what are you doing here?” he asked, his eyes darting toward Vanessa.

“Just wanted to see your office and maybe grab lunch together.” I slid my hand into his arm casually.

“Great, let’s go upstairs.” He was all too eager to get me out of there.

In the elevator, I feigned casual curiosity. “That front desk girl’s cute. How old is she?”

“No idea. Just an intern. I don’t really notice those things,” he replied a little too quickly.

“Right.” I nodded, mentally laughing in his face.

Over lunch, I asked if he was stressed at work, if he felt run down. 

He ate the food I’d packed for him and gave me a grateful smile. “You’re so thoughtful, honey. Having you as my wife is the best thing in my life.”

If only I could stab him with the fork in my hand.

“Oh, by the way,” I added lightly, “a friend recommended a great new housing development. Maybe we should check it out?”

Brian froze mid-bite. “Why? Is there something wrong with our place?”