My husband forgot the papers he needed for his business trip, so I drove to the airport to bring them to him — I thought I was simply saving his business speech until I got there and saw something I never expected.

I ended the call.

Tucker looked miserable.

“She was only trying to help.”

I stared at him.

“No, Tucker. She was helping you keep your secret.”

That evening, I asked him to leave.

He packed a small bag and went to stay with Diane.

The blue folder remained on our dining table.

The following morning, I received a message from someone I hadn’t expected to hear from.

Emily.

She had found me through social media.

Lauren, I know I have no right to ask you for anything. But I’d like to apologize in person. I genuinely didn’t know he was married.

I stared at the message for several minutes.

Then I agreed to meet her.

We chose a quiet café with outdoor seating.

Emily was already there when I arrived.

Up close, she looked younger than I’d imagined.

Maybe twenty-seven.

Her eyes were swollen from crying.